You don’t need to invest in expensive, bulky exercise equipment in order to work out at home. There are plenty of low cost, easily stored options for both cardio and strength training.
Cardio workouts
Jump ropes and agility ladders are effective and inexpensive ways to get a cardio workout at home.
Strength training
Handweights: with strength training, you need a range of weights. Some exercises need more resistance than others and you will get stronger and need bigger weights for all exercises with practice. Buying multiple sets of handweights is expensive and can be a problem for storage. Adjustable weights are a good solution. Even with adjustable weights, though, one size doesn’t fit all. To start strength training, the 2-5 lb set below is ideal, while experienced strength trainers will want a bit more resistance. The second set is more suited to improvers.
Ankle weights: these are good for adding resistance to both standing and mat leg work. Like handweights, if you choose adjustable versions, this allows you to progress without having to buy more equipment.
Bands and tubes: these are a great choice for home workouts. They come in sets of varying resistance and take up very little storage space. You can use either for both upper and body workouts, although in general the mini bands work better for legs and the tubes for upper body.
Exercise mat
You need some sort of cushioning if you’re working on a hard floor. Thicker exercise mats are better for abs work because they’re more comfortable for your spine. Look for mats that have straps which will keep them rolled up for easy storage – like the one below:
Pilates ring
Finally, a Pilates ring is a good piece of equipment for home workouts, even if you don’t do Pilates. It can be used for ab and upper body strength work and is especially good for working the inner thighs – an area that is hard to work at home (see here for more about this).
