If you want to get fit, you’re better off doing it at a gym.
Treadmills, ellipticals, and recumbent bikes are great for people who don’t have a lot of time to work out or for those who prefer exercising indoors.
But if you’re serious about getting into shape, you need to invest in a few pieces of gym equipment that will help you develop specific muscle groups and see results faster.
Here are the five best pieces of home gym equipment that will get you started on the path to achieving your health and fitness goals:
1. Exercise Ball
An exercise ball is great for working out your core muscles. When working out with an exercise ball, it’s important to use proper form so that you don’t injure yourself and so that you get the most out of your routine.
There are many different activities that you can do using an exercise ball including crunches, push-ups, squats, back extensions and more. Exercising with an exercise ball helps strengthen the muscles in your back, which can reduce pain associated with conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis and more.
2. Barbell and weights: This is an obvious one. A barbell set will allow you to perform all of the classic weightlifting exercises like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, rows, and more. You can use it for both upper-body and lower-body exercises like overhead presses and lunges. Most barbells have clips at either end that allow them to connect to plates so you can change your weight load easily.
3. A weight bench. You don’t need all the weights you’d find in a gym, but you do need some way to work your upper body and build muscle. A weight bench gives you a place to sit and put the weights where they’re easy to reach. It’s also helpful if you decide to do any abdominal exercises because it will give you something stable to hold onto while performing crunches and similar moves.
4. Treadmill: If you plan on running outside and don’t want to brave the weather, having a treadmill in your home is a great way to have that freedom. You can also use one for walking, jogging, sprinting and more!
