You don’t need a full gym setup to train with Studio Era. Most of what you’ll use is simple equipment that works well at home.
A good basic setup is:
Dumbbells
A booty band
A yoga block
A workout mat
Some workouts or challenges may also use something simple like a sturdy chair, so the exact equipment can vary depending on what you’re doing.
What dumbbell weights do I need?
Across Studio Era, you may see dumbbells described as light, medium, or heavy in workout descriptions, programs, challenges, or during the workout itself.
As a rough starting reference:
Studio Era says | Approximate weight |
Light | Around 4–5 lb / 2 kg |
Medium | Around 9–10 lb / 4–5 kg |
Heavy | Around 15–20 lb / 7–10 kg |
You don’t need to own every weight in those ranges.
These are useful reference points, not fixed rules. What feels light, medium, or heavy for you can depend on your current strength and the exercise you’re doing.
How do I choose the right dumbbell weight?
The right weight should feel challenging, but you should still be in control of the movement.
When Studio Era describes a weight as light, medium, or heavy, think about how that weight feels for that particular exercise, not just the number printed on the dumbbell.
A good way to judge it is by how the set feels:
Probably too light: You finish and feel like you could easily keep going for several more reps without much effort.
About right: The last few reps take effort, but you can still move with control and keep good form.
Probably too heavy: You need to swing the weight, rush, shorten the movement, or change your form just to finish the reps.
You’re looking for that middle ground where your muscles are working, but the weight isn’t completely crushing you.
Light, medium, and heavy can change by exercise
Don’t worry if you use different dumbbells throughout the same workout. That’s normal.
You may be able to use a heavier weight for a lower-body exercise and need something much lighter for shoulders or arms.
If you’re not sure where to start, choose the lighter option first. If you finish the set and it felt much easier than expected, you can try moving up. If you can’t keep the movement controlled, go lighter.
A quick safety note
You should feel your muscles working, but you don’t need to push through pain or completely exhaust yourself to make a workout count.
If a weight feels too heavy to control, go lighter. Stop if you feel sharp pain, dizziness, or anything that feels unusual for you.
If you have an injury, medical condition, or you’re unsure what level of exercise is appropriate for you, check with your doctor or healthcare provider before getting started.
Do I need the exact equipment Maddie uses?
No.
You don’t need a particular brand or the exact products Maddie has. Similar equipment that you’re comfortable using is completely fine.
If you already have dumbbells, a booty band, a block, or a mat at home, you don’t need to replace them just to use Studio Era.
What if I don’t have all the equipment?
You can still work with what you have, but some workouts will depend more on equipment than others.
For some movements:
A banded exercise may be possible with bodyweight instead.
If a chair is only being used for balance or support, a stable, non-wheeled surface of a similar height may work.
If a yoga block is only being used for light support or elevation, a firm, stable surface of a similar height may work.
Avoid using anything soft, slippery, stacked, or unstable as a substitute.
If an exercise relies on a specific piece of equipment for its setup or safe execution, use the intended equipment instead of improvising with something that could move underneath you.
Do I need to buy everything before I start?
Not necessarily.
If you already have a couple of dumbbell options and a booty band, you’ve got a useful starting setup. You can add other pieces as you need them for the workouts or programs you want to follow.
The goal isn’t to have the perfect equipment collection on day one. Start with what you can use safely and build from there.