Sometimes, when I want to start a new routine, I feel an urge to buy every single item related to that activity. It gives me a sense of comfort that I am doing something about it.
Does it happen to you, too?
Let’s take fitness as an example. For many people home workouts can make the difference between staying consistent and not finding time to exercise at all. But do you need to buy expensive home fitness equipment that takes up half of your living room?
In my experience – no. I am sharing the list of the only 3 home fitness equipment pieces that you really need for effective workouts. And two bonus ideas if you want to go the extra mile.
Also make sure to read till the end to find out which overrated home fitness equipment you don’t really need.
List of the best home fitness equipment:
1. Exercise mat
I know that technically you can exercise on your carpet, a blanket, towel and so on. There are 2 reasons why I recommend getting a proper exercise mat:
A. Physical. To protect your lower back, wrists and knees
B. Psychological. Setting up your corner for exercise from the day before will double your chance of actually going ahead and doing it.
For more ways to trick your mind into working out, check out How to keep up your motivation to exercise.
2. Dumbbells
Dumbbells are the single most versatile home fitness equipment. You can literally train every single part of your body with dumbbells. Send me a DM on Instagram if you want me to create a blog post/ video about my at home full body routine with dumbbells.
For maximum efficiency, I recommend getting two sets of dumbbells – a weight that is comfortable for you for maintainance exercises. And one weight up for days when you are ready to really push yourself.
3. Exercise band/ resistance band
I want to be honest here and admit that resistance bands on their own are not challenging enough to make me see the same progress as when exercising with weights.
BUT resistance bands have their own benefits. I mainly use them in two ways:
A. When traveling
B. To increase the resistance of my dumbbells so I don’t need to buy heavier ones
Bonus home fitness equipment
While these 2 types of home fitness equipment are not a must, I find them extremely effective.
4. Kettlebell
Check out this video tutorial for the 4 best lower body exercises with kettlebell.
5. Abs roller wheel
Nothing makes my abs muscles as sore as a good abs roller workout of 3 sets x 10 reps, 2 times a week. It will take less than 10 minutes but you will love how you look in a 2 piece swimsuit 😉
Here is a video of how to use abs roller.
Which home fitness equipment you don’t need
Unless it is a passion of yours that you have practiced for a long time, don’t waste your money on a treadmill, elliptical or indoor cycling bike. Let’s face it, there are cheaper options for places to hang your laundry.
The only exception is: if you really cannot summon the will to stay motivated to exercise. And combining cardio on any of these machines while watching Netflix or reading a book will be the game changer for starting a consistent exercise routine.
But if this is not the case, there are plenty of follow along videos with HIIT or Tabata exercises online which require no equipment. And trust me, they are effective to get your sweat on. Check out Sport by blondie on Instagram for quick, easy and fun ideas.
Congratulations on deciding to start a home workout routine! It will be the beginning of something great! Just grab a mat and dumbbells and don’t worry about anything else.
