Getting in shape at home is a great way to avoid the stress of traveling to the gym and carrying a bag. It also saves you time and money by allowing you to work out without having to pack a bag or pay for a membership. And for people who are new to fitness, it’s also a great way to feel like they can exercise without the pressure of being surrounded by “fitness junkies” at a public gym.
Although it’s also a great way to start, there are some limitations that come with using an at-home workout program. For instance, you might not have enough space to fit all of the equipment you’d like to use. Also, buying new equipment can be expensive.
Nevertheless, there are cost-effective options, and home gym equipment can also provide you with a variety of benefits. For instance, if you have a couple of sets of equipment at your disposal, you can easily add resistance to your workouts and improve the variety of exercises that you’re able to do. Having the necessary equipment at your disposal also allows you to maintain a consistent level of fitness and keep improving.
In this article, we’ll talk about some of the basic, inexpensive pieces of home gym equipment. Although these are all relatively inexpensive, they should not be considered a must-have for everyone. You should also consider what your personal goals and routine are when it comes to choosing what to buy.
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A Basic Exercise Mat
An exercise or yoga mat can provide you with a more comfortable and stable base for certain types of exercises, such as push-ups and abs work. You can also choose a thick mat to provide more cushioning, especially if you’re working on a hard surface. Having a mat also helps make sure that you have enough space to accommodate all of your exercise equipment. You can also bring it with you to the beach or the backyard.
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Set of Resistance Bands
Resistance bands can be used to add a variety of challenging lower-body exercises to your routine. For instance, if you’re looking to improve your glute workout, try performing side squats or glute bridges with a band around your ankles.
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Basic Kettlebells
Although they’re commonly used for performing traditional exercises, such as Turkish get-ups, a kettlebell can also be used to improve your strength training by adding various types of exercises to your routine. For instance, performing a goblet squat with a kettlebell can help improve your lower-body strength.
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Basic Dumbbells
A set of dumbbells can provide you with an opportunity to perform various types of exercises at home. For instance, they can be used to perform various strength training exercises, such as bicep curls. While you may need a wider range eventually, a set of 8- to 10-pound dumbbells is an ideal starting point for most people.
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Full-Length Mirror
Although a full-length mirror isn’t exactly the most basic piece of home gym equipment, it can help you keep an eye on your form and prevent injuries during your workout. It’s definitely not necessary, but if you have the space, it can help you ensure you’re exercising safely and effectively.
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A Jump Rope
While there are plenty of ways to get in shape without using equipment, a jump rope is a great way to start and improve your cardiovascular fitness. It can be used for various types of exercises, such as core and arms work. If you’re looking for a more challenging workout, jump roping is a simple and fun way to get your heart rate up.
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Exercise Ball
Stability balls are a great addition to any home gym equipment set, especially if you’re looking to improve your core strength. They can also be used to perform various types of exercises, such as core and arms work. Used effectively, you’ll be hitting your core from every angle.