Setting up a Home Gym: What to Invest in First
Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic struck and most of us ended up spending a huge chunk of time indoors, working out from home has never been more important. Away from that, many people do not actually get the chance to hit the gym, perhaps due to demanding work schedules, distance, and other factors. Maybe you are just starting out and you don’t feel comfortable working out in the company of experienced gymnasts.
In either case, having a home gym is advantageous in many ways. Once you have decided to take a journey into maintaining your fitness, you will at one time need to have a setup in your home as you seek to achieve your fitness goals. This means investing in various gym equipment and tools. Here are some of the first things to invest in when setting up a home gym.
1. An Exercise Mat
When you decide to turn one part of your house into a gym, one thing you will need is an exercise mat. This will give you the cushioning you need for both your safety and that of the floor of your house. There are two types of workout mats in the market. For instance, you could start with a yoga mat and a jump mat. The difference between the two is that a jump mat is a bit thicker than a yoga mat. If your workout includes strenuous and intense exercises, you should take the jump mat. It works okay if you are also doing yoga due to its absorbent nature. If you like to sweat it out in your workout session, then this mat is ideal for you.
2. A Pull-Up Bar
Pull-ups seem to be stressful for beginners. Once you pull yourself once or twice, you will feel like giving up, especially if it’s your first time. However, if you are looking to strengthen your upper body and core, you will need them in plenty. The more you keep at them, the faster you are going to notice the results. The professionals behind Zelus Fitness recommend using pull-up bars, which can be ordered easily online. The most common versions are multifunctional, with a bench, and other workout amenities within the same unit.
3. A Jump Rope
Your home gym won’t be complete if you don’t have a jump rope. The skipping rope is essential for warm-ups and warm downs. Also, there are days you either won’t have time to do a full-body workout or something just comes up and you are in no position to do your workouts normally. The jump rope comes in handy during such moments. There are several ropes in the market depending on the workout level you are in. However, it’s usually good to get something that both the beginner and the advanced level person can comfortably use.
4. Dumbbells
Most people will think dumbbells are reserved for bodybuilders. But this is not usually the case. Anybody can use them to strengthen the body muscles. That is why they are regarded as important instruments as you set up your home gym. They come in various options to choose from, with the adjustable version being the most preferred. These allow you to add more weight according to your ability or preference. For a home gym, especially where you have kids or a partner who is interested in working out, the adjustable dumbbell will do the trick. They will also help you big time if you are looking to build up your biceps and triceps.
5. A Workout Bench
When working out, you will need somewhere to sit and build on your chest as well as your arms. Other times, you will need somewhere to do your jumps on. Other seats will be inefficient, especially if they absorb your sweat. You need something with a leather top, which is easy to clean.
The workout bench isn’t always a necessity if you are a yoga person. However, if you are a bodybuilder looking forward to packing in some muscle, then the bench becomes a necessity. If you are worried about your space, get one that easily folds for easy storage.
6. Resistance Bands
This is the other core equipment that shouldn’t be lacking in anyone’s home gym. They are usually effective in resistance training and come in a variety. It’s an option if you don’t want to invest in weights. They offer different resistance levels that will challenge you all through until you reach your workout goals. They can also be used simultaneously when lifting weights but only people in the advanced level can pull that out.
These days, there is no excuse for not exercising. You can do it from home by simply setting up a home gym using the few tips above. As a matter of fact, there are many exercises that you can do without having to purchase any equipment.
