We want to give you our best essentials, for making your home gym great. There’s a number of adjustments we’ve been making, as we shelter in place, to give our clients more choice in service. One of which is online training, a way for you to be able to complete all your training needs, in the privacy and security of your own home. However, it’s daunting to figure out which equipment you should have ready for online training, when your home might not accommodate for that much space, or you might be on a budget. So, we narrowed down the plethora of equipment choices for you, so you can be a smart gym equipment consumer, and make sure you have all you need for your virtual coaching. Below, please see what we consider, are the bare minimum of equipment purchases you should be on the look out for.
- Weights: Kettlebells or Dumbbells with at least a range for men, a pair of 8lbs, 12 lbs, 15lbs, and 20lbs. For women the range should be 3lbs, 5lbs, 8lbs, and 12lbs. Having a variety of weight ranges is important, but sometimes having the room for all those weights can be problematic in a bedroom, closet, or pushing behind the sofa. Interchangeable weights are new on the market, but are seen as the perfect solution for this. You can find interchangeable weights for kettlebells, barbells, and dumbbells, however they tend to be on the heavier range. If you need light weights, its better to get those as singular weight pairs or as a set.
- Pull-up Bar: It’s one of the rare pieces that can target back muscles, and as a standard you should be able to lift your own body weight in an emergency. Also, pull-up bars can be utilized as an anchor for bands, for upper body and core. There’s a variety of pull up bars that can fit on door frames, and between walls. Always check the measurements on these pull up bars, before purchasing, as some may not fit the door frame or walls, and some don’t have adjustments to fit unique door frames (especially in San Francisco). Check your reviews on these items too, as you want to make sure it’s a reputable product that can hold body weight.
- Resistance Bands: Used in a variety of ways, these can help train muscles everywhere on your bod, as well as help increase weight load for exercise. Bands can also be used in a variety of ways for rehab, core work, flexibility, and assistance for bodyweight exercise. There are a variety of loop bands both large and small, that should be included in your set, as well as straight bands with handle attachments.
- Adjustable Bench: If you have the room, this is a must. Allows for safe guarding of back and posture through a variety of exercises. And helps you to lift heavier and with greater range. This is one of the largest items to purchase, and can be the most cumbersome to store or have in your home, if you don’t have the room. Try to find benches that are foldable and easy to store under a bed, or in a closet to remedy this. As always, check reviews to make sure it’s a reputable product that won’t wear down quickly and can support body weight.
- Yoga / Floor Mat: This should go without saying, but having a Floor Mat or Yoga Mat is necessary for any floor exercises, or for having a designated area in which to stretch. Having a yoga/floor mat is essential for making sure you relieve pressure on your lower back during abdominal exercises, or perhaps exercises that involve being on your knees. However, having a mat is also useful for giving traction on a slippery floor, or for making sure your sweat stays contained in one area. Everyone needs a good mat!