Many of us had “get fit” or “get healthy” on our New Years list. Well spring has sprung and you’re frantically trying to grab hold of anything that will get us fit before summer. The gym is constantly sending you the “we want you back” emails and you just can’t make that big commitment to a gym membership. You have questions like “Will I ever go?” or “Do I have time?” And the answers are you probably will go and have time but you don’t want to take the chance of wasted money.
I’m hear to tell you that you don’t have to have a gym membership to get fit and healthy. Unless your trying to bulk up and lift heavy weights then a home gym will work just fine. Most gym memberships run about $25-$50/month. Those bucks add up and you could definitely be using that towards a couple of home gym essentials that will improve your balance, strength and endurance.
Ultimate Guide to Home Gym Essentials
1. Set of Dumbbells
These pair of dumbbells by CAP are a great essential piece to a home gym. They provide that added weight for resistance and strength training. I got this exact pair for Christmas and love them. The bars are 5lbs each and it comes with four 2.5 lb plates and four 5 lb plates. These can get a little heavy if you are doing repetitive movements so you can opt in for some lighter weights like these ones from Crown Sporting Goods.
Personally I do not use resistance bands a whole lot. But they are nice to have on hand to really isolate toning of glute and leg muscles. I like this one by Nike. It’s medium weight and great to have in your home gym collection.
3. Kettlebell Set
I have a similar set of these Tone Fitness Kettlebells. It comes with 5, 10, and 15 lbs which is perfect for any beginner. I also purchased a 20 lb kettlebell to increase my strength training. You can add these to almost any classic exercise for add resistance and challenge. Kettlebell swings are my favorite.
4. Stability Ball
The stability ball is a must have essential for any home gym you’re creating. You can do so many exercises with this type of ball and it’s great for stability, balance, and core strengthening .
5. Sliders
The versatility of this simple piece of equipment is awesome. They are great for adding an extra challenge to classic exercise moves like mountain climbers and lunges. Sliders also add balance and challenge the core in many exercises.
6. High Step
This has been a lifesaver when it comes to needing something to do tricep dips on or step ups on. The high step provides extra challenge to your leg routine and is very versitile for many exercises. You can also purchase extra risers for added height.
7. Medicine Ball
I love medicine balls. I have a 12lb medicine ball and I use it for many of my core exercises. This is great to add weight to any workout move, especially core. Russian twists anyone?
8. Jump Rope
Jump around, jump around! Jump up jump up and get down! Jump jump jump! Did you know jump roping burns just as many calories as running? Yep. So if you’re looking to give your joints a break or want an added calf workout then this is a must have for your home gym. I really like this set because you get the resistance band, jump rope, and circle resistance band.
9. Foam Roller
If you haven’t used a foam roller before then you’re going to hate me for recommending it when you first use it. It’s a “hurts so good” type of feeling but your body will be thanking you after. Rolling out your muscles on an off day or after a workout can aid in recovery and help your body maintain it’s flexibility.
I love having all this at home and being able to workout on my time without paying a membership fee that I probably won’t use as much as I think. Adding a piece here or there is the best way to go when building your home gym. I purchased dumbbells, medicine ball, and exercise mat first because those are the ones that I used the most.
10. Exercise Mat
This is a must especially if your working out in your home or outside. You don’t want to be sweating all over your carpet or getting dirty outside on the ground. It also provides extra comfort and padding for your joints.
Do you have a gym membership? Do you think you use it to the fullest?
Would a home gym be beneficial for you?
What’s your favorite piece of home gym equipment?
Let me know in the comments!
Original article and pictures take i1.wp.com site
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