Top 6 Items for Your Home Workout

During the coronavirus pandemic, gyms shut down, and everyone was scrambling for ways to stay fit at home. Home exercise has always been important, but these times have seen the rise of home gyms and home workout videos like never before. But where does one start, particularly if you don’t have a large budget for a treadmill, or space for a universal strength training machine? Here are my top 5 items for building out your home gym on a low budget.

1. TRX Suspension Trainer

Created by a Navy Seal, this has been hailed as a "gym in a bag". You can pretty much work every major body part while ebgaging your core. If you don't want to have a bunch of dumbbells in your living room, this a real space saver. It's also for all fitness levels, since you're using your own bodyweight to perform the exercises. You may need some coaching with this equipment so be sure to partner with a personal trainer, or simply watch a few instructional videos. The TRX is the priciest item on my list, but it might provide the biggest bang for your buck here. Click here to purchase a TRX Suspension System today!

2. Swiss Ball or Bosu Half Ball

Sometimes exercises may require you to sit (bicep curl, shoulder press) or lay down face up (chest press). Home furniture is probably not the best in these circumstances. A flat exercise bench is great if you have space, but the stability ball can also serve as a seat or surface to lay on your back. Sitting or laying on this ball keeps your core muscles engaged and therefore helps you burn more calories during strength training. Work from home? Try using it as a chair for part of your workday! It might help with developing better posture. Purchase a stability ball from my Amazon page right now!

The Bosu Half Ball is more expensive, but it is a worthwhile investment. This tool can serve the same purpose as the Swiss Ball, but it is more versatile. For example, it gives you the ability to do more leg and ab exercises. I highly recommend purchasing a Bosu Ball from my Amazon page right now!

3. Resistance Bands

There are two types of bands: bands with loops, and bands with handles. Loops: If you’re at home sitting a lot, your glutes can become weaker, and this may lead to back problems. Loop resistance bands are a great way to train the glutes and overall leg muscles. They are super easy to store and are great for people who have trouble strength training their lower bodies. Handles: These tools are better for training the upper body (chest, back, arms, and abs). Most come with a small booklet of sample exercises you can try. It might be handy to have both types of bands in your home arsenal. Both usually come with a storage bag. Click here to purchase a set of resistance bands today!

4. Kettlebell

Now we’re getting into some real strength training. I like the kettlebell because of it’s versatility and easy storage capability. Almost anything you can do with a dumbbell can be done with a kettlebell. Furthermore, just about every bodyweight exercise can be made slightly more challenging with this tool. Try doing reverse lunges holding one kettlebell. Not only will you work the leg muscles, your core is challenged by holding the kettlebell in one hand. You can follow that up with kettlebell swings and Russian twists. Could you use a dumbbell? Sure. But the shape and design of the kettlebell makes it easier to grip while performing the exercises I just described. One or two kettlebells don’t require a storage unit, but please keep them away from your children. Purchase a set of kettlebells from my Amazon page right now!

5. Set of Dumbbells

Dumbbells are very versatile and easy to grip. They are great for strengthening arms and shoulders. Holding dumbbells while performing some leg exercises will help you develop a stronger and more toned lower body. When starting your home gym, just order one pair and add a heavier set as you go along. As always practice safety, and keep your dumbbells away from your children.  Purchase a set of dumbbells from my Amazon page right now!

6. Slam ball

Finally, I would recommend a slam ball. Depending on your floors, you may only be able to slam this outside. But it is so satisfying! Most clients tell me slamming the ball is a great stress reliever, not to mention the tremendous cardio and core benefits of the exercise. These balls are great for working with a partner since you can pass it to one another! It’s the one tool on this list that can make exercise fun. Be sure to get the ball that has a soft outer shell, so it doesn't bounce up with the same force you applied when throwing it down. If you can’t slam indoors, you can still work your legs and abs while holding the slam ball. Its versatility gives you options for working out at home. Click here to purchase a slam ball!