If you’re finding it increasingly difficult to get to the gym on a regular basis, you might want to consider setting up your own home gym. Having said that, equipment can quickly add up to a hefty bill, so we’ve compiled a list of 5 must-have pieces to get you started.
First and foremost, you’ll need to find a place to store the equipment that we’ll be discussing throughout this post. The garage, spare room, or even outside (as long as it’s covered) are all good places to start.
Punching Bag
There are many different types of punching bags to choose from, including heavy bags, speed bags, double ended bags, and others… However, unless you’re an avid boxer, I would recommend getting a heavy bag because they can provide the best workout for regular people who aren’t trained in boxing.
Rowing Machine
This is yet another great way to mix up your cardio routine while also targeting multiple muscle groups throughout your body in a single exercise. If you’ve ever seen a professional rower, you’ll notice that they’re extremely well built.
One of the most important advantages of a rowing machine is that it provides a low-impact cardio workout. This is great if you have joint problems or are overweight because it allows you to work out effectively without putting your joints at risk.
Running Machine
Who doesn’t enjoy going for a run? Alone with your thoughts while getting some of that necessary daily exercise. Running outside is, of course, preferable, but it is not always possible, especially during the winter months. I’m all for going for a run outside, but when the snow starts falling, there’s a better chance of pigs flying than of me going for a run in the snow.
This is where the running machine comes into play. A good quality running machine will allow you to adjust both the gradient and the speed of your run, as closely as possible simulating the sensation of running outside (except, not having to battle against the weather).
Dumbbells
Moving on from the cardio aspect of your home gym, a set of dumbbells is next on the list. You can choose between adjustable dumbbells and a set of different weights.
The greatest advantage of dumbbells is their adaptability. They allow you to work on a wide range of muscles and can be incorporated into a variety of exercises. Check out this Men’s Health article that goes over ten exercises that can be done with dumbbells. There’s a lot more you can do than these ten exercises, but they’re a good place to start.
Home/Multi-Gym Equipment
What better piece of equipment to have in your home gym than a home gym machine? These bad boys are jam-packed with various pieces of equipment that allow you to perform a variety of exercises, such as lat pulldowns, leg raises, and chest presses.
Multi Gyms come in a variety of shapes and sizes, some small and some ridiculously large. Of course, the larger they are, the more expensive they are, but the larger ones provide a more well-rounded workout.
