5 Essential Pieces of Equipment for Your Home Gym

Between balancing family life, a career and a social life, some men and women find that there is just not enough time in the day to devote to going to the gym. Some find it easier or more convenient to workout at home, whether using a video exercise program or utilizing the few pieces of equipment that would otherwise collect dust. At Zensah have put together a list of the 5 essential pieces of equipment for your home gym – whether you have an hour or five minutes, these practical pieces will allow you to tone or build muscle in the comfort of your own home (or anywhere else for that matter).

1. Resistance Bands – Though it may look like a giant rubber band, don’t be fooled by the look of the resistance band. These bands, which come in various styles, sizes, widths, and resistance levels, are a great way to make simple and traditional exercises, such as squats and push-ups, even more challenging. The constant tension from the resistance band forces muscles to work harder and intensifies any workout, ultimately building the desired strength and muscle.

2. Kettlebell– A cast-iron kettlebell is a great way to burn calories and fat for total-body toning. A 20-minute kettlebell workout can burn almost 300 calories while working to improve coordination and sculpt muscles just as effectively as traditional workouts. Unlike a dumbbell, the weight of the kettlebell is unevenly distributed, so stabilizer muscles are forced to work harder to counteract the shifting of the kettlebell’s center of gravity. The kettlebell also adds a cardio element to any exercise regime because it is intended to provide a total-body workout.

3. Stability Ball – Sometimes referred to as a Swiss, yoga or exercise ball, the stability ball is an excellent addition to any home gym. Targeting the core muscles, the stability ball can be a substitution for a bench and offers a soft yet unstable surface to provide a challenging variation to traditional workouts. With the help of a stability ball during basic exercises such as push-ups, crunches, squats, lunges and back extensions, muscles work harder to increase strength and improve coordination and balance. 

4. Suspension Trainer –A suspension trainer is another excellent tool for a complete total-body workout. Weighing less than two pounds, the suspension trainer can be used anywhere as long as there is access to a sturdy anchor point. The suspension trainer uses the individual’s bodyweight as the main form of resistance during exercise. Core muscles are put to the test and stabilizer muscles are instantly challenged by the instability of the suspension trainer. The suspension trainer adapts to all fitness levels and can help you build strength, muscle, and improve flexibility with over three hundred different exercises. 

5. Jump Rope –A jump rope is a great addition to any home gym because it is convenient, compact, and inexpensive. Jump roping adds both interval training and a high-intensity cardio element to any workout routine.  After mastering the basic moves, advanced techniques can increase strength and endurance as well as improve balance and agility. When space and time is limited, jump roping is also one of the best calorie burning exercises you can do.

These five pieces of equipment are essential when creating your own home gym. Many of them are compact, lightweight and inexpensive to give your home gym the jump start and portability that it needs. Above all, these picks are versatile so you can break out of the same routine, try different exercises and target different muscle groups. With free membership and open 24/7, a home gym is a great option for those who lead busy lives, but still want to lead an active life. These pieces will give you the boost you need to accomplish all of your fitness goals in between balancing everything else in your life. Be sure not to forget about post-workout recovery in your Zensah Compression Clothing!

Do you have a home gym? What’s your favorite piece of equipment? Any advice to those thinking about putting together a home gym together?