Finding the right home gym equipment can be confusing, especially if you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for. In this post, fitness trainer, Anthony Bailey reveals his top three most effective pieces of kit you need.
Although working out at the gym has many positives, it can be expensive time-consuming and even just a bit annoying for some people.
So, if you’re trying to balance your career with bringing up a family and keeping fit, then perhaps working out with some home gym equipment might suit you better.
If that sounds like you, then this post is an overview of a recent podcast I recorded with personal trainer and nutritionist, Anthony Bailey from ABFitness to find out exactly what the most effective pieces of home gym equipment are.
To get the full story, you can listen to the podcast by clicking below (18 minute listen).
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[maxbutton id=”18″ url=”https://open.spotify.com/episode/3d7V7wnBhPjNwLnxdLrUrd] [maxbutton id=”17″ url=”https://anchor.fm/smashingfifty/episodes/Home-gym-equipment-The-3-most-effective-pieces-you-need-ef5og7″]The 3 most effective pieces of home gym equipment are:
1. Adjustable Dumbells
“Adjustable dumbells are those that have plates and screws on the sides so that you can change the weights accordingly.
“These are the number one piece of home gym equipment because they’re just so versatile.
“You can push, pull and lift with them and they’ll work your stabilisers more than a long barbell, meaning they’ll help to maintain stability and balance as well as strength.
“In addition, you’ll find that you’re utilising all of your muscle groups just by knowing a few simple exercises and so they’re a must-have.”
2. TRX (Tactical resistance exercise)
“Also known as suspension trainers, these are the straps that you see people hanging off in the park.
“They work by creating resistance against your own bodyweight depending on the angle or position you’re in.
“They’re fantastic because they utilise your body weight and you can simply attach them to your door at home.
What’s also great, is that they’re really small so they pack away easily and you can carry them around with you too – or even take them on your holidays!
“Most of the exercises that you use them for will engage your core too so you get plenty of bang for your buck with this piece of equipment.”
TRXtraining.com is a good place to start finding out more.
3. Exercise mat
“This one sounds really simple, and it is, but having a nice cushioned surface such as a yoga mat can make your workout much more comfortable and give you extra grip too.
“There are so many simple body weight exercises you can do on a mat too and having that extra level of comfort will really make all the difference.”
Related: The benefits of joining a gym – 20 reasons to sign up
Those three items combined will give you a really broad scope for the number of exercises and workouts you can get done at home, and for not that much money either.
Additionally, Anthony recommends the following:
- Kettlebells
- Resistance bands
- Glide pads or ab roller
- Foam roller
- Barbell
- Swiss ball (this can double as a bench to lie on)
- Pull-up bar
- Skipping rope (great for cardio)
And for those with more space and cash:
- Weights bench
- Boxing gloves & Punchbags
- Rowing machine
- Stationary bike
If you’re into cycling or triathlon, you could invest in a turbo trainer which allows you to fit your existing bike by removing the back wheel and cycle at home.
The best home gym equipment using stuff you already have at home
“You can do a lot with your own body weight, but a bag full of books is great for doing squats with or single-arm rows with.
“Additionally, with two bottles of water, you can do reverse flies which are really important to do if you’re doing a lot of pushing exercises.”