Home Gym: Does Yours Need A Jumpstart?
Let’s design an amazing home gym to help revamp your home workout routine? As a Personal trainer for over 32 years, I’ve am constantly asked about my favorite products for use at home. I am always a big fan of my clients getting extra workouts in at home on their non-session days. I have tried and tested so many tools for the gym, and today I’m excited to share my favorites with you.
A great home gym can be easy and actually very affordable to set up. Home workouts can be very effective with the right tools. I have tried and tested so many tools for the gym, and today I’m excited to share my favorites with you.
Creating a home gym is a fantastic way to stay fit and strong saving you time. It also means that you may be able to get in more workouts over time because they are more convenient for you.
With the right equipment, you can perform a variety of exercises and achieve your fitness goals right from the comfort of your home.
Today, I’m excited to share my favorite home gym products that have transformed my workouts and those of my clients.
Whether you’re looking to build strength, enhance your cardio, or improve flexibility, these essential, space saving items will help you create a versatile and effective workout at home.
I have tried and tested so many tools for the gym, and today I’m excited to share my favorites with you.
I will include links to each time as well as workouts to do at home with most of these pieces of equipment
Let’s go!
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This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products and services that I have personally used and believe will add value to my readers.
Best Fitness Equipment For Your Home Gym
Selecting A Punching Bag
My clients love boxing as a way to blow off steam, get a great cardio workout… and maybe even work out some aggression. A punching bag can be rolled into a corner when not in use so it doesn’t need to take up your entire hoe gym. It is excellent for building endurance and stamina, coordination and balance and overall fitness. And… it’s so fun. Having fun in your workouts will increase your motivation
There are lots of videos on You Tube to help you get a great cardio kickboxing workout… here are a few of my own!
Plus, it’s a fun way to mix up your routine and stay motivated.
I prefer this Wavemaster XXL punching bag because the cushioned part of the bag goes all the way to the base ( good for both tall and short people) and it is very sturdy. The base can be filled with water or sand. I have use this one with my clients for over 14 years on a very regular basis and it still stands strong!
What to look for in a punching bag
Choosing the right punching bag can make a significant difference in your workout experience and overall fitness results. Here are some key factors to consider:
Type of Bag: Decide between a heavy bag, speed bag, or a free-standing bag based on your training goals. Heavy bags are great for power and strength, speed bags improve hand-eye coordination and speed, while free-standing bags offer flexibility and convenience.
Material: Look for high-quality materials like leather or synthetic leather for durability and longevity. These materials can withstand intense workouts and provide a realistic feel.
Weight and Size: Choose a bag weight that matches your fitness level and training needs. Heavier bags are better for power training, while lighter bags are more suitable for speed and technique. Ensure the size fits your workout space and allows for adequate movement around it.
Filling: Consider the bag’s filling – options include sand, water, or fabric. Sand-filled bags offer a firmer hit, water-filled bags provide a realistic feel and are easier to move, while fabric-filled bags are softer on the hands and joints.
Mounting Options: Decide if you prefer a hanging bag or a free-standing one. Hanging bags require sturdy ceiling mounts or wall brackets, ( which can sometimes ruin your dry wall!) while free-standing bags offer portability and don’t require installation.
If you want to spend a bit less and go for something a little lighter weight, try this one.
It is adjustable in height and might be a little easier for a shorter person to move around.
Because the base is heavy, I like to tip it on to it’s side and roll it to where I want it
You won't want to forget to get a pair of good qualilty boxing gloves.
Make sure you choose a pair that has good wrist support ( goes down below the wrist with a velcro strap like these) and has some vent holes or mesh in the palms so your hands don't get too hot and sweaty!
Adjustable Dumbbells For Your Home Gym
Adding dumbbells is a game-changer for strength training at home. Adding a load will help you gain strength and lean muscle. Adjustable dumbbells save space and provide a wide range of weight options, making them an excellent option for various exercises and fitness levels. From overhead presses to goblet squats, these versatile weights can help you focus on different muscle groups and load them progressively to build strength.
Neoprene dumbbells are fundamental for a versatile home gym setup.
They are available in a range of weights depending on your strength. The neoprene coating provides an easy grip and protects your floors from damage.
The smaller weights are excellent for home rehabilitation exercises, barre workouts or pilates classes.
Try my full length Barre workout with your new dumbbellls
Lebert Equalizers
I love the Lebert Equalizers for bodyweight training because these sturdy bars are so versatile that you’ll get big bang for your buck! … AND THEY COME IN PINK!!
They can be used for dips, rows, push-ups, and pull ups for your strength training as well as mountain climbers, lateral runs and burpees for your cardio. They are a superior tool for building upper body and core strength when you only have bodyweight as your option. Their portability and compact design make them a perfect fit for any home gym setup.
Want a workout to do with your Lebert Equalizers? There are a ton on You Tube but here are some of my own 👉https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoNFRzPZjbVp-MJPczs3m8f3dzLGEkH9z
Warm Up
HIIT Wokout
Core Wokout
Step Bench For Versatile A Home Workout
A step bench is incredibly adaptable to a variety of workout needs and can be used for both cardio and strength exercises. Incorporate it into your HIIT workouts, use it for step aerobics, or use it perform step ups, bulgarian split squats and tricep dips. The step bench helps improve your cardiovascular fitness, agility, and overall body strength.
Get this sturdy 16” x 16” bench with 4 risers
Try Resistance Bands For Strength Training At Home
Resistance bands are a must-have for any home gym because of their efficiency and effectiveness. They are an excellent choice for range of motion exercises, strength training, as well as physical therapy rehabilitation exercises.
I personally love them for booty work. You can use them to apply progressive overload to lower body exercises like squats, lunges, as well as upper body exercises like lat pull downs and chest presses.
Resistance bands are portable, easy to store, and a perfect choice for travel workouts.
Try my Lower Body Band Workout!
Get Core Strength at Home With a Pilates Ball
Adding a Pilates ball to your home gym can greatly enhance your workout routine. This versatile tool offers numerous benefits:
numerous benefits:
- **Core Strength**: The pliability of the Pilates ball requires your core muscles to engage, building strength and improve stability.
- **Flexibility and Balance**: Using the ball for your workout improves balance and flexibility while promoting better posture and coordination.
- **Versatility**: WIth this one small piece of equipment you can check the boxes for strength training, stretching, and even low-impact exercise
- **Joint-Friendly Workouts**: The ball provides a way to incorporate strength training with no impact on your joints, making it ideal for beginners and those doing rehabilitation exercises.
Jump Your Way to Fitness: The Ultimate Tool for Effective Home Workouts
A jump rope is a simple yet incredibly effective tool for cardiovascular fitness… And it saves a tome of space in your home gym
It is a great option for high-intensity interval training and improving coordination and agility.
Jumping rope can burn a ton of calories in a short time, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to get lean and improve their cardio health.
Not only is it portable and easy to store but it a great tool to take with you when you travel.
A jump rorpe burns so many calories for such a space saving piece of equip8ment for your home gym
The Space Saving Barbell for Home Workouts
I love this T-Grip Barbell for heavier lifts like bent rows, deadlifts and bench presses yet it doesn’t take up the space that a full sized barbell does. The plates are coated to protect your floors.
The unique design allows for a natural grip, reducing strain on your wrists and shoulders.
The T-Grip Barbell provides a comfortable lifting experience, that allows you to build more strength and muscle in your at home workout.
This bar coes in varrious colors... but why not get pink!
Foundational Home Gym Tools
Exercise Mats For a More Comfortable Home Workout
An exercise mat is ideal for any home workout routine where you might be getting down on the floor to do push ups on your knees, banded fire hydrants or kneeling exercises.
It provides a comfortable, squishy surface for floor exercises, reducing the risk of injury and enhancing comfort. Whether you’re doing yoga, Pilates, or core exercises, an exercise mat ensures you have a non-slip surface to work on.
They are also easy to clean and store ( you can roll them up to hang Them from clips on the wall), making it a perfect addition to your home gym.
Floor Tiles
Protecting your floors is an important factor when setting up a home gym, and these interlocking floor tiles are the perfect solution.
- They provide a durable and cushioned surface that absorbs impact, reduces noise and protects your flooring
- They provide a non-slip surface for cardio areas, ensuring safety during your workouts and a padded area
- They are easy to install and customize to whatever size area you want to cover.
Cardio Equipment to Level Up your Home Gym
Adding cardio equipment for your home gym can be a larger investment but it does add the versatility of mixing up your workouts.,
There are many advantages to adding cardio pieces to your space:
Consistency: Having cardio equipment right there at home increases the likelihood of sticking to your fitness routine especially during inclement weather.
Variety: There are so many cardio tools to choose from to keep your workouts fresh. You can mix cardio in between your strength exercises to gain strength and stamina
Cardiovascular Health: Regular cardio exercise strengthens your heart, improves circulation, and lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Calorie Burn: Workouts with home cardio equipment are valuable for burning calories and increasing weight loss.
Stress Relief: Exercise releases endorphins lowering stress levels and helping you feel happy
Investing in cardio equipment for your home gym ensures a versatile, effective, and convenient way to stay active and healthy.
Here are some of my favotite suggestions for home gyms to help you save space
I absolutely LOVE my peloton. It is definitely coming in at a higher price point than many terminals but here’s what I love about it!
- Total motivation with the myriad of classes you can take, the high fives you can give to other participants, The metrics you are given about your progress during a workout and the gorgeous scenery you’ll experience while running on trails and in cities around the world
- The belt has a nice cushion – I’d say it is better than the other treadmills in my gym
- The footprint is nice for a home space – not too bulky
- There are a lot of built in safety feature to protect your children and pets
What you should know:
In order to use the classes and many of the extra features ( scenic runs, netflix, classes…) you’ll need to purchase the Peleton membership for around $45 a month. But even then, I feel like the motivation is highly worth it!
I have had the Xterra 3500 for about 6 months and have found it to be a very simple machine! Just hop on,hit start and go! My client like this because there are not a lot of buttons to push in order to get moving.
It does not require a monthly fee for IFit type programs so it is perfect for someone that just simply wants a quality machine to run or walk with no fluff.
The backlit screen is easy to read and it comes with strap on heart rate monitor!
The 3.0 HP motor allows it to go up to 12 mph and a 12% incline
For easy cleaning and storage the running board is easy to lift and lock into place.
A walking pad is a great idea for those that don’t have much space and work at a desk job. It is an excellent way to get more steps in your day. Because of the shorter running board ( 48” as opposed to they typical 60 inches) it is not idea for running strides but great for walking. It’s 2.5 HP motor allows it to go up to 4 mph and the lift can go to a 3%, 6% of 9% grade
You can easily slide this 5.7” high pad under your bed or desk for easy storage.
As there are no handrails on this machine it may not be the best for an elderly person or someone with balance issues. I think it’s best use is for that persona that would otherwise be sitting all day at their desk.
Rowing Machines and Ski Ergs
Adding a rowing machine or Ski Erg to your home gym can transform your fitness routine. They are great for those with knee or foot issues and an take up a minimal amount of space while promoting strength, endurance, and overall health
**Full-Body Workout**: Engages multiple muscle groups, including your legs, core, back, and arms,
**Cardiovascular Health**: Incerases heart and lung capacity, improving overall cardiovascular health.
**Low-Impact Exercise**: An effective workout while minimizing stress on your joints, making it suitable for all fitness levels.
**Calorie Burning**: Efficectively burns calories, aiding in weight loss and management.
Concept 2 SKi Erg
- **Upper Body Strength**: Focuses on building upper body strength, particularly in the shoulders, arms, and core.
- **Cardio Conditioning**: Provides a high-intensity cardiovascular workout, boosting endurance and stamina.
- **Functional Fitness**: Mimics the movements of cross-country skiing, enhancing functional fitness and coordination.
- **Versatile Training**: Suitable for both high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and steady-state cardio, offering versatile workout options.
- **Low-Impact**: Like the rowing machine, it delivers a low-impact workout, reducing the risk of injury while still challenging your muscles.
Ready... Set...Go Set Up Your Home Gym
Start building your ultimate home gym today and take the first step towards a healthier, stronger you! 💪🏠
