Training at home can be an excellent way to approach exercise, provided you’re equipped with the right stuff!
Setting up a home-based gym is easier than you may think. Here are some essentials that not only cover many bases, but they also pair up for a multitude of different movements.
Adjustable dumbbells/barbell
There are many brands that manufacture these, with grading weights that can be easily made up for whatever you need on the spot.
Kettle bells
Adjustable ones are available too, but many people manage well with a couple of sets with varied weights for lots of different exercises.
Portable step
A great investment that can be used as a bench for weight lifting, and an excellent piece of equipment for cardio, such as fast bench steps.
Fitball
Not only does this assist with correct posture through many exercises, it stimulates more muscle fibres being used during an exercise, and it can be used for balance training and even a chair!
Sitting on this can be very helpful for proper spinal alignment.
Also read: This Beginner Workout Burns over 300 Calories
Medicine ball
One of these covers tons of exercises right through from resistance/strength to cardio work.
You can purchase soft ones, which are great for home use and are easy to grip.
Skipping rope
Say no more! Heart rate racer and great cardio!
Resistance bands
These are fantastic as either supplementary equipment, or can be used for travel too. Super-cheap to pick up and with a few levels of resistance, you have a multi-gym in the form of elastic!
They are also good for efficiency with time and as there’s no setting up needed, you can move quickly and very safely between exercises.
Foam roller
There are many versions of these and they offer different features and benefits.
The main advantage to having one of these is for your post-workout care in releasing tight muscles. They can also be incorporated into strength training, balance work and posture support.
A mat
Choosing the right type of mat depends on what you are going to use it for.
Yoga mats are thinner and often provide more support for ground work with a non slip surface, while gym mats are thicker and give cushioning to an exercise.
Gym mats can be slippery on carpet though, so opt for what is best for your training environment.
