First off, let me tell you that I’m not an expert. But I do know that getting in a good workout from home has its many advantages. It takes a lot of resolve to stick to a routine that might include dragging yourself out to the local rec center where you have to battle with senior citizens (bless their souls) for a 15 minute slot on the rowing machine. If you have the hardened determination to get your butt to the gym every other day without fail – or a swanky gym one floor down in your apartment, then this article probably isn’t for you. I don’t have either of those, and it’s for that reason that I’ve started a collection of gear for my own home gym. I find that I have less of an excuse for sitting on my butt when there’s a TV downstairs with the same channels on it. This list isn’t exhaustive by any means, but this is the stuff I’ve noticed cheap results with, and it’s easy to use. Here are my suggestions for your workout from home; the components that add up to one sweet home gym without breaking the bank or taking up too much room.
8. Chin up bar
This is probably one of the better purchases you can make. Don’t be discouraged if this piece is difficult to use at first, especially if you’re not too great at this kind of thing (seriously, if you can do 3 sets of 12 on your first try, let me know and I’ll be very impressed). Get one that’s a little more complex for additional exercise possibilities. I try my best to do 25 reps every morning and evening, and have been suitably impressed with the investment. Get this one for only $24 – Buy Now
7. Bosu Ball
Flip it upside down and do pushups on it, lay it flat for core exercises and squats, or go for any of many, many different uses that I won’t get into right now. The bosu might be one of your later investments if you see your self developing a need for it. Until then, maybe stick with the huge range of equipment-less core exercises that there are out there. Of course, you could always structure your entire workout around it. Get this one for $119 – Buy Now
6. Skipping Rope
The funnest and easiest way to shred calories. You’ll burn at least 300 calories in half an hour of skipping. It helps if your roof isn’t too low, but it’s still my preference over biking or running (a heck of lot cheaper than a treadmill). Buy this one for $15 – Buy Now
5. TV
I said it earlier… it’s a lot easier to get yourself moving when there’s no reason to stay on the couch. It’s always best to have a separate room for your TV/workout room combo, but if you can’t, then store all of your equipment in an easy to reach location in your regular TV room, and let it call you when you’re feeling lazy. Buy this one for – $180
4 Pushup grips
This was one of my first purchases on the home gym front, and although you don’t need them to do pushups, they really get your whole arm involved in the process. It feels like you’re doing more than when you do traditional pushups, and they’re a lot easier on the wrists. Buy these for – $15
3. Dumbbells – adjustable set
Pretty much indispensable, you can use these for the traditional curls and raises, or maximize your value and combine this piece with your others. Using them in tandem with your pull up bar, the bosu ball or the bench will allow you to get a full body workout on the cheap. Buy these for – $299
2.iFitness pro app
What are you going to do with all this equipment? Want to expand repertoire of exercises? This handy little app contains a massive, cross-searchable catalog of exercises, the muscles they target, and the equipment needed to do them. Want to target the chest from your pull up bars? The shoulders with your dumbbells? Enter in the info and get exercises tailored to your desire. A super must-have, especially if you’re a beginner. Get the app.
1. Bench
One of the less common pieces in a home gym, a bench allows you to lie down or sit while doing exercises. It offers you more options when it comes to working with your dumbbells or while doing body weight exercises. I got my hands on one specifically so I’d be able to really work out my chest with elevated pushups and dumbbell chest presses. Buy this one for – $64
Bonus: Mirror
Congrats dude or dudette; you’re well on your way to getting in shape for the summer. Be sure to remind yourself of your progress by stroking the ego and flexing ‘em every so often in the mirror. It might feel a little vain, but feeling and looking healthier is a noble goal, and seeing the results for yourself can be a huge motivator. Oh, and I didn’t offer up any tips for designing your workout (besides item 2), but I will say this: make sure you’re putting in a well-rounded full body workout from home, or you could end up looking like this guy. And stay safe! But this one for - $48.50
Be sure to check out Dudpins for montages and pins of fitness and motivation.
