Samrudha Salvi ‧ Co-Founder & Nutritionist (Stanford)
Samrudha is a certified nutritionist and also a Co-founder for Welcyon.com. He has also featured in many publications including CNBC, Entrepreneur amongst others. He brings more than 10 years of experience with him.
If you're looking to get fit, one of the best things you can do is set up a home gym. This way, you have everything you need right at your fingertips, and you don't have to waste time driving to the gym or waiting for equipment.
Not sure what equipment you should buy? Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this blog post, we'll discuss all the essentials that you need for a well-rounded home gym. From dumbbells and barbells to a punching bag and skipping rope, we'll make sure you have everything you need to get fit in the comfort of your own home. Let's get started!
Workout Bench
When you think of a home gym, the first thing that probably comes to mind is a workout bench. And for good reason - a workout bench is an essential piece of equipment for any gym, whether it's at home or at a commercial facility.
The importance of strength equipment like a workout bench lies in the fact that it allows you to have a stable surface on which to do a variety of exercises. For example, you can use it for chest press, shoulder press, and triceps extensions.
You can also use it to do squats, lunges, and step-ups. In other words, a workout bench is a versatile piece of equipment that should be at the top of your list when setting up a home gym.
In addition, it's not hard to find a workout bench that fits your budget - you can find one for as little as $100. You just have to be sure to get one that's durable and has a weight capacity that meets your needs.
Barbell
Another essential piece of equipment for your home gym is a barbell. A barbell is a long metal bar that you can use to perform various exercises. The most common exercises that are performed with a barbell are the bench press and the squat.
However, there are many other exercises that you can do with a barbell, such as a shoulder press, biceps curl, and triceps extension. If you're looking to get serious about lifting weights, then a barbell is a must-have for your home gym.
Luckily, you can find barbells both online and at most sporting goods stores. However, keep in mind that barbells can be expensive, so be sure to shop around and find one that fits your budget.
Dumbbells
In addition to a barbell, you'll also need dumbbells for your home gym. Dumbbells are smaller than barbells and come in a variety of weights. They're perfect for exercises like biceps curls, triceps extensions, and shoulder presses. You can also use them for squats, lunges, and other lower-body exercises. If you're just starting out, we recommend getting a set of dumbbells that range from five to 50 pounds.
This way, you have a variety of weights to choose from as you progress in your fitness journey. In addition, you can also find adjustable dumbbells, which are a great option if you're short on space.
Exercise Mats
Another essential for your home gym is an exercise mat. An exercise mat provides a cushioned surface for you to do a variety of exercises, such as yoga, Pilates, and stretching. It's also great for bodyweight exercises like sit-ups, push-ups, and planks. Exercise mats are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most sporting goods stores.
However, if you're looking for a more durable mat, you may want to consider a yoga mat or a Pilates mat. What's even better, you can find them in a variety of colors and designs to match your home gym's style.
Resistance Bands
If you're looking for a versatile piece of equipment that doesn't take up much space, then resistance bands are a great option for your home gym. Resistance bands are made of latex and come in a variety of sizes, lengths, and thicknesses. They're perfect for a wide range of exercises, such as biceps curls, triceps extensions, shoulder presses, and squats. In addition, they're great for rehabilitation exercises. You can find resistance bands at most sporting goods stores or online. In addition, they are relatively inexpensive, so they won't break the bank.
Punching Bag
If you're looking for a piece of equipment that can help you relieve some stress, then a punching bag is a great option for your home gym. Punching bags come in a variety of sizes and can be filled with either sand or water. They're perfect for cardiovascular workouts and for developing strength and power.
In addition, they can be also used for self-defense training. It is important that you get a punching bag that is the right size for you. If you're too small for the bag, then it will be difficult to use. Conversely, if you're too big for the bag, then it won't provide enough resistance. You can find punching bags at most sporting goods stores or online.
Indoor Cycling Bike
If you want to get a great cardio workout, then an indoor cycling bike is a great option for your home gym. Indoor cycling bikes are designed to simulate the experience of riding a real bike. They're perfect for getting your heart rate up and for burning calories. In addition, they're low-impact, so they're easy on your joints. You can find indoor cycling bikes at most sporting goods stores or online.
However, keep in mind that they can be expensive, so be sure to shop around and find one that fits your budget. You can also look for discounts on new bikes, or simply find used bikes. Indoor bikes are versatile and can be used for a variety of workouts.
Treadmill
In addition to cycling, another great way to get a cardio workout is by running on a treadmill. Treadmills are perfect for people who want to get their heart rate up and burn calories. In addition, they're low-impact, so they're easy on your joints. Treadmills are a bit more expensive than indoor cycling bikes, but they're still a great option for your home gym.
You can find them both online and in stores, but it is important that you do your research first. Look for a model that fits your budget and has the features you want. Some advanced features to look for include a heart rate monitor, pre-programmed workouts, and an incline setting.
Skipping Rope
If you're looking for a simple and effective way to get a cardio workout, then skipping rope is a great option for your home gym. All you need is a little space and a rope, and you're good to go. Skipping rope is also a great way to improve your coordination and footwork. It can be used for HIIT workouts, or as a warm-up before your lifting session. Luckily, skipping ropes are pretty affordable so you shouldn't have any trouble finding one to fit your budget. You can also buy more than one so you can have a rope for indoor and outdoor use.
Pull-Up Bar
If you're looking for a way to build upper-body strength, then a pull-up bar is a great option for your home gym. Pull-up bars are designed to help you perform pull-ups, chin-ups, and other exercises that target your back, shoulders, and arms. Additionally, pull-up bars can be used for a variety of other exercises, such as triceps dips and leg raises. You can find pull-up bars at most sporting goods stores or online.
However, keep in mind that they come in different sizes and shapes, so be sure to choose one that is appropriate for your home gym. For example, if you have a small space, then you may want to choose a wall-mounted pull-up bar. On the other hand, if you have a large space, then you may want to choose a free-standing pull-up bar.
Mirror
Last but not least, a mirror is an essential piece of equipment for your home gym. Mirrors are great for checking your form and making sure you're performing exercises correctly. In addition, they can help you stay motivated by allowing you to see your progress. If your home gym is small, a mirror can also make it appear larger and more spacious. In addition, it also allows natural light to enter the room, making it feel brighter and more inviting.
On the other hand, if your home gym is large, you can put a mirror on one of the walls instead of having one taking up space in the room. Either way, a mirror is a great addition to any home gym. So, if you're looking to create a functional and stylish home gym, don't forget to add a mirror to your list of must-haves!
No matter what type of equipment you choose for your home gym, be sure to make a commitment to using it. If you don't use it, you're just wasting money. However, if you're willing to put in the effort, then a home gym can be a great way to get in shape and improve your overall fitness. Start by making a list of the equipment you need, and then start shopping around. Don't forget to compare prices and read reviews before making your final decision. With a little bit of research, you're sure to find the perfect home gym for your needs.
