Rocco is a freelance writer currently residing in the Adirondacks of New York. He’s interested in health and fitness and his works have been featured in several internationally known publications.
Have you been seriously considering getting your body back in shape?
You see advertisements everywhere for fitness clubs and weight loss groups, but the idea of joining up can seem a little daunting?
Well, you don’t have to give up the convenience and privacy of your home just to get in shape. Today’s market has a wide assortment of various pieces of exercise equipment for the home-gym. Some of them are very practical. Some not so much.
Let’s take a look at five different pieces of equipment that can make your work out safer, more productive and more comfortable:
1) Exercise Mats
A quality exercise mat can make a huge difference to your exercise routine. If you plan on including floor-based exercises, a mat is a must.
Sure, you could throw a towel down, but towels slip or get bunched up.
Exercise mats are usually made of some kind of rubber so they provide cushioning, insulation and are slip-proof.
If you like Pilates or Yoga, then an exercise mat will prove to be an especially worthwhile investment, and they’re particularly useful because you can roll them up easily for when you are on the go.
2) Resistance Bands
Resistance bands rock.
They provide flexibility, they are easy to use and they are affordable. They cost roughly about the same as you would pay to join a gym for a single month.
It takes very little time to set up your bands and begin working out. Many of them are color coded so it’s easy to tell what resistance level you are at.
The word “flexible” can be used in two ways when talking about resistance bands.
- They allow a greater range of motion for the body as you go through the movements. This helps the joints stay lubricated and supple.
- They are extremely versatile and portable, allowing you the flexibility to exercise wherever you may be.
3) Exercise Balls
Most exercise balls are used to improve balance and core strength. Just sitting on one will activate certain muscles. If you combine them with basic movements like a sit up, or a push up, you can take your routine to a whole new level.
Exercise balls come in a variety of shapes, sizes and weights. Determining which ball is right for you will depend on what your personal exercise goals are.
You might want to consider a weighted ball or, “medicine ball” if you want to intensify exercises specifically targeting the core.
Again, it all depends on your individual needs and goals.
4) Adjustable Dumbbells
Dumbbells have always had a place in my home gym.
They don’t take up a lot of room and you can get a great strength workout with them. They allow for a greater range of motion and it is very easy to change from one weight to the next.
They make dumbbells in a wide range of weights; from three pounds to over 150 pounds. You should be able to find something in between that will fit your needs.
But a word of warning – if you happen to have a lot of dumbbells in different sizes, they might start to clutter up your home-gym space – and it’s very easy to do!
The solution? Adjustable dumbbells.
Now you can change the weight of your resistance in just one click. They go in increments of 2.5 lbs quickly and safely. The whole family could make use of them.
5) Foam Rollers
Now a lot of people might argue that a foam roller isn’t necessarily “essential,” but if you have ever tried one on sore, aching muscles after a good workout, I’m pretty sure that you will agree that they are awesome.
They come in different sizes and levels of firmness. Some are designed to target hard to reach areas.
What was once a secret known only to coaches and personal trainers has become accessible to the home-gym enthusiast.
When you apply pressure to specific points of the body, you can speed up the recovery process that happens in the muscles and help them get back to normal.
So if you are ready to finally get that home-gym together like you’ve been meaning to do, consider adding some or all of these items to your wish list.
Exercise can be fun, rewarding, and a healthy habit that won’t break your bank.
