Ah, the comforts of home. A place where you can kick up your feet and work out in peace. The problem is that sometimes it’s hard to fit a workout into your schedule, or you don’t have the money for memberships at the gym.
Luckily there are plenty of options for at-home equipment that will help you burn calories and build muscle without breaking the bank! In this post, we’ll explore 15 items that every bodybuilder should own in their own home gym.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| At-home workout equipment can be a convenient and cost-effective way to stay fit. |
| Resistance bands, exercise balls, and dumbbells are versatile pieces of equipment that can be used for a variety of exercises. |
| Creating a home gym on a budget is possible with a little creativity and smart shopping. |
| Staying motivated to work out at home can be challenging, but setting goals and tracking progress can help. |
| To stay safe while working out at home, make sure you have enough space to move around freely and that your equipment is in good condition. |
A Set Of Dumbbells
You don’t need a gym membership to build muscle. A set of dumbbells can give you a great workout and help you get in shape without having to go to the gym.
Dumbbells are versatile and easy to use, so they allow you to perform a variety of exercises at home or in your backyard.
Dumbbells are an ideal way for beginners who are just starting out with fitness training. With dumbbells, there’s no need for expensive machines or bulky equipment you only need yourself!
Plus, these small-sized weights allow people who may be intimidated by larger machines or heavier equipment an opportunity to get started with at-home fitness training without feeling overwhelmed by big equipment (and big prices).
Resistance bands are versatile and effective tools that can help you build strength and tone your muscles from the comfort of your own home. Learn more about the best resistance bands for at-home workouts in our comprehensive guide on resistance bands and take your workout routine to the next level.
A Yoga Mat
A yoga mat is an essential element of your home workout space. You can use it as a soft place to land when you’re doing a downward dog, or lie down on it for a restorative inversion pose.
Beyond its practical uses, having a yoga mat will also help you stay focused when working out at home. A good yoga mat provides extra cushioning between you and the hardwood floor, which makes the experience more comfortable (and less painful!) than doing the same exercises on bare wood or concrete.
Additionally, having an elevated surface for your body provides some distance from distractions like pets and kids especially if they are prone to interrupting your session!
A good rule of thumb: if possible, choose an exercise mat that’s larger than what would be typically needed in class so that you have room to move around freely while practicing different poses without feeling confined by limited space!
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Manduka ProLite Yoga Mat | This mat is made from eco-friendly materials and provides excellent grip and support. It’s also lightweight and easy to transport. |
| Lululemon The Reversible Mat | This mat is reversible, with a smooth side and a textured side for added grip. It’s also made from natural rubber, making it eco-friendly. |
| Gaiam Yoga Mat | This mat is affordable and comes in a variety of colors and designs. It’s also lightweight and easy to clean. |
| Jade Harmony Professional Yoga Mat | This mat is made from natural rubber and provides excellent grip and cushioning. It’s also eco-friendly and comes in a variety of colors. |
| Yoloha Nomad Cork Yoga Mat | This mat is made from eco-friendly cork and provides excellent grip and cushioning. It’s also antimicrobial and easy to clean. |
A Pull-Up Bar
The pull-up bar is another must-have for your home gym. It’s one of the best ways to get a full-body workout, and it won’t break your bank.
If you have limited space or don’t want to drill into a wall, this piece of equipment can help you get in shape without taking up too much space or causing damage to your walls.
In addition to being cheap and easy to install, a pull-up bar is also convenient because there are so many exercises that use it!
You can do chinups, wide grip pullups, narrow grip pullups…the list goes on. Pull up bars are an excellent addition because they allow you to work out whenever you want without having to go somewhere else first; they’re portable enough that they can fit inside even small apartments!
There are many different types of pull up bars on the market today which makes things confusing when trying choose one type over another but luckily there are some basic guidelines about what type may work best for each person’s needs:
Looking for a fun and effective way to work out at home? Exercise balls are a great option for anyone looking to improve their balance, stability, and overall fitness. Check out our guide on exercise balls to learn more about the benefits of incorporating this versatile piece of equipment into your at-home workout routine.
Exercise Bands
Exercise bands are a great tool for at-home workouts. They allow you to perform a variety of exercises that target your upper body, core and lower body.
Bands are usually made from latex or rubber and come in varying resistance levels depending on what you’re looking for: light, medium or heavy.
You can also purchase them in different widths (4 inches to 6 inches) depending on your height and ability level the wider band is designed for taller people who want more resistance during their workout routine.
Some common uses for the exercise band include lat pulldowns, shoulder raises and chest presses (think biceps curls).
You might also use an exercise band as an alternative to traditional weights when performing bicep curls or triceps extensions; they will give you similar results without having to lug around heavy dumbbells everywhere!
A Kettlebell
A kettlebell is a type of free weight that you can use to workout your body. Kettlebells come in a variety of sizes and weights, so there’s one for everyone.
Kettlebells offer a wide range of benefits for the user, including:
Strengthening muscles: Kettlebell exercises strengthen your core muscles as well as your arms, legs and back. They also improve balance and coordination while burning more fat than cardio training alone.
Improving flexibility: Kettlebell workouts improve mobility through dynamic movements that engage multiple muscle groups at once to boost flexibility throughout the body without overstretching any one area too quickly or too intensely (a common issue with many other types of exercise).
You’ll notice an improvement in not only how much weight you can lift overhead but also how far you can reach behind yourself or over each shoulder when doing pushups on one leg!”
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| CAP Barbell Cast Iron Kettlebell | This kettlebell is made from high-quality cast iron and features a textured handle for a secure grip. It’s also available in a variety of weights. |
| Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Kettlebell | This kettlebell is adjustable, allowing you to easily switch between different weights. It’s also compact and easy to store. |
| Yes4All Vinyl Coated Kettlebell | This kettlebell is coated in vinyl to protect floors and reduce noise. It’s also available in a variety of weights and colors. |
| AmazonBasics Cast Iron Kettlebell | This kettlebell is made from solid cast iron and features a wide handle for a comfortable grip. It’s also available in a variety of weights. |
| Rogue Kettlebell | This kettlebell is made from high-quality steel and features a powder-coated finish for durability. It’s also available in a variety of weights and colors. |
An Exercise Ball
An exercise ball can be a great addition to your home gym, allowing you to do a variety of bodyweight exercises that can help tone your muscles and improve your core strength.
Sit-ups on an exercise ball: Place the ball behind your back and lie down so that it supports most of your weight. Lift both feet off the floor and lower yourself down until your upper back rests on the ball.
Then, lift one leg up at a time and cross them over each other as far as possible without straining or bending too much at the waist (you should feel this in your abdominal muscles).
Lower them back down slowly for 5 seconds or so before repeating with the other leg. Repeat this 15 times for 3 sets each day, gradually increasing repetitions over time.*
Push-ups with an exercise ball: Lie face down on top of an inflated exercise ball so that it forms an arch beneath you from head to tailbone.
Place hands slightly wider than shoulder width apart next to hips then lower hips toward ground while keeping arms straight throughout movement; return until chest touches ground briefly before pushing back up again.
Mountain climbers with an exercise ball: Lie face up on top of inflated exercise ball then bring knees toward chest while simultaneously raising arms straight overhead as if doing jumping jacks; proceed by alternating position between bringing one knee toward chest while raising opposite arm overhead (“mountain climber” motion). Repeat 10 times per side 3 times per day soon after waking up in mornings before coffee kicks in!
Dumbbells are a classic piece of workout equipment that can help you build strength and tone your muscles at home. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced lifter, incorporating dumbbells into your workout routine can help you achieve your fitness goals. Learn more about the benefits of using dumbbells in our comprehensive guide on dumbbells and start lifting today
Skipping Rope
A skipping rope is a great way to get your heart rate up and also improve your coordination. A good skipping rope should be made of natural fibers, such as cotton or leather. It should be heavy enough that it doesn’t turn over easily, but not so heavy that you can’t handle it comfortably.
A skipping rope is useful for many different kinds of workouts: you can use it for high-intensity intervals without weights; for circuit training; and even as part of a warmup routine before an intense workout.
It’s definitely one of the most versatile pieces of equipment on this list—and its benefits aren’t limited just to exercise!
Foam Roller
A foam roller is a great tool for stretching and soft tissue massage. It can be used to help loosen up tight muscles and relieve pain in the back, legs, arms and shoulders.
After a workout or practice session at the gym, a foam roller can also help reduce muscle soreness.
This is because it increases blood flow to your muscles which helps them recover faster after exertion while simultaneously breaking up adhesions that form between fibers of muscle tissue (generally as a result of heavy training).
An Exercise Bike
It’s easy to get on an exercise bike, even if you’re not the most coordinated person in the room. The pedal mechanism is simple you push down on one of two foot pedals with your feet and make circular motions with them, which drives the chain turnstile that powers the wheel mechanism.
There are many exercises you can do on an exercise bike:
- Stationary sprints: Accelerate at high speed for several seconds (3–5), then slow back down again before repeating
- Hill climbs: Pedal up a hill as steep as possible until you reach maximum intensity, then coast down the other side
- Time trial intervals: Break into hard sprints against a clock over short distances (1 minute), then recover at moderate pace until ready for another burst
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Peloton Bike | This high-end exercise bike features a large touchscreen display and access to live and on-demand classes. It also includes a variety of resistance levels and a comfortable seat. |
| Schwinn 270 Recumbent Bike | This recumbent bike features a comfortable seat and backrest, as well as a variety of resistance levels and workout programs. It also includes a built-in fan and speakers. |
| NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle | This exercise bike features a large touchscreen display and access to live and on-demand classes. It also includes a variety of resistance levels and a comfortable seat. |
| Echelon Connect Bike | This exercise bike features a compact design and a variety of resistance levels. It also includes access to live and on-demand classes. |
| Sunny Health & Fitness Pro Indoor Cycling Bike | This exercise bike features a heavy-duty steel frame and a variety of resistance levels. It also includes a comfortable seat and adjustable handlebars. |
Punching Bag/ Gloves
A punching bag, or heavy bag, is a piece of exercise equipment used for practicing punches and kicks. It’s suspended from the ceiling by chains, ropes or straps and filled with sand to make it weigh down so that it doesn’t move when you strike it.
This allows you to practice striking your opponent without taking out your frustrations on innocent strangers in real life!
- How should I choose my punching bag?
If you’re just getting started with boxing training at home, then I recommend starting with a basic three-foot tall hanging punching bag which will give your hands enough room to develop through the stages of the learning curve – ranging from beginner level all the way up through advanced techniques like “sparring” (when two people spar against each other).
For more information on choosing between different types of bags, see below under ‘What are some good alternatives?’
- How do I use my new addition?
The most common method for using any sort of exercise equipment involves first warming up properly before activity begins (5–10 minutes), then performing sets after warming up until muscle fatigue sets in; repeat this process multiple times until desired results have been achieved (this may take anywhere from one week up).
For example: After warming up thoroughly beforehand – either by jumping rope or doing some light calisthenics such as pushups/situps etc., start off by hitting only half speed shots so that muscles aren’t overwhelmed right away; after doing this successfully several times over 10 minutes’ worth of work outs wean yourself off needing any kind of warm up period before hitting full speed shots again.
Creating a home gym on a budget is easier than you might think. With a little creativity and some smart shopping, you can build a workout space that meets your needs without breaking the bank. Check out our guide on affordable workout equipment to learn more about how you can save money while building your home gym
Dip Bar/ Push-Up Stands
Dips and push-ups are two of the best exercises for your triceps, chest, shoulders and core. But when you’re at home, it’s not always easy to find a place to do them.
Dip bars can be used by placing them over a door or even just propping them up against the wall.
Push-up stands work great too—they’re basically like dip bars but without the long pole across your back that prevents you from resting on your feet (so less stress on your shoulder joints). Both pieces of equipment are affordable and can be used effectively by people of all fitness levels.
You can also modify dip bars by placing them on top of some boxes or chairs so that they’re higher than usual this will make it harder for you to do dips in an efficient manner because it’ll be harder for you to get under yourself again after each rep!
Battle Rope
Battle ropes are one of the most versatile pieces of equipment you can have at home. They offer a wide variety of benefits and can be used to improve fitness in many different ways.
Battle ropes can be used for cardio, strength training, endurance and grip strength training. If you are looking to improve your overall health and fitness then battle ropes will not disappoint!
Bodyweight exercises are a great way to build strength and improve your overall fitness without any equipment. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, bodyweight exercises can help you achieve your fitness goals. Check out our guide on bodyweight exercises to learn more about the benefits of this type of workout and start incorporating them into your routine today
Conclusion
We’ve packed this list with all kinds of pieces of equipment to help you get fit. If you have a few extra bucks, some of them may be worth it but if not, don’t sweat it!
You can still get a great workout without spending much money at all.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to help you learn more about at-home fitness equipment:
I Am Herbalife Nutrition: This article provides a comprehensive guide to the best at-home fitness equipment, including weights, resistance bands, and cardio machines.
Healthline: This guide offers tips on how to create a home gym, as well as recommendations for the best equipment to buy for your space and fitness goals.
CNET: This article features a list of the best home exercise equipment, including treadmills, stationary bikes, and weight benches.
FAQs
What are the benefits of working out at home?
Working out at home offers several benefits, including convenience, cost savings, and privacy. You can work out whenever you want, without having to worry about commuting to a gym or dealing with crowds.
Additionally, working out at home can be more affordable in the long run, as you won’t have to pay for a gym membership. Finally, working out at home can be more private, which may be beneficial for people who are self-conscious about their fitness level or appearance.
What are some must-have pieces of equipment for a home gym?
Some must-have pieces of equipment for a home gym include dumbbells, resistance bands, an exercise ball, and a yoga mat. These items are versatile and can be used for a variety of exercises, making them a great investment for anyone looking to build a home gym.
How can I create a home gym on a budget?
Creating a home gym on a budget is possible with a little creativity and smart shopping. Look for deals on used equipment, or consider investing in a few versatile pieces of equipment, such as resistance bands or a yoga mat. Additionally, you can use household items, such as cans of food or water bottles, as weights.
How can I stay motivated to work out at home?
Staying motivated to work out at home can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can try. First, create a dedicated workout space that is free from distractions.
Additionally, set goals for yourself and track your progress. Finally, consider working out with a friend or hiring a virtual personal trainer for accountability and support.
What are some tips for staying safe while working out at home?
To stay safe while working out at home, make sure you have enough space to move around freely and that your equipment is in good condition. Additionally, warm up before each workout and cool down afterward to prevent injury.
Finally, listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard, especially if you’re new to working out.
Hi, I’m Hellen James! I’m a fitness enthusiast who has used her own experience to help others get fit and stay fit. I’ve been writing about home fitness for years, and now I’m finally putting together my own blog.