Building a home gym is much simpler and easier than you think. A small investment in building a healthier lifestyle will give you big returns for the future, especially since it is more affordable in the long run. Many would think that a gym requires a big space to cater to big equipment and workout machines; that could be partly true – however, if you are time-savvy and prefer staying at home, building a home gym is almost essential in keeping yourself fit!
Here are 10 essential equipment for you to start your home gym:
1. Jump Rope
Jump ropes are easy and handy to have at home. They are light, affordable, and easy to store away. They're also good for the heart – not only do they help with the cardio exercises, but they also help with leg coordination. Other benefits of skipping include toning your abs and strengthening your upper body.
2. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are another cheap and handy equipment for your home gym. It helps with building strength and increasing mobility. Its flexibility in using it for different exercises ensures that you achieve multiple benefits with it.
3. Dumbbells
For many, dumbbells are a good start for lifting weights. The variation of weights available allows one to explore what they can do by diving into different exercises. Lifting weights is a good way for anyone to get toned. Start off with a lighter weight, and increase the dumbbell weight as you get stronger!
4. Kettlebell
Like dumbbells, kettlebells are another gym equipment that offers weight exercises. Unlike the dumbbell, it is shaped like a teapot, and it is ideally used for squat exercises. It comes in different weight sizes, depending on the outcome you want to achieve from your exercises.
5. Medicine Ball
Physiotherapists often use medicine balls to re-train people after injury, but it has since increased in popularity with the average user and is now used for many sporting activities. They come in different weights: from 1kg to 9kg! They are also ideal for plyometric exercises and core strengthening movements.
6. Jump Box
The plyometric (jump) box is essentially a square cardboard box that's hard enough for you to jump on and off it! It is ideal in building speed and explosive power for jumps and acceleration when running. Other exercises you can use it for are squats, bench dips, and other non-jumping exercises.
For first-timers, you might want to use it against the wall so it doesn't move much if your balance isn't good yet.
7. Pull-up Bar
Ah, pull-ups – the finest upper-body bodyweight exercise there is! For beginners, you may run out of luck in the beginning, but as you slowly pull yourself up and get your muscle attuned to the bar, you will find yourself doing not just one, two nor three, but more! It is an addiction as you crave to gain more muscle for your arms, backs, and shoulders. Pull-ups tremendously help with the core too. Basic gymnastic exercises can also be done to vary your workout. Moreover, they can be fitted inside any doorway and easily stored.
8. Weighted Hula Hoop
Experts claim hula hooping burns more calories than other anaerobic exercises! Not only does it help with fat loss around your upper body, it is also a great core workout.
Don't be surprised to find your hips slightly bruised, as this is normal in your first few tries using the hula hoop, but it will eventually go away. A hula hoop is easy to keep – behind the sofa, under the bed, etc. Some hula hoops can even be dismantled, making it easier for storage.
9. Mini Trampoline
What better way to lose weight in a fun and engaging manner than to have a mini-trampoline at home? It makes for a great top-to-toe workout! Plus, it's low on impact, which makes it great for recovering from injuries.
Did you know that this rebounding exercise is 68 percent more efficient than jogging? It can also help in muscle toning and strengthening of your skeletal system, which improves balance and posture, and is also the most proven way of eliminating cellulite. And, you can even do all this while watching TV! What's not to love?
10. Barbell
A home gym would not be complete without a barbell. Both barbells and dumbbells are free weights, and as compared to gym machines, they force your muscles to work harder and require greater balance and stability. A barbell works best for compound movements, such as squats, lunges, and deadlifts. It can also be used for other exercises too.
The ideal way to start your training session is to start with barbell exercises and finish it with isolation movements using dumbbells. Alternate your session between the two and see how your body reacts. Prioritize dumbbell exercises if you have weaker muscle groups. Perform heavy lifts with a barbell if you aim to gain size and strength.
Having a variety of gym essentials is a sure-fire way to spice up your exercise routine! You may not need all the items mentioned above, but it is important to get the items you deem best for your current lifestyle; most importantly, be consistent in your exercise! Increase the intensity of your workout now and then, take accountability of your health, and always keep yourself hydrated. Most importantly, remember to get proper rest to let your muscles recover and grow. Remember, a healthy body begets a healthy life!
