Having your own gym can be a luxury. But there are a lot of things to consider aside from the cost. How big is the space you have at home? Whether you have a dedicated zone for a small home gym or you’re just training in the living room, you still can make this a reality. So having a small space will not be such a hindrance anymore.
Here are several gym equipment that can help you stick to a fitness routine even if you don’t have the luxury of space.
Dumbbells
These are very versatile gym equipment and can be used by both beginners and gym rats. You can create a variety of fitness exercises with just a single pair. But of course, you have to know which weight to work with. For beginners, it’s often better to start with lighter weights and then gradually progress to heavier ones as your body gets stronger.
A single pair of dumbbells will not eat space. But as you progress into your routine, you will need to increase the load. So it’s crucial to consider your fitness goals before buying.
Here are several factors to consider when choosing what dumbbells weigh to work. Exercises for the lower body such as the legs and the butt will often require heavier dumbbell sets.
Adjustable dumbbells
This Is the best alternative if you need varying weights but don’t have enough space to accommodate several sets of dumbbells. You can have access to different weights without having to buy tons of sets. You will need to pay more, but this is a wise investment if your space is an issue but you need to progress with your program.
25 lbs Pair Adjustable Dumbbell Set, Fast Adjust Dumbbell Weight for Exercises Pair Dumbbells for Men and Women in Home Gym Workout Equipment, Dumbbell with Tray Suitable for Full BodyKettlebells
Like dumbbells, you can also create a smorgasbord of challenging exercises with kettlebells. And similar to dumbbells, you also need varying weights as you get stronger. So it can also eat up a large space should you need kettlebells of varying loads.
Make sure to buy kettlebells that are made of cast iron. Some may also have a neoprene covering to enhance the grip. This can be a better option for beginners and those with a loose grip.
Adjustable kettlebells
As with dumbbells, kettlebells also have an adjustable version. This rids the hassle of buying more than one piece of equipment. It can also be bulkier than dumbbells so you have to consider the available space you have for your home gym.
With an adjustable kettlebell, you just need to run a dial to add more weights to the load, making it seem you have 5 to 6 kettlebells with just a single piece.
Stationary bike
This is a great option if you don’t have the luxury of space for a regular-sized treadmill. Bikes are also better choices if you need a lower-impact cardio workout. It can give you almost the same benefits as running on a treadmill without putting too much load on your knees.
It also has a dial that can help you add or lessen the resistance on the legs. Thus, you still can train your lower body by adding more load to the bike.
Rowing machine
If you have a bit more space in your home gym or living room for unique cardio equipment, this can provide more muscular engagement. Apart from improving your cardiovascular health, you can also train both your lower and upper body with a rowing machine.
Albeit being bigger than a bike, you can prop it parallel to a wall and it can eat a smaller space.
As with bikes, this is also a low-impact cardio machine and can be used by those with knee injuries. You can also increase your cardiovascular strength and endurance better as this engages multiple muscle groups at the same time.
Suspension training
TRX or any similar suspension training system can provide a whole-body workout focusing on weight-bearing exercises. You can create a variety of fun and challenging routines for all the body parts using your own body weight as resistance. It’s also a versatile piece of equipment as you can pair it with other gym pieces such as a medicine ball and Swiss ball to create more challenging routines.
It also takes up minimal space and you can even hang it by the door.
Adjustable weight bench
This is a must if you need to do exercises that require you to lift weights either in a flat or inclined position. This complements a dumbbell exercise and can help you get the most out of the weights.
It’s better than getting just a simple flat or an incline bench. You only need a single bench to be able to do varying types of exercise at different intensity levels.
Medicine ball
These are great tools if you need to build strength and stability. Medicine balls also come in a variety of sizes and weights. The smaller ones are often used for abdominal exercise while the heavier ones ( swiss balls) are utilized to complement floor exercises or HIIT training.
Resistance bands
These come in a variety of resistance and are often utilized for lower-impact exercises. Bands are mostly used for exercises that work the glutes, like squats, hip bridges, hip thrusts, hip abductions, clam shells, and pilates- like routines. They are also great for beginners and can pose minimal to no risk of injuries.
Yoga mat
These are a must for floor exercises, Pilates, and yoga. You can easily fold it up when not in use.
This helps you add stability and create a safe and grippy base for a lot of basic and challenging mat exercises.
There are a variety of yoga mats in the market today. Each one possesses varying levels of grip and thickness. If you are doing challenging floor exercises, Pilates, or yoga routines, it’s best to get a yoga mat that has an impressive grip. This helps have a safe and steady base that can help you do the exercises properly, thus preventing injuries and maximizing the result.
Slides
These are very small and basic equipment that can add a lot of challenge and difficulty to your usual exercises. Adding slides to simple exercises amps up the core challenge.
For instance, you can easily prop them underneath your feet when you’re mountain climbers. This turns a simple exercise into a hard one.
Weighted jumping rope
If you don’t like bikes, rowing machines, or running on a treadmill, a jump rope presents a rather fun way to do your cardio routine. Add weights to it and you can also train your legs and lower body.
This piece of equipment also takes up very little space. So this is the next best alternative if a bike doesn’t fit into our home gym.
Small space for a home gym? No problem!
Not everyone has the time to work out at the commercial gym. And sometimes investing in your own gym equipment is wiser than paying an expensive membership fee at the gym.
You don’t need a very large space to create a comfortable nook for training at home. You just need to purchase a suitable piece of equipment for your fitness goals and assign a decent amount of space for a training zone in your home.