Checklist of essential home workout equipment
Having a home gym is all the rage these days, and while it may seem like a costly addition to any home, it doesn’t have to be. Having a home gym is possible for everyone and can be done on a budget in big and small spaces, in basements or in a small corner of any room.
Check out this guest post about essential home workout equipment that’s easy enough to put away and can be purchased at your local Walmart, Costco, Canadian Tire and even Best Buy to build your very own gym at home.
Dumbbells
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Dumbbells are the most popular home gym equipment because they’re small, versatile, and can be used for different workouts. They come in different materials, shapes, and sizes to suit your goals and fitness level and you can begin with one or two, or a whole set if your budget permits.
It’s important to always consider your fitness goals so that you choose dumbbells with the right weight. Beginning with too much weight can cause injury, while too little weight won’t help you get the results you’re looking for. There are two types of dumbbells available:
● Fixed dumbbells
○ These dumbbells have a fixed weight and a handle, so you’re not able to change the weight. Fixed dumbbells occupy a lot of space and are more costly than adjustable ones. However, they’re long-lasting and easier to use. Choose rubber coated options that protect your hands and floor.
● Adjustable dumbbells
○ These dumbbells also have a handle, but with this option you can change the weight so you won’t need a rack to store them – saving you tons of space.
Kettlebells
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Kettlebells offer an alternative to dumbbells as they allow you to inject more energy into your exercise routine. With kettlebells, you can perform a variety of exercises including high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
Kettlebells are also perfect for small spaces and come in a wide range of configurations. They’re ideal for warming up because you can choose a lighter weight without straining yourself and train different parts of your body that most people neglect while weightlifting.
With two different weighted kettlebells, you can enjoy a full-body workout pretty much anywhere.
Squat stand and rack
A quality squat stand and rack is another efficient piece of equipment you should have in your home gym that allows you to perform different types of workouts other than just squats.
Squat stands and racks differ in price and serve different exercise purposes.
● Squat Stand: Less expensive and require little assembly. Although its functionality is limited, you’ll need less space to keep it – making it a smart solution for small home gyms.
● Squat Rack: Comes with a pull-up-bar (a great addition to your gym) as well as plate holders. While racks are robust and rugged, they’re more expensive and take up space.
Price and space really do determine the type of squat that’s right for you, so choose the one that fits best with your budget.
Pull-up bar
Most pull-up bars fit within door frames, so you can get lots of repetitions in whenever you walk under it.
Whatever type of pull-up bar you select, you’ll discover several workouts you can perform with this gym equipment. Moreover, these bars are affordable, and tracking progress through repetitions is easy. You’ll be using your full body weight here, so be sure to install the bar properly to avoid injury.
Barbells
If you want to achieve your fitness target, combine your routine with a good diet, and then invest in plates and barbells. While squats, deadlifts, and bench presses are classics, you can do more with plates and a barbell.
In fact, you can exercise any part of your body with this effective gym equipment. Below are different types of barbells available:
● Weightlifting Bar: If you intend to lift heavier weights in a home gym, this is the bar for you.
● Standard Bar: This multi-functional barbell is suitable for recreational use.
● Power Bar: If you perform powerlifting or heavy lifts, you may need this bar.
Note that the right barbell for you truly depends on your preferred style of lifting and your fitness goals.
Medicine ball
Medicine balls are perfect for core strength and plyometric workouts. You can do all kinds of things – from carrying or throwing them (careful not to damage anything!) to abdominal exercises.
They also work well in home gyms since they occupy a small space and allow you to train any part of your body. If you want to train your entire body, medicine balls are an excellent addition to your gym.
Before setting up your home gym, consider your budget and the space you have. Begin with a few key pieces of equipment and then add on as you need it. Most importantly, you don’t have to have an expensive setup to get in your workout or meet your fitness goals. All you need is a bit of time, dedication and the right mix of easy-to-stow equipment. Happy training!