Whether you’re looking to build a state-of-the-art home gym or simply searching for a few inexpensive pieces to help you stay fit between group fitness classes, we’ve got you covered! Check out our top picks for the home gym.
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Jump Rope
If you want to burn a ton of calories with little equipment, jumping rope is a great option – it burns more than 10 calories a minute, meaning that just 10 minutes of jumping rope burns over 100 calories. Plus, it’s super easy to pack for traveling.
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Resistance Band
If you want to focus on building strength but don’t want to invest in a set of dumbbells, a resistance band is a great option. Resistance bands differ from dumbbells in that they provide resistance throughout the entire range of the motion, helping to build strength in different areas of the body.
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Yoga Mat
With a yoga mat and your own body weight, you can get a great workout in pretty much anywhere. Workout in the park, anyone?
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Stability Ball
In a addition to building strength and flexibility, using a stability ball in your workout helps you to work on your balance. When you’re teetering and tottering, you’ll be forced to engage you core to maintain your balance, helping to strength abs, obliques and back muscles.
Gliding Discs
If you’re short on space and on a budget, gliding discs are perfect to help you get a full-body toning workout at home. They’re also perfect if you need something with minimal impact on your joints while still challenging your entire body.
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Dumbbells
Having a pair of dumbbells around is great because they’re so versatile and can be used to work muscles in your legs, abs, back and arms. Not sure what size to go for? Check out What Sized Weights Should I Use? for tips from a certified personal trainer.
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Kettlebells
If you’re looking for a more inexpensive workout accessory that can provide you with both cardio and strength training, a kettlebell is your best bet. A kettlebell workout is great for burning fat and building a lean figure.
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Barre
While you can always grab a chair for barre-style workouts, having a ballet barre is great because it is adjustable and portable. They also don’t take up much room!
Weight Bench
If you’re lifting heavy, a weight bench is a necessary tool for your home gym. A weight bench also allows you to perform motions you wouldn’t be able to do on the floor, targeting different muscles in the body.
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TRX
The TRX is a great way to get a full-body workout anywhere. Because the straps use your own body weight as resistance, you can easily make exercises easier or more difficult, and every move requires your core to be involved for stability.
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BOSU
Resembling half an exercise ball, every move you do on the BOSU will set you off balance. This requires you to engage more muscles, helping to build strength and balance while burning even more calories.
ReXist 360 Bands
ReXist 360 bands are the perfect way to amp up your workout without putting more pressure on your joints. Athletes love them for building strength, endurance and speed.
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Treadmill
If you’re a fair weather runner, you might want to consider investing in a treadmill so you can still get your run on while being protected from the elements. Try pairing treadmill intervals with strength training moves for a complete workout.
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Reformer
Die-hard Pilates fans dream of having a reformer in their home gym. A reformer is a great tool for building strength, especially in the “powerhouse” or core, while also enhancing flexibility.
Rebounder
Rebounder workouts have been trending lately, and it’s for good reason! Jumping on the rebounder is low-impact but still super intense, as well as fun.
Sandbag
The sandbag is another piece of versatile gym equipment. When you perform moves with the sandbag, you’ll be building strength while also getting cardio in. Because the sand moves in the bag, you’ll also be put off balance, which forces you to engage your muscles even more.
Equalizer Bars
Short on space but wanting to invest in a total-body workout system? Consider Lebert Equalizer Bars. The simply-designed piece of fitness equipment can be used for strength training (think push-ups and tricep dips), plyometrics and stretching.
