This year is the year where we all tend to think about our health and fitness, especially after two to three years of staying at home under lockdown. Working out is a great option for people who want to reach their fitness goals this year, and there are now sets and materials to build a home gym or workout area sold in the market.
Besides the usual dumbbells and exercise balls, there are other workout tools you can use to mix up your exercise routine, and work on every muscle in your body.
10 Workout Essentials to Gear Up for Your Next Fitness Sesh
- Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are stretchable, but tough, bands that help add resistance to your workouts, which can increase strength and muscle tone. Resistance bands are great for those looking to bulk up, or those looking to sculpt their bodies to a certain goal.
Besides regular resistance bands, there are so-called booty bands that help specifically target the legs and backside as these are notoriously difficult to strengthen. When buying resistance bands or booty bands, always consider your level. Start with lower-leveled bands, which often provide less resistance, and work your way up to bands with 20-30 lbs resistance. If you’re interested in incorporating resistance bands into your fitness routine, you might want to check out the LIT Axis, a versatile and high-quality option that offers resistance up to 200 lbs.
- Dumbbells
Dumbbells are among the basic essentials you can get when it comes to workout equipment. You can use these for a variety of exercises to build strength and tone your muscles. Light dumbbells are great for targeting arm and back fat, as well as tone and sculpt the upper body. Heavier dumbbells are often used for strength training to build muscles.
- Yoga Mat
Yoga mats are not just for yoga! Yoga mats are used in a variety of exercises as they provide a surface for better grip. This can also provide a more comfortable surface for yoga, stretching, and other exercises.
When buying a yoga mat, consider the thickness and material of the mat, as well as its storage. Some yoga mats are thicker than others, and while thicker yoga mats provide better comfort during floor exercises, they may also create a slight elevation that can be dangerous if you’re not careful. Thin mats, on the other hand, may blend into the ground better, but are often uncomfortable to use for floor exercises.
- Jump Rope
The jump rope is a great cardio tool that can help you burn calories and improve your movement and coordination. Jump ropes are not only playground equipment, but they can give you a great workout that is also fun and effective in burning calories.
However, consider your space before you purchase a jump rope as homes like condominiums and apartments may have thin dividers, and you may get complaints from neighbors as you make noise while using the jump rope.
- Foam Roller
This can help with muscle recovery and alleviate soreness after a workout. This may not directly help in burning calories, but it is part of self-care after a workout that more people need to prioritize. Workouts often put stress on your muscles to strengthen them, so having a foam roller helps to alleviate any cramps.
- Pull-up Bar
This can help you build upper body strength and improve your grip. However, consider purchasing a pull-up bar only if you have a strong wall space to do so. Pull-up bars need to be installed securely to prevent accidents, so make sure your home gym is equipped to handle this equipment.
- Kettlebell
The kettlebell can help you build strength and endurance through a variety of exercises as you use it similar to a dumbbell or as a weight. This provides an extra push to your body, burning calories, and building up muscle in the process.
- Exercise Ball
This can be used for a variety of core strengthening exercises and balance training as exercise balls are among the basic workout equipment used in home gyms. An exercise ball can help you with coordination, stretching, and other workout routines.
- Fitness Tracker
A fitness tracker is a great tool to help you check your routine, much like a record of your workout. This can help you keep track of your progress, monitor your heart rate, and set fitness goals. There are many different apps you can use to track your progress.
- Workout Clothes
Comfortable and breathable workout clothes can help you stay motivated and focused during your workouts, and provide you with the flexibility to stretch and move as you go about your routine. Workout clothes should be comfortable and non-limiting, and there’s a huge line of affordable, trendy, and flexible workout clothes.