Home Gym Equipment Ideas: What You Need
There are many reasons to have a home gym. You won’t have to worry about paying for a gym membership. There are no lines to wait in to use a piece of equipment. And the best part is you don’t have to leave the comfort of your own home.
Having a home gym is convenient and comfortable. However, setting up a home gym can be a bit of a challenge. Here are a few questions to consider.
Things to Consider when Setting Up a Home Gym
What is the Purpose of Your Home Gym?
First, decide on the goal or purpose for your home gym. Do you want to increase muscle strength? Or do you want to improve your cardiovascular health? Both cardio and strength training is great for overall health. However, you may not have space or the budget for a ton of equipment.
How much space do you have for your home gym?
If you’re short on space, then you may not have the room for large cardio equipment like a treadmill or an elliptical machine. If space is non-existent for a home gym you can always invest in smaller equipment. Such as hand weights, resistance loops, and an exercise step.
But if you have the extra space, large cardio equipment can be a great option.
What’s your Budget?
Some fitness equipment can be expensive. However, you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a nice home gym. A less expensive option is to look for used equipment at a second-hand store. Or try Facebook Market Place and Craigslist.
Also, cardio equipment isn’t the only way to get your blood pumping at home. There are several options for working out at home. A free option to get your heart moving if finding cardio exercises on Youtube.
Where do you Put Your Equipment?
Where are you going to place your home gym equipment? What additional equipment or items do you need? For example, many people have a television in their home gym. Or maybe you need a large mat to cover your hardwood floor. Do you have a fan to help you stay cool while working out? Do you want or need a mirror to maintain proper form?
These are all good questions to ask yourself when setting up your home gym.
Home Gym Equipment
Hand Weights
Hand weights are the most important piece of equipment you’ll need. This is the only equipment I have used constantly. There are many exercises you can do with just body weight. But having hand weight is helpful.
Step
An exercise step is great for cardio exercise. And it can also be a good substitute for a bench. Like when you need to lie on your back to do bench presses.
Resistance Loops
I recently started using resistance loops in the past year. I have done 80 Obsession from Beachbody on Demand. And these loops were some of the equipment needed. They can be tricky to use at first. But with practice you’ll learn the best position to place then in.
Jump Rope
Jump Ropes are a good option for a cardio workout. They take up little room and are light weight. Also, jump ropes are inexpensive.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands can provide a lot of variety to your workouts. These are a good alternative to hand weights. Hand weights can be expensive.
Bosu Ball
I loved using a bosu ball when I worked out at the gym. Do squats while balancing of a bosu ball it a lot more challenging. I also love doing push ups on it. It would be a nice addition to a home gym.
Kettlebells
Kettlebells are good for resistance training exercises. Kettle bells can give you a stronger grip when exercising. It can help you maintain your balance when quickly changing your center of gravity.
Medicine Ball
A medicine ball is a good piece of equipment to help you work your core. It don’t take up a lot of room. And it’s easy to move around.
Trampoline
A trampoline is a great way to get cardio exercise. It’s small and inexpensive. You can jump on it while watching T.V. It’s also easy on your joints. Here is a trampoline exercise to try. This is a fun way to get your cardio in!
Exercise Mat
If you workout on a hard surface a mat can helpful. Especially on your knees and elbows.
Foam Roller
The foam roller is nice to have. Your muscles will be sore from working out. And it will feel good to roll out the soreness with the foam roller.
The Best Cardio Machines for Indoor Workouts
When it comes to at-home workouts, cardio machines are nice to have. Many of us don’t have the room or the money to purchase several machines. So it helps to know which one is the best.
Popualar Cardio Machines
Treadmill
A treadmill is a popular option to have in your home when you want to use a cardio machine. Treadmills have some great features, like being able to track your calories burned and miles walked. Also, it may have some other special features to track your progress.
Treadmills are great when you want to keep it in just one spot in your home. Such as in your office. In front of the TV or next to your bed in the bedroom. They are usually high-quality and durable. And have options to vary your workout, such as setting an incline or changing the speed.
Elliptical
Another popular cardio workout machine is an Elliptical. You control the intensity of the workout, with elliptical machines. It helps you to get a full-body workout. You work out more of your body than you would with a treadmill. Since you are using your arms and legs. While at the same time tightening your abs.
Using an Elliptical machine is a low-impact exercise. It’s good for people with difficulty running or using their joints a lot.
Rowing Machine
A rowing machine can be a lot of fun. These are low to the ground and have a seat that slides forward and back as you put your arms on the machine. This is another machine that provides a full-body workout; offering both strength training and cardio workouts.
Rowing machines are smaller in size, so they are easier to fit in your home. They also frequently fold up, so you can put it in a closet or slide it underneath your bed when not in use. This is a great advantage to those with very little indoor space.
With a rowing machine, you burn calories and fat, gain muscles, and work out both your upper and lower body. It might also be a little less expensive than a treadmill or elliptical machine.
Stationary Bike
Depending on how intensity, a stationary bike can burn a lot of calories. It’s a great way to lose weight. It also helps to strengthen your cardiovascular system. And it puts a lot less stress on your joints. A stationary bike can take up less space than a treadmill would.
I have always wanted to take a spin class. But I never have because I was too intimidated by the bikes. I was afraid I would fall off and hit my head like Amy Schumer did in I feel Pretty🙂
The Last Thing You Need to Know about a Home Gym
A home gym is a convenient and comfortable way to stay fit. If you’re looking to lose weight and getting into shape, a home gym can help with those goals. You can reach your health and fitness goals in no time.
You don’t have to spend a lot on equipment. The most important item you need when starting are weights. After that you can add as much or as little equipment as you need to achieve your goals.
What equipment do you think is necessary to start a home gym? Let me know in the comments:)
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