There are several ways you can stay in shape without going to the gym, mainly by investing in and setting up a small gym in your home. Home gyms were once considered a luxury. But now, with gym equipment becoming reasonably priced, more people are building gyms inside their homes and garages.
The convenience and benefits of home gyms are truly undeniable. Such spaces are more inexpensive, save you time since you don’t need to travel to the gym, you can blast your own music, and so much more. While setting up a home gym requires a higher upfront cost, it will be more affordable in the long term compared to going to the gym.
So, if you are wondering how to set up a home gym, keep reading this guide. We have compiled a list of all must-have products and equipment essential for working out at home or in your gym.
Must-Have Home Gym Equipment and Products
Here's a list of all the basic, functional, and essential products you will need to build a home gym. You don’t need to add all of them to your gym, but only get the ones that fit your requirements, fitness goals, and budget. A home gym should be completely customized according to you. Hence, here’s a list of home gym products you can choose from:
Folding Treadmill
Let’s start with the basic products that are an essential part of any home gym. Treadmills serve as the perfect way to warm up before an exercise or cool down afterward. This is why they are the ideal addition to your home gym. Not to mention, they let you get in an excellent workout by running for miles regardless of whether it is raining or snowing outside.
Exercise Mats
Another fundamental and essential product for a home gym is an exercise mat. It's not just a necessity for those doing yoga but also for those who want to do ab workouts, push-ups, and stretching. Hence, nearly anyone who works out will need an exercise mat.
Working on the hardwood floor will likely lead to soreness and feeling uncomfortable. It can also make exercises more difficult. This is why you need a thick, comfortable, and reliable exercise mat. You can also take your mats outside in the yard if you want to exercise outdoors. It’s safe to say that they are an essential and versatile addition to a home gym.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are excellent for home gyms because they help make working out at home to the next level. These small yet powerful bands make a glute and lower-body exercise even more challenging. The tighter the resistance band is, the more challenging the workout will become.
All in all, these can add a considerable amount of value to your workouts at a lower cost, which makes them a must-have product for a home gym.
Kettlebells
These are quite a versatile addition to various exercises than you might think. With kettlebells, you can do traditional exercises like kettlebell swings. Alternatively, you can also use them to take your workout to the next level. For example, you can do goblet squats or walking lunge with kettlebells.
Moreover, kettlebells can be helpful for upper body exercises as well. This is why we recommend getting them with various weights for your home gym.
Punching Bag
When appropriately used, punching bags can definitely help you put in an excellent cardio workout. You can bust out a sweat in no time and build strength. Not to mention, hitting something repeatedly with all your power is a great way to relieve stress and frustration.
If relieving stress and building your strength is one of your fitness goals, then you should consider getting a punching bag for your home gym.
Rowing Machine
If losing weight is one of your fitness goals, you should get a rowing machine for your home gym. When you row with proper form, you burn tons of calories. Moreover, it is also an excellent low-impact workout that puts less strain on the body, making it suitable for people with back and joint problems.
Other benefits of rowing machines are that they tone your muscles, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance your endurance.
Adjustable Dumbbells
Dumbbells are a must-have product for any type of gym because you can do an array of exercises with them. For example, you can do upper body exercises, lower body exercises, and more. A set of dumbbells with various weights will be perfect for your home gym.
The adjustable feature of these dumbbells allows you to vary your workouts, which makes them quite versatile. Instead of buying more dumbbells with different weights, you can adjust them according to the weight you prefer.
Weight-Lifting Bench
If you plan to lift weights with dumbbells, kettlebells, and barbells, you should get a weight-lifting bench. This will help you make the most out of your exercise while maintaining proper form. You can also adjust the bench based on the type of workout you want to do.
Jump Rope
If you are looking for a quick and portable way to get your heart rate up and simultaneously burn calories, then you need to keep a jump rope in your home gym. It also works your entire body, including your core, arms, shoulders, glutes, and legs.
Simply jump roping for ten minutes is equivalent to running for half an hour. This is why it is an excellent exercise if you are short on time and space.
Pull Up Bar
Pull-ups are a tough exercise, but once you master them, you can significantly improve your upper body strength. You can install a pull-up bar at your home gym's door without impeding the door's functionality. You can then do a pull-up each time you walk through it. Make sure you get a pull-up bar that allows you to grip it properly.
Elliptical Machine
While many people would argue that treadmills are superior to elliptical machines, they are still excellent for working up a sweat. Not only does it allow you to have an excellent cardio workout, but it also puts less pressure on the joints.
An elliptical machine is an excellent addition to your home gym if you have neck, back, and joint pain. This is because it allows you to get in a great workout without a lot of effort. It is also a great choice if you are someone who likes to work out while watching or reading something since you can do exactly with an elliptical machine.
Full-Length Mirror
Although a full-length mirror is not exactly an essential product for your home gym, it can certainly help you make the most out of your workouts. With a mirror, you can watch your form while exercising, preventing injuries and building your strength.
Hence, if you have the space and budget, you should certainly invest in a full-length mirror for working out at home.
Barbell
If you plan to build your strength through working out at home, it might be worthwhile to invest in a barbell. This is especially true if you already have a weight lifting bench in your home gym. A barbell is not just excellent for upper body exercises like chest presses, but even for lower body and back workouts, such as deadlifts.
Stability Ball
If you want to do pilates or yoga workouts at home in your gym, then you should consider getting a stability ball. They are also great for post-workout stretches. Stability balls are also great for ab exercises since they challenge your stability and work your core. All in all, they are a must-have because of how versatile these balls are.
Final Words
You will be spending a considerable amount of your time in your home gym. This is why you must invest in the right must-have products to create a space that will allow you to challenge your strength and stay in shape.
