The current lock down of large parts of UK society it is a challenging time for those looking to keep fit. So what’s the best home gym equipment? Adjusting to a new home workout routine is difficult and adapting your current program is vital. The best thing you can do is stick to a routine.
But what is the best overall exercise equipment for home? This will depend on what you currently do and what you’d like to achieve whilst working out at home.
What do I need for a home gym?
The main elements to consider will be, what space do you have, budget, and what you want to achieve. I always say start simple and see what you enjoy. there’s no pressure to go getting all the latest kit. A few simple bits can work wonders.
A decent effective workout for the body can be achieved with nothing but body weight only. Although I would still recommend a good pair of yoga socks with grippy soles. This is important depending on the surface you’re working out on. Oh and a mat!
What is the best home gym equipment?
Now there’s no surprise that the home gym equipment market is completely saturated with marketing and spin.
There is no end of keyword stuffing and exaggerated posing photo’s emphasising the body part that a piece of equipment claims to improve.
That’s not to say the best home gym kit still can’t be found. Check out our list below that’s hand picked from the best sellers.
Okay, lets take a look at our favourites and why
1. Kettlebells
Our no1 top pick. Kettlebells truly come into their own in these circumstances. Due to their size they can give you several different workout modalities. Strength, Muscular endurance, CV & flexibility.
Good bits
- Whole Body Workout
- Easy to store
- Effective
Bad bits
- On the expensive side
- Costly to ship
- Technique very important
2. TRX Training
Another great all over body workout that can be adjusted depending on fitness level and ability. A great tool for getting a whole body workout. Suspension training is useful for all over body strength. If navy seals use them well they must be decent.
Good bits
- Whole body workout
- Easy to store
- Robust
Bad bits
- Need to be secured
- On the expensive side (depending on brand)
- Technique can take time to master
3. Resistance Bands
CoolGirl Exercise resistance bands play on the power of marketing to entice you to use their product. Resistance band have been around for a long time. They are a great full body workout using tension. Angle can be changed to make this a great workout.
Good bits
- Easy to Store
- Versatile
- Whole body workout
Bad bits
- Fiddly changing straps
- Prone to damage if not careful
- Difficult to get back in bag 🙂
4. Xn8 Neoprene Dumbbells
A simple pair of dumbbells gives you the ability to provide an awesome workout. Exercises can be done statically or as part of more dynamic movement. Both compound and isolation exercises can be worked.
Good bits
- Easy to store
- Versatile, whole body workout
- Great for strength
Bad bits
- You need a few to progress
- Easy picked up incorrectly
- Requires consistency
5. POWER GUIDANCE Battle Rope
On the more vigorous exercise end, battle ropes will work you hard. You can get different diameter ropes with varying lengths. The thicker and bigger the harder the workout.
Good bits
- Vigorous full body workout
- Easy to use
- Great for outdoors
Bad bits
- Can take up space
- Difficult to clean
- Technique needs to be built
6. Proworks Small Exercise Ball
Exercises balls or Swiss balls as they’re otherwise known became popular in the early nineties. They can be used with body weight only or as a complimentary piece of kit. Great for abdominal work.
Good bits
- Great fun all body workout
- Simple concept
- Versatile, doubles up as a bench or seat
Bad bits
- Take a while to pump up
- Can go flat
- Difficult to master
7. Sportstech Pull-up Bar
The problem with pull up bars is you have to put hem somewhere so this can limit their use by a lot of people. The stand alone units from the like of pullupmate.co.uk are a viable alternative.
Good bits
- Great upper body workout
- Simple to install
- Space saver
Bad bits
- Hard to progress depending on starting point
- Doesn’t work the legs (without a bit of creativity)
- On the pricey side
8. Proworks Balance Cushion
Often used by physiotherapists as part of injury rehabilitation. Wobble boards can provide a challenging workout. Balance is trained not something you have, or don’t have.
Good bits
- Great for stability work
- Easy to store
- relatively inexpensive
Bad bits
- Hard to master
- Limited strength work outside body weight
- Quite specific training range
9. JX FITNESS Adjustable Weight Bench
A complimentary piece of kit but very useful. Adding a bench if you have room will open your workouts to the use of height and angles. There are a ton of useful bench workouts.
Good bits
- Great for adding levels and angles
- Adjustable
- Robust and versatile
Bad bits
- Takes up space
- Needs extra weights or body weight creativity
- Cumbersome to move
10. Starwood Sports Foam Roller
More of a warm up/cool down rehab piece of kit. The foam roller is a great way to self massage muscles. There does take a bit of practice to learn the angles but when you do you’ll never look back.
Good bits
- Great Self Massage
- Easy to store
- Relatively Inexpensive
Bad bits
- Can be difficult to master
- Can cause discomfort
- Singular fitness modality
11. Ozaiic Yoga Socks
Not only are they comfortable but great if you have a slippy floor. Yoga socks have a grippy surface on the bottom to prevent slipping. Practising Yoga or Pilates in a lock down is a great way to stay fit.
Good bits
- Very comfortable
- Good price point
- Very grippy
Bad bits
- Limited colour range
- Feels weird between toes to start
- Can get sweaty
The power of routine
Whatever home gym equipment you choose to go with, try to keep to a regular workout routine. You will have to adjust to a smaller daily environment. The current government guidelines state that 1 hours outdoors exercise is permissible as long as social distancing is observed. For those not self isolating.
If jumping up and down in house or garden isn’t your thing then it’s time to get creative with the best home gym equipment avialable.
#StayStrongStaySafe
