I Always Got Bored By Workout Routines—Until I Made This Upgrade

I used to be that person—the one at Equinox by 6 a.m., rotating between HIIT, running, Pilates, and lifting like I had a competition to train for (I didn’t). Then… COVID hit. My once-structured workout routine turned into squats next to my couch, and despite my best efforts—YouTube workouts, resistance bands, pep talks—I lost motivation.

I missed the energy of a packed spin class, the structure, the accountability. So, I started collecting equipment—first dumbbells, then cardio machines—until our garage became a full-fledged home gym. But having the space wasn’t enough. I needed something to keep me engaged and push me toward my goals. Enter: RitFit. Their mission to support and amplify strong women this month gave me and my home gym just the push we needed.

Why I Struggled to Stick to a Workout Routine

Having a plan keeps me on track—whether it’s signing up for a half marathon (even though I hate running) or committing to a structured program. Without that, I lose interest. And that’s exactly what was happening in my home gym.

Then, nine months ago, I became a mom. My time was no longer my own, and my workouts had to be short, efficient, and effective, or they weren’t happening at all. I stayed active during pregnancy, but postpartum? I felt like I was starting from scratch. After six weeks off due to complications, I lost strength fast.

My first goal? Run a 5K. Check. Now, I’m focused on building strength and muscle—which meant it was time to upgrade my home gym.

The Upgrade That Changed Everything

If you’re on FitTok, you know progressive overload is the name of the game. My cardio machines weren’t cutting it anymore—I needed serious strength training. Also, no one warns you that babies just keep getting heavier, and you’re expected to carry them 24/7. My knees were feeling it.

After researching equipment that was both effective and aesthetically pleasing (without making my garage look like an ’80s boxing movie), I discovered the RitFit Leg Press Machine—in pink (!). The color caught my eye (obviously), but what truly resonated was RitFit’s commitment to celebrating strong, inspiring women. For International Women’s Day, they’re hosting special events and sharing powerful stories of women who have transformed their fitness journeys—stories that struck a chord with me. A week later, my leg press arrived, and after a few hours of assembly (with my husband’s help), my workouts got the upgrade they desperately needed.

• How I Use It: Did somebody say “leg day”? I love incorporating variety into my workouts to keep them interesting and keep me engaged. The leg press is perfect for lower body days where I want to focus on going heavy and full-body days when I want a quick one-and-done lower body lift that hits all of the major muscle groups. 
• What Makes It Stand Out: It easily converts into a hack squat machine in about 15 seconds. It’s basically an all-in-one lower body machine, making it super versatile. It allows me to progressively overload my workouts (which is essential for muscle growth) and switch up my routine to keep things interesting so I don’t get bored.

My Leg Day Workout with The RitFit Leg Press

Want to get the most out of your leg day? Here’s my quick strength-building routine using the RitFit Leg Press Machine that targets all the major lower body muscles.

Warm-Up (Five Minutes):

• Bodyweight squats – Two sets of 15 reps
• Glute bridges – Two sets of 12 reps

Leg Press Routine:

1. Standard Leg Press – Four sets of 10 reps
2. Wide-Stance Leg Press (Sumo Press) – Three sets of 12 reps
3. Single-Leg Press – Three sets of 10 reps per leg
4. Hack Squats – Three sets of eight to 10 reps
5. Calf Raises – Four sets of 12–15 reps

Cool Down (Three Minutes):

• Quad stretch – 30 seconds per leg
• Hamstring stretch – 30 seconds per leg

This workout is my go-to because it’s adjustable to your fitness level—whether you’re just starting out or already lifting like a pro. I’ve been gradually increasing my weight over time to keep getting stronger, not stuck in a plateau. For when I feel like mixing it up, RitFit offers some great home gym workout ideas here.

The Benefits of Investing in RitFit Gym Equipment

Having a home gym isn’t just about convenience—it’s about removing obstacles that stand in the way of consistency. Here’s why investing in RitFit gym equipment has been one of the best decisions I’ve made:

• Time saved: If I want to work out for 30 minutes, it takes 30 minutes. When I was working out from a gym, a 30-minute workout could take an hour or more between driving there, parking, checking in, getting my stuff in a locker, etc. There is no way I’d have time to be as consistent as I want to be without gym equipment at home.
• Motivation: It’s hard to talk yourself out of a workout when it’s literally in your garage. No excuses!
• Privacy: Navigating a postpartum journey (or really any fitness journey!) can be super vulnerable. Knowing that I can fully focus on myself and not worry at all about what my outfit looks like, if my body looks weird in this position, if someone is judging my speed on the treadmill… Working out from home allows me to be present in the moment and focus on how the workout feels instead of what it looks like.

More RitFit Equipment I Added to My Home Gym

Once I upgraded my space with the RitFit Leg Press Machine, I started eyeing other equipment that would help me build a functional and efficient home gym setup. Here are a few other pieces that made the cut:

Is RitFit Gym Equipment Worth It?

If you’re on the fence about building a home gym, here’s what I’d tell you: It’s an investment in yourself that pays off in dividends. The convenience alone has been a game-changer, and the cost savings over time make it a no-brainer.

• How Does the Quality Compare? RitFit equipment is on par with high-end gym machines (think Equinox-level quality). The leg press feels sturdy and secure (which is essential when you’re lifting heavy), and the carriage movement is super smooth.

If you’ve been struggling to stay consistent with your workouts, I get it—I’ve been there. What finally made the difference for me wasn’t sheer willpower or a perfect routine; it was having the right setup that made working out feel doable (and even fun) again. Since adding RitFit equipment to my home gym, I’ve been able to show up for myself without stressing over time, logistics, or motivation. Whether you’re a new mom trying to fit in movement whenever you can or just someone who wants to stop talking yourself out of workouts, having the right equipment at home might just be the thing that makes it stick.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Meagan McCormick, Director of Marketing

Meagan brings 10+ years of experience in social media, public relations, and marketing to The Everygirl Media Group. After starting her career in the wedding industry and then moving into interiors, Meagan brings a balance of creativity and visual aesthetics to the strategic world of marketing. As the Director of Marketing for both The Everygirl and The Everymom, Meagan oversees all things social media, email, and video for internal projects and various brand collaborations.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paige Cushman, Branded Content Editor

From small community newspapers to country music marketing, Paige has found the most fulfillment in finding and sharing the uniquely human stories that compel an audience. As a Branded Content Editor at The Everygirl, she is able to combine her excitement about women’s issues and pop culture with her editorial skills to create quality content for our brand partners.

This post is sponsored by RitFit but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.

 Feature graphic images credited to: Meagan McCormick, RitFit