The American Heart Association recommends that adults strive for at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week. If you’re not quite hitting that goal, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Only about 1 in 5 American adults get enough exercise each week.
And true, 150 minutes is only 2.5 hours. However, when you add in sitting in traffic on the way to and from the gym, waiting your turn for the machine you want to use, checking in, etc., you can easily add many more hours.
But there’s a way to skip the gym completely and still get plenty of exercise! All you have to do is invest in a few pieces of home workout equipment and you’ll be well on your way to fitness from the comfort and convenience of your own home!
Wondering which pieces of equipment you should purchase? You’re in the right place! Listed below are 10 excellent options, ranging in price from extremely affordable to a bit more of a splurge.
Read on to learn more! You can also read an interesting article on how futuristic Smart Fitness tech really changes home workouts.
1. Dumbbells
If you’re brand new to exercise, it’s wise to start with your body weight. Once you progress past body weight, however, dumbbells are a great option. They come in a wide variety of weights and prices, so you can start small and work your way up if you enjoy using them. You can also use calisthenics chalk to avoid any slipping of the dumbbells because of sweat.
Another benefit of dumbbells is that they’re safe for solo trainers. If you bite off a little more than you can chew in terms of weight, no big deal! Simply drop them and readjust.
2. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are used for strength training, enabling you to do full-body movements while adding a bit of, you guessed it, resistance. Unlike dumbbells, resistance bands are virtually weightless, as they utilize tension rather than poundage.
This makes them both effective and portable, as well as safe! These handy tools eliminate any worries about dropping a weight on your foot or getting in over your head.
3. A Balance Ball
Balance balls are an inexpensive addition to your collection, but provide a surprising amount of benefits. Otherwise known as exercise or stability balls, balance balls can help to improve your core strength, balance, spine health, and flexibility.
You can start by simply balancing on top of it, and when you feel more comfortable, begin integrating it into some of your favorite exercises.
4. A Yoga Mat
A yoga mat will provide a cushion between you and the floor while still supporting your head and back.
5. A Jump Rope
Another extremely inexpensive workout device is a jump rope. You may think of the elementary school playground when jump ropes come to mind, but they’re so much more than a toy for children.
Believe it or not, jumping rope can be a better exercise than jogging! Jumping rope boosts your coordination, bone density, cardiovascular health, and endurance. Not to mention it is considered a vigorous exercise, meaning you can burn a whopping 1300 calories per hour.
6. A Medicine Ball
Medicine balls come in a variety of weights and models. Some are weighted with sand while others are inflatable, for example, and they can be purchased with or without straps or handles.
On top of using them for additional weight during simple body movement exercises, they’re also good for building coordination and balance, working your core, and honing explosiveness.
7. An Aerobic Platform
If you’re interested in taking your cardio exercise to the next level without investing in larger cardio machines, an aerobic or step platform is your answer. Don’t underestimate the extra effort a few inches of elevation demands!
Their main use is for a cardio exercise, but you can also add them to your strength training. An aerobic platform is a great base for tricep dips, push-ups, and lunges.
8. A Treadmill
A treadmill, along with the remaining pieces of equipment on this list, comes with a rather hefty price tag. If you have the funds and the desire to purchase one, however, go for it!
Treadmills provide the potential for cardio, regardless of the weather. And a treadmill can very possibly pay for itself in terms of use and lower long-term healthcare costs.
9. A Stationary Bike
Like a treadmill, a stationary bike is an excellent choice for those looking to increase their cardio. And stationary bikes are an even better option for those with poor joint health, as biking is a low-impact activity.
Depending on the model, side-by-side stationary bikes can be quite affordable, but if you want all the bells and whistles, be prepared – they quickly get into the thousands. That being said, be sure to find out more about used gym equipment before making your purchase.
You never know how much you could save!
10. A Weight Machine
Last but not least, if you’re serious about weight training, consider purchasing a weight machine. While it’s possible to get a weight machine made for one specific type of movement, they are generally fairly versatile.
You can find simple, relatively inexpensive models capable of working arms, chest, back, and even legs, all in one machine.
Get in Shape with Home Workout Equipment
A healthy amount of physical activity is linked to a myriad of mental and physical benefits, including improved mindset, sleep, and overall energy level.
Remember, building your home workout equipment collection doesn’t have to break the bank! Commercials and social media may make you feel like you need to spend thousands on fitness, but that’s not the case.
If you have the resources and you want to buy an exercise bike or a weight machine, you absolutely should! Just know that it’s not a necessity.
The only tool you really need to get your fitness journey started is your own body, the rest is extra!
Looking for more fitness tips to improve your life? Check out our blog!
