Today, I’m chatting about something super personal—my weight loss journey which started the same time as my self portraiture project. But this isn’t just about shedding pounds or about my minimal home gym.

It’s about strengthening my body to be the rock my disabled son needs me to be during those intense, sensory-based autistic meltdowns. And it’s about my outside finally matching my inside. Grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let’s dive into this raw and real story together.

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Disclaimer: The information in this article is a purely experience-based story by the author. The author is not a health care professional. Always consult a physician before starting ANY health-related endeavor. If you follow in the author’s footsteps, you must do so at your own risk.

Why I Had to Get Strong: My Ultimate Motivation

Girl, let me break it down for you. My why for losing weight isn’t just about looking good in my favorite red stilettos (though, let’s be honest, that’s a fabulous bonus). It’s about being physically strong enough to help my son during his toughest moments.

There was this one intense sensory-based meltdown where I felt completely helpless. It was the first time I was unable to easily help him through it (and required that I physically hold him to keep him from really hurting himself). I knew if I wasn’t physically strong enough to help him the way he needed me to, it would be detrimental to my role as his caregiver. That’s my ultimate WHY, and it’s something I hold onto every damn day.

It’s what keeps me fighting, even when things get so goddamn hard I can barely breathe.

Building My Minimal Home Gym: Essentials for Strength Training

I decided to take control of my fitness by creating a minimal home gym. No fancy shit here. You honestly don’t need much of anything at all. In fact, your own body weight is the PERFECT place to start if you are a true beginner. With this in mind I have only the essentials to get the job done and add items as I find I need them.

Here’s what I purchased to kickstart my strength training journey:

1. Soft Coated Neoprene Dumbbells

One of my absolute favorites in my home gym arsenal—dumbbells. These little beauties have been game-changers in my strength training journey, helping me sculpt those muscles and tone up without needing a ton of space or a fortune to spend. I started out with these 5 pound dumbbells (and still use them when starting a brand new movement). I also have these hand weights.

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2. Kettlebells

If you want to add some variety and challenge to your workouts, kettlebells are the way to go. They help build strength, improve flexibility, and boost your metabolism. I have a few FAVORITE full-body movements i do with kettlebells. These are my favorite because they are soft. I have a few regular ones as well, but hate the smell of the metal, so they will be finding a new home soon.

4. Large Black Mat

A good gym mat is essential for comfort and stability during your exercises. It’s also perfect for those much-needed stretching sessions. I like my mats to be a bit bigger than a traditional yoga mat and use it to add stability and for non-slip safety when using my yellow bars and Bob. This is the exact one I have in my minimal home gym, with plans to get an even larger one soon.

5. Workout Dip Bar Station

Whether I’m crushing tricep dips, perfecting my pull-ups, or adding some intense leg raises, these dip bars handle it all. Using the dip bars has seriously boosted my upper body strength and core stability. Plus, there’s nothing like the feeling of nailing that first unassisted pull-up. It’s empowering to see my progress and know I’m getting stronger every day! I have these yellow ones. And I totally use it more than I thought I would. It’s been a game changer for me.

6. Bob Punching Dummy – MY FAVORITE!!!

Girl, if you’re serious about leveling up your home workouts, you NEED a BOB Punching Dummy in your life. This bad boy is perfect for unleashing your inner badass, boosting your strength, and toning those muscles—all while having a blast. Plus he lets me punch and kick the shit out of him whenever I wanna! I actually use the base that BOB sits in for squats, too (to make sure I’m doing them correctly, bwahaha). Whether you’re throwing punches to relieve stress or honing your boxing and kickboxing skills, the BOB Punching Dummy is amazing. Trust me, once you try it, you will be hooked like me.

Click Here to shop ALL my home gym essentials, including what I love to wear during my workouts.

Strength Training: More Than Just Physical Gains

Strength training has been pivotal in my journey—not just for weight loss, but for mental and emotional resilience. A few ways focusing on strength training has transformed me:

1. Increased Physical Strength

Building muscle has made me feel more capable and confident in handling daily tasks and emergencies with my son. It’s empowering to know that I can support him better now.

2. Enhanced Mental Health

Exercise is my therapy, right alongside self-portraiture. When I lift weights or complete a challenging workout, it’s a release from the constant stress and lack of sleep I’ve got going on over here. It’s my way of saying, “I’ve got this. I can do this. I WILL do this!”

3. Improved Self-Esteem

Seeing the physical changes in my body through self-portraiture has boosted my self-esteem a million and ten percent. Each photo is a reminder of how far I’ve come and the fierce woman I’m becoming.

Matching My Outer Self to My Inner Strength

Strength training in my minimal home gym didn’t just transform my body—it aligned my outer appearance with the fierce, unstoppable powerhouse I am on the inside. Every squat, every lift, every rep, every movement was a declaration that I was reclaiming my strength and my identity.

When I look in the mirror now, I’m not just seeing a slimmer version of myself. I am seeing a badass warrior who had battled through countless challenges and came out stronger on the other side. Strength training is my way of losing the weight, sculpting my muscles and caring intentionally for my mindset. It is about building resilience and confidence, keeping promises to myself and showing up for myself.

Every time I enter my minimal home gym I am making sure that my outer self matches the unbreakable spirit that lives within me.

Plus, let’s be real—nothing feels better taking a literal step towards feeling more alive, more powerful, and more in control of my life. It’s not just about lifting weights; it’s about lifting myself up, one rep at a time.

Self-Portraiture: Capturing My Transformation

While strength training has been crucial, self-portraiture has played an equally important role in my healing journey. Picking up my camera and facing the lens was terrifying, but it became my therapy. Each self-portrait captured both my physical and emotional transformations, allowing me to see the beautiful, resilient woman I am becoming. Read my full story here and here.

My Why: Holding Onto Hope Every Day

Despite the hardships and sleepless nights, my why keeps me pushing forward. It’s not just about losing weight or building muscle—it’s about creating a better future for my four children and myself. Every rep, every set, every self-portrait is a step towards reclaiming my life and embracing my inner powerhouse.

Join Me on This Journey: Let’s Get Strong Together

If you’re on a similar path, know that you’re not alone. Let’s support each other, share our stories, and lift each other up. Whether it’s through strength training, self-portraiture, or finding your own why, we can transform from broken to beautiful together. You’re not alone!

Remember, babe, your why is your anchor. Whether it’s for your family, your health, or your happiness, hold onto it tightly. And don’t be afraid to get a little sassy while you’re at it—fitness should be fun, fierce, and fabulous!

With all my love and fierce reflections, Bri

Share Your Story

Have you built your own home gym or found a unique ways to intentionally love and care for yourself? Let’s inspire and empower each other! Head to the comments. See ya there!