Level Up! The Top 5 Home Workout Equipment Must Haves
Do you prefer enjoying workouts at home instead of going to the gym with all the gym rats? We get it. There’s nothing better than doing the workouts the way you want to do without anyone watching you. Home workouts are very beginner-friendly yet suitable for advanced fitness enthusiasts as well. In this article, we introduce you to five multi-functional home workout equipment must haves.
1. For Whole Body Workouts: Kettlebell
Do you remember the kettlebell craze when everyone had to have one? Turns out, the craze has long gone and many of us even got rid of them eventually. Yet, it is a useful workout equipment that works for whole body workouts. Ideally, you have 2-5 different kettlebells so that you can adjust and have weights suitable for various moves. The whole idea of kettlebell workouts is to work for your whole body, and thus the moves include a lot of swings, squats and pushing the kettlebell up. Check whether you can get them cheaper on the second hand market if it seems like too much of an investment.
2. For Fun and Functional Cardio: Rebounder
Is cardio boring for you? For most of us, it is. Even the most fun Zumba classes tend to get boring after a while. Yet, cardio is necessary for our cardiovascular system. While strength training tends to get all the attention in today’s fitness world, a holistic approach is a must for a healthy body.
One of the upcoming cardio workouts is rebounding. Rebounding, also known as mini trampoline jumping, is a fun form of exercise that is not only gentle on joints but also good for mental health. It can easily be adjusted according to your fitness level and it’s suitable even for senior citizens. The only thing you need for rebounding is, of course, a rebounder. Simply search for free rebounding workouts on YouTube and fall in love with cardio again!
3. For Multi-Functional Training: Loop Resistance Bands
Want a small switch up to your bodyweight exercises? Get loop resistance bands! While simple, they can be used for both upper and lower body exercises. Popular options include arm curl, chest fly, twists and various squats. While you can also get only one band, they usually come in sets of three or five. This is because the bands actually have different levels of resistance; some provide only light resistance while others are extremely resistant to movement. This item is the most inexpensive workout equipment on our list, so if you are on a tight budget, this could be the one for you.
4. For Body and Mind: Yoga Mat
Perhaps traditional home workouts aren’t your thing and you want to try yoga for both peace and mind. In that case, a yoga mat is an absolute must. It actually is the only equipment that you have to have for yoga – other pieces of equipment, such as blocks and bolsters, are optional at least in the beginning. Choose a yoga mat that feels comfortable and is of good quality. It’s good to see some reviews as they tell you more about the mat than the pictures online. Tip! If the material feels slippery, do not get it. Nothing’s more annoying than constantly slipping during your three minute yoga pose.
5. For Getting those Steps In: Walking Pad
Do you work from home and spend most of your time sitting? As we all know, spending excessive time sitting is extremely bad for our bodies. We simply are not built for the type of work that many of us unfortunately have to do. This is where walking pads come in handy. Some time ago, they became a huge hit on social media (in particular, on TikTok) as people started to put these walking platforms under their desks. They basically allow you to move while also answering emails and participating in meetings. In the beginning, combining work and exercise may feel weird, so start slowly. Put it on during meetings and, once comfortable, try it on a slow speed outside of meetings as well.
What’s Your Must Have At Home Workout Equipment?
Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge of the top five must-have home workout essentials, it’s time to pull the trigger and put the items into use. Remember however that the number of pieces of equipment is not the end all be all towards successful workouts. You can have only one piece of equipment, like a rebounder, to do a great variety of cardio and even strength exercises. The best equipment is, in the end, your own body. Use bodyweight and a few favorite home workout equipment to enjoy complete and fun exercises.
