You’ve tried gym memberships, but life tends to get in the way and you never go as often as you would like. Now is the time to think about setting up a home gym and making sure that you get in at least 30 to 45 minutes of exercise several times a week. As you make the plans for purchasing equipment, keep these three essentials in mind. They’ll provide what you need to get started and will pave the way for adding other equipment over time.
Jump Ropes
Not all types of home gym equipment have to take up much space or require the aid of a pro to set up. Jump and other types of fitness ropes are a prime example. The right kind of ropes allow you to have a lot of fun as you get into the process of working out. Along with the fun, the right ropes provide excellent support for your cardiovascular system and help build endurance. When buying the ropes, make sure to learn about different techniques that will allow you to put them to the best possible use.
A Versatile Utility Bench
Utility benches are a must in any home gym. The right one can be adjusted for different kinds of exercises while providing the support that you need to manage those routines responsibly. For example, a functional bench will recline so you can perform a series of sit-ups. That same bench will provide an easy way to lift weights and help to build upper body strength. A design that also allows you to lift weights with your legs while providing the lower back support you need will also be a great help. You may find that much of your workout time is spent utilizing the bench for several different routines.
The Basic Push Up Bar
Push ups remain a staple of most workouts. Choosing to invest in push up bar helps to make this old exercise more effective than simply dropping to the floor and seeing how many times you can move up and down. With a bar for each hand, it’s easy to ensure your arms and hands are spaced in accordance with the set of your shoulders. Those grips make it easier to maintain your form as you go through each repetition. If you haven’t worked out in a long time, those bars allow you to do the push ups while on your knees. As you tone your upper body and acquire a little more strength, it will be easier to not rely on your knees and really begin to tone those muscles in your arms, shoulders, and upper back.
Over time, you’ll find other equipment to add to the home gym. In the interim, start with these basics and learn how to use them to best effect. In the weeks to come, you’ll notice how they aid you in increasing the number of rounds you do during each exercise, and how they are helping you to shed excess pounds and build muscle mass. Before long, it won’t be a matter of having to work out, it will be more along the lines of wanting to get home and jump right into that workout before you do anything else.
