While fitness centers are starting to open, a lot of people are still opting to do their workout at home to avoid crowds and the risk that comes with it. This means people are stocking up personal gym equipment at home to transition their exercises from the gyms. Although people would want to have their own treadmills, bench presses, and squat rack, it’s just not practical for most, since you’ll have limited space to work with inside your bedroom, living room, or guest room. But if you’re starting out, what gym equipment should you be stocking up? Here’s a list of items you can start with and build on as you progress in your home workout program:

TRX Suspension Trainer

This is a basic bodyweight exercise system that allows you to work your core, upper, and lower body. Although it may look cumbersome at first, the exercises done with the trainer will also help develop your stability and balance. Many experts have high praise for the TRX Suspension trainer, some would even go as far as saying that when used correctly, it could be the only equipment you’ll need. It’s because of its versatility that it allows you to mix different exercises into your routine.

Non-slip Mat

Commonly known as the yoga mat, but you don’t have to limit its use to only that. This mat can make stretching and other calisthenic exercises more comfortable. You’ll be able to perform exercises that can develop your core and other major muscle groups on this mat. Because it’s non-slip it’ll save you a trip to the ER if you have slippery polished floors at home. It also creates a zone that defines your private space, this makes you mentally focused on your motion while you work out.

Strapped Weights

These weights work your resistance strength by just wearing them while you do basic exercise movements. There are two common types of these weights, you may need both of them as you start your home workout.

1. Ankle Weights

Weighted bands strapped around your ankles. This equipment trains your lower body and develops your strength in the area. Most of the exercise performed while wearing this device primarily develops your legs.

2. Wrist Weights

Similar to ankle weights, this resistance training device particularly targets the arms and some parts of the upper torso. With the weight, you’ll be able to work your arms by doing the most basic movements.

Kettlebells

With kettlebells, you’ll be able to perform a plethora of resistance exercises. There is a wide range of available weights and designs to boot. From a run of the mill type to a more versatile variety, it’s advisable to learn more from a comprehensive kettlebell review before buying one. This simple fitness “cannonball with handles” helps develop your flexibility, control, and overall strength.

All-purpose Dumbbells

Similar to kettlebells, this basic workout equipment is suitable for building muscle either through compound exercises or isolation movements. This durable, versatile, and reliable free weight equipment allows you to perform a myriad of workout routines targeting specific areas of your body. It also has a wide range of weights suitable for those who are just starting out and for seasoned athletes.

Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are rubber-like flexible bands with varying shear strength delivering a range of resistance to the movements of its user. These bands help in promoting flexibility and allowing a greater range of motion.

Tubes with Handles

Because of its handles, this type of resistance band allows for numerous strength training. Similar to exercises as you would with a cable, you can do chest, triceps, and bicep exercises with this equipment. The basic movements and usage make a resistance tube with handles suitable equipment for beginners. If you’re searching for bands to enhance your strength, I suggest exploring these strength-training bands. LIT Axis is a smart resistance band that offers up to 200 lbs of resistance and can monitor your reps, resistance level, and time spent under tension and identifies any muscle imbalances.

Loops

This unassuming small and lightweight workout equipment is capable of helping you improve your strength, flexibility, and control in more ways than you can do in a single session. You can wrap it around your hips, knees, or ankles and perform basic leg exercise will stimulate targeted muscles better.

Medicine Ball

Medicine balls help you develop strength and explosiveness in your motion. By contracting your muscles and stretching it a fluid motion, it helps you store the energy needed when you tighten your muscle then explode. It also improves your balance and coordination, by doing a twisting action with a medicine ball helps activate deep muscles and develop all the muscle groups needed for that motion.

It comes in varying sizes and weights, which enables you to choose a suitable type for your level. Medicine balls allow you to safely train your body to develop different muscle chains needed for different types of motion, this and the added strength and power.

Skip Rope

A skipping rope or a jumping rope is an excellent equipment for cardio and endurance exercises. You can develop your stamina and coordination along with being a great warm-up exercise to start your session. As a beginner, you might find it difficult at first to find your footing but with persistence, you’ll be able to go on for minutes without having to stop or trip on yourself. It also helps strengthen your foot and ankles which then reduces the risk of injuries. This is because you’ll be trained to stand on the balls of your feet rather than being flat-footed. Additionally, you’d look really cool doing tricks and going really fast with a weighted rope.

Exercise Ball

Also known as, Stability ball, this particular equipment offers a host of benefits for your workouts at home. You can use them for bodyweight exercises, do core strengthening planks and squats, improves flexibility, and promotes spinal health. Incorporating an exercise ball into your workout routine, helps you maintain a proper execution for a variety of exercises that prevents injuries and other complications.

These exercise equipment work well whether you follow a program or you have a Zoom session with your trainer. It’ll help you perform each movement correctly and maximize your workout routine to get the most out of your program. You don’t have to limit yourself with this list, as mentioned, you may require other equipment as you progress through your program. Working out from the gym or outdoors may also influence the needs of your home workout equipment.