The first thing you need to realize when putting together a Van/RV Gym Setup is that you probably need much less than you think. Trust me when I say this… We started our van life journey with 500+ pounds of bumper weights, a Rogue Fitness squat/pull-up rack, and kettlebells.
No only were we loading up our van so much that it sagged in the back, but it was so much stuff that we rarely hauled it out of the van because of the time it took to do so.
These days we’ve downsized our van/RV gym setup significantly! And it’s worked so well that we’ve even created a whole fitness program around it (the Get Better Project).
Here’s our Gym Setup Today
Rubber Hex Dumbbells
We each have 2 dumbbells. Someday we’ll probably get another pair but with 2 of the correct sized dumbbells you can do so much. Wether it’s using both dumbbells together or just one of them to lessen the total weight, you can do SO much.
Emily has two 35 pound dumbbells and I have two 50 pound dumbbells. And we will most likely get a pair of 70 pound dumbbells which will allow both of us to scale up for heavier workouts when programmed.
Some examples of things we can do with these weights, to give you an idea of the size dumbbells that you should get are…
- 5-10 overhead dumbbell presses
- 20-30 dumbbell bench presses
- 20-30 dumbbell bent over rows
- 40+ alternating single dumbbell snatches
- 10-15 double dumbbell snatches
- 20-30 dumbbell clean and jerks
Where to buy
Rogue Fitness Rubber HEX Dumbbells
Amazon Basics Rubber HEX Dumbbells
Kettlebells
The kettlebells stayed. We each have one kettlebell that is heavier than our dumbbells (a 53 pounder and a 70 pounder). These are great sizes for each of us to do the majority of the kettlebell movements that we would do an an average workout.
Some examples of kettlebell movement that we can do with these weights, so you have an idea of what weights to get are…
- 30-40 American kettlebell swings
- 10-15 kettlebell snatches
- 40-50 kettlebell goblet squats
Where to buy
Rogue Fitness Kettlebells
Exercise Bands
You can get a pack of exercise bands on Amazon for $20-30 and they allow you to do so many exercises it’s mind boggling! 🙂
These exercise band packs have 10 pound to 50 pound bands, and they can be combined to add much more resistance. Not to mention you can attach them to random poles, truck hitches, doors, and much more.
We also have a set of the higher quality Rogue Monster Bands that bring a little more quality resistance to your RV gym setup.
The world becomes your gym!
Where to buy
Rogue Monster Bands Complete package is $75
Amazon Resistance Bands $20-30 – Cheaper quality, but also less expensive.
Dollamur Exercise Mat
Getting one of these Dollamur exercise mats has been a game changer for doing things like push-ups, burpees, v-ups, jump rope, and much more. It takes the excuses out of not having a good surface for working out.
These are also super easy to quickly clean with a brush or deep clean with a wet sponge. You’ll be surprised how little this needs to be cleaned.
Where to buy
Dollamur Exercise Mat (from Rogue)
High Quality Jump Rope
People tend to try to overcomplicate things when it comes to working out. But a jump rope is a great example of how easy it can be to get a great workout.
If you have a Dollamur exercise mat we recommend getting an RPM Speed Rope, and if you don’t have a mat getting a less expensive Rogue SR-3 rope is a better idea to use on hard surfaces.
Where to order
RPM Speed Rope ($65)
Rogue SR-3 rope ($17.95)
What Else for your RV Gym Setup…
Not much! The only other thing that I’d recommend is a good pair of running shoes (we like Altra’s) and a mountain bike (checkout our bikes here).
If you’re traveling around there is bound to be some great running or hiking trails that will open you up to getting fit and seeing the landscape that the area has to offer. This is true in the wilderness and cities alike. Just download the AllTrails app for running/hiking, and Trailforks for mountain biking, and get moving!
Affiliate Disclosure
The above could be affiliate links. This means that we get paid a small amount if you click the link and buy the product. We ONLY post links to things to absolutely love, and will happily answer any questions that you might have about our setup.
How do you store the kettlebells for travel to keep them from rolling around?
We either put them in an enclosed ottoman with a bunch of other stuff so it’s tight or use l-track rings with Voile straps.