Here's Everything You Need To Build The Perfect Home Gym
The fun parts of winter, seeing family, the time off, is coming to a close. Now you realize you've put on an extra 5 pounds in the last few weeks, and it's such a pain dragging yourself to the gym in 20-degree weather.
And it's even worse after your workout when you have to get back out into the cold, completely drenched in sweat, to make your way home.
Let's forget all that.
Instead, make your life easier and create a minimalist home gym right in your house.
Insider Picks has put together the essentials that you'll need - without sacrificing the intensity of a regular gym.
Regular sit-ups and push-ups are fine, but if you want to turn your home into a mini gym, we recommend stacking up with some of these tools. The 'Ab Carver Pro' will work your abs and arms better than regular sit-ups because you'll have to work on balancing as well.
Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro | Amazon
You can amp up ab workouts by doing them on stability balls. And bonus points: it doubles as a chair that will help with your posture.
2000lbs Anti-Burst Exercise Stability Ball | Amazon
Tone Fitness Stability Ball | Amazon
Waccess 13" Athletic Inflatable Balance Stability Fitness Cushion Disc | Amazon
Similar to fitness cushion disc, but these are thick and not-inflatable. Just trying doing squats on them. (Be careful not to roll your ankle.)
Black High Density Foam Rollers (36-inch) | Amazon
Black High Density Foam Rollers (6 x 12 inch) | Amazon
Muscle Building:
Kettle bells were trendy at first, but they've quickly become a workout staple. They're a must-have because they combine cardio and strength training. Just think, you won't have to die of boredom getting your cardio work out done on treadmill at the gym.
ProSource Solid Cast Iron Kettle Bell Weights | Amazon
Aside from Kettle Bells, it's good to have your average dumb bells on hand. If you're looking to tone, get a lighter weight and do more reps with them. If you're looking to build muscles, get a heavier weight and do less reps with them.
Yes4All Rubber Coated Hex Dumbbells | Amazon
SPRI Deluxe Rubber Dumbbells | Amazon
Gold's Gym 40 Pound LB Vinyl Cement Dumbbell Weight Set | Amazon
Flexibility:
Stretching is important - especially because it prevents injuries. Get yourself some stretch bands to help stretch out the tighter parts. It's a good idea to have various levels of stretchiness (more stretchy for where you're less flexible, and vice versa).
Valeo Stretch Bands | Amazon
Aylio 3 Flat Stretch Bands | Amazon
Resistance:
If you think your basic push-ups, lunges and squats are easy - these things are for you.
A fitness vest adds an extra however-many-you-want pounds to your core, which will add intensity to everything you do. We recommend going for the 20-pound if you've never used one before.
Perfect Fitness Vest, 20-pounds | Amazon
Perfect Fitness Weight Vest, 40-pounds | Amazon
Similar to the vest, except - naturally - for the ankles. Wear them while doing lunges, leg lifts, or V-sit ups for extra resistance.
All Pro Weight Adjustable Ankle Weights 10-lb pair | Amazon
Gold's Gym Adjustable Ankle Weights | Amazon
Fitness bands (also called resistance bands) are a great way to strengthen isolated muscle groups - which is something that can't be done with weight machines. Bonus: they're light and easy to take with you on business trips, so you can even work out with them in your hotel room.
Perfect Fitness Bands (Extreme) 50-Pounds | Amazon
Weighted gloves aren't too heavy, so you could easily wear them during your entire work out to add a touch of resistance to any movement you do. They'll act sort of like mini-weights, and help tone your arms.
Title Boxing Strong Hands Weighted Gloves | Amazon
Master of Muscle Jump Rope | Amazon
Valeo Deluxe Speed Rope | Amazon
Mats:
Many exercises are done on the floor - but no one wants to end a workout with bruises all over their elbows, knees and tailbone. Getting an exercise mat is a great way to protect your body.
HemingWeigh Extra Thick Foam Exercise Mat | Amazon
SPRI Exercise Mat | Amazon
Yoga has officially gone mainstream, and if you want to keep up your practice at home, you're going to need your own mat. (Plus, if you go to a yoga studio as well, just bring your own mat instead of pre-used one. Gross.)
Prosource Premium Yoga Mat | Amazon
Sivan Health and Fitness NBR Yoga Mat | Amazon
Accessories:
There's one sure-fire way to see how much (or how little) progress you've made. Invest in a scale - numbers don't lie.
Perfect Fitness Scale | Amazon
TG Mens Remedy Digital Scale | Amazon
The cooling towel is a life saver. Not only does it keep you dry, but the cooling effect will keep you from overheating during workouts. Plus, it's made of evaporative material.
Perfect cooling towel | Amazon
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