There are so many benefits to a home workout, where you can exercise on your own schedule, with no fees, and no commute. However, ensuring that you’re getting the same full-body workout can be difficult when your space and budget limit you to only a few exercise machines. By choosing you equipment wisely, you can still get a comprehensive and effective workout without having to spend thousands on expensive exercise equipment. Here are six must-have pieces of equipment for any home gym.
Jump Rope
A jump rope is an inexpensive, portable and easily stored piece of gear, which provides a high-intensity cardiovascular workout. A good jump rope session helps to increase balance, strength and agility, as well as improving your heart health and overall fitness. These light-weight items can be used almost anytime and anywhere, and even packed in a suitcase for impromptu workouts while traveling. At around $13 for a sturdy, weighted jump-rope, it’s one of the most inexpensive items you’ll need to complete your workout.
Treadmill
Perhaps the most commonly used apparatus in most gyms, the electric treadmill is an extremely useful, if somewhat expensive piece of home exercise equipment. This convenient piece is perfect for cold and rainy days when jogging simply isn’t convenient. Most decent electric treadmills cost upwards of $500, which may be too expensive for some. However, the treadmill is also one of the easiest pieces of equipment to use and stick with, so paying the extra money could be worth it in the long run.
Stability Balls
One of the cheapest and most versatile pieces of balance equipment, stability balls are essential for any home workout. Performing exercises with these inflatable balls will help strengthen your core muscles, improve your balance and encourages better interaction between all muscle groups. For added safety, it may be wise to invest in a burst-resistant stability ball.
Free Weights
Though not for everyone, free weights are another versatile and relatively inexpensive way to give your home gym some added balance. A few dumbbells and a good weight rack will enable you to perform dozens of crucial exercises, which will benefit your strength and help you lose weight. However, using free weights properly requires training, so it’s important to get a crash course in weightlifting before attempting it at home, as improper use can lead to serious injury.
Rowing Machine
If you need one piece of equipment to perform a full-body workout, look no further than the rowing machine. Though they can be expensive, rowing machines provide excellent cardiovascular workouts that also strengthen muscles in both the upper and lower body.
Stretching Gear
Stretching is essential to avoid injury and increase your muscle flexibility, which can in turn improve how you use other exercise equipment. Stretching bands are inexpensive and will allow you to stretch effectively and greatly improve your flexibility. Similarly, foam rollers can be put under your body to allow underlying muscles to stretch.
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