Five Must-Have Pieces of Exercise Equipment for Your Home Gym

Going to the gym is the preferred fitness routine for many people, but it’s not always the most practical. Parents find it difficult to separate from their children long enough to finish a workout, and getting up early to make it to the gym is a challenge.

Rather than spend money on a gym membership they may not use, many people have begun working out at home. With a few key pieces of equipment, you can turn that extra bedroom into a gym and work out in the privacy of your own home. But if you don’t have the budget to go all-out right away, start with the most essential exercise equipment and add to your gym over time.

1. Treadmill

The treadmill is a fundamental of any gym and allows for a great cardio workout. One of the biggest benefits of treadmills is the flexibility of running indoors. Treadmills allow for runs without worry of foul weather, time of day or crowded or dangerous running routes. The aerobic benefits of treadmills include increased heart rate and calories burned, and over time it will boost your metabolism to further promote weight loss.

2. Elliptical

Much like the treadmill, elliptical machines deliver cardio workouts in a controlled setting. But the fluidity of elliptical machines drastically reduces the strain put on knees, ankles and hips, making them la good choice for people with joint problems. Ellipticals are useful as the primary equipment in your cardio workout or as part of an effective cross-training routine.

3. TRX Bands

TRX Bands promote musclular stability and help develop coordination. The most common exercises used with TRX Bands are core training, pulling exercises and unilateral training. Incorporating these workouts into your routine will ensure a great total-body workout.

4. Kettlebell

As far as all-in-one exercise equipment goes, kettlebells may be the most effective and affordable. Taking up less space than a bowling ball, kettlebells are transportable and easily stored. Kettlebells can enhance a simple workout routine by adding strength training, flexibility and grip strength.

5. Pull-up bar

Simple pull-up bars can be set up inside a door jamb and taken down once you’ve finished your workout. Like the kettlebell, pull-up bars can be used to work our your core, back muscles and  arms. Before your first pull-up, make sure the bar is securely attached to the door jamb.

This starter list can provide solid direction as you piece together your home gym. Whether your typical workout routine is geared toward strength training or cardio, it’s possible to achieve your preferred workout at home. But the bottom line is that, for the money you spend on gym memberships and the time lost to your commute, building a home gym can be a practical alternative to the typical workout method.

Holly spends her active time moving her feet, a soccer ball or (when lucky) a shopping bag. She spends her inactive time blogging for Sears and other brands she loves.

Picture Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HK_Kln_City_Regal_Oriental_Hotel_Gym_room.JPG

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Posted by Holly Vic on July 26, 2012. Filed under Health. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry