Achieving your fitness goals doesn’t have to include an expensive gym membership or an even more costly certified personal trainer. In fact, it’s usually cheaper and more convenient to workout from home. And, with the continued spread of the novel coronavirus, it’s become a preferred method for fitness beginners and veterans alike.
Luckily enough, you only need a few pieces of basic equipment to build out the home gym of your dreams – which will get you through the coronavirus pandemic and could become a personal project to expand upon for years to come. Here are 5 pieces of equipment you can purchase to get started:
Resistance Bands - The benefits of using resistance bands for strength training are endless. You can perform exercises for every major muscle group and build your strength with the selection of bands. You can also increase your range of motion, flexibility, and muscular endurance. Not bad for starting your home gym off on the right foot, if you ask us.
Foam Roller - Foam rolling is a self-myofascial release (SMR) technique. It can help relieve muscle tightness, soreness, and inflammation, and increase your joint range of motion. Foam rolling can be an effective tool to add to your warm-up or cool-down before or after your main workout. It is known to help the recovery period and will leave you feeling in tip-top condition.
Yoga Mat – While some fitness gurus may not find a yoga mat to be essential to every home gym, it does come in handy if you regularly do floor-based strength training moves. Yoga mats are also an excellent addition to any home gym for those that regularly take Pilates or yoga classes online. Finally, they can assist in your warm-ups and cool-downs, providing you with a soft place to sit or lie as you complete your stretches.
Dumbbells - Dumbbells are great for strength training and help the skeletal system to improve bone density. Another benefit of using dumbbells is unilateral training. In other words, dumbbells build balance, since they provide an equal load to both sides of the body. Not to mention, there are many different exercises you can do with dumbbells, and the weight can be easily adjusted to meet your needs.
Jump Rope – Cardio, anyone? You bet a good, ol fashioned jump rope will help you get your cardio goals in each and every week. Not only are jump ropes great for burning calories, but it will also help you improve your coordination, strengthen your bones, lower injury risk, and improve mental health. Plus, it’s easy to get a durable jump rope that will last you for years at very little cost.
It’s always exciting to spice up your daily routine with something new! That’s why The Heights at La Salle Apartments in Durham, North Carolina encourages you to try out our weekly recipes, crafts, and lifestyle tips.
