Top 4 Pieces of At-Home Gym Equipment that Won’t Break the Bank
We all know the important role resistance training and weight-bearing exercise plays in our overall health and wellness, but let’s be honest—gym memberships can be pricey and some of the at-home gym systems on the market cost as much as a new car. If you feel as though there must be a way to get a killer workout without leaving your wallet empty…you’re right! There is!
Today we’re highlighting 4 pieces of at-home equipment that are easy on the bank account and capable of giving you gym-quality results from the comfort of your own home. Let’s dive in!
Booty Bands
If you are a regular follower of our blog (thank you!) you know my deep and abiding love for booty bands. These inconspicuous strips of rubber or elastic usually come in a set with varying resistance levels and, let me tell you, you won’t believe the difference they can make in the quality of your workout!
Although the name “booty” bands suggests these little workout buddies are limited to use on your lower half, they are equally great at providing resistance training for the arms and shoulders. Trust me when I say your home gym isn’t complete without a set of these affordable training tools.
Release Balls
Friends, if you do not have a couple of release balls in your repertoire, listen to me. Head to your favorite fitness shop or jump online and order a set immediately. No, they are not tennis balls. Yes, you will want to shower me with praise for introducing you to these handy tools that can relieve sore muscles and improve range of motion.
There are a variety of release balls on the market. Your starter set will likely have a dense, foam ball that looks like a racquet or lacrosse ball. This little miracle worker can be rolled along sore muscles, tense shoulder blades, or tight back muscles…and will absolutely change your life. As you grow accustomed to the pressure your can purchase harder release balls or balls with rubber knobs for deep tissue manipulation.
A Set of Dumbbells and/or Kettlebells
A good set of weights is both economical and integral to getting a great at-home workout. Dumbbells are more traditional and provide the extra weight needed to activate muscles and stimulate muscle growth.
If you’re looking to increase power along with strength, working out with kettlebells will make this happen. Swinging kettlebells teaches your body how to work out with a center of gravity that is always changing and builds incredible forearm strength.
Weights are probably the most expensive item on this list but it’s important to remember you don’t need to buy a giant set. If you’re just starting your weightlifting journey, get a pair of 3lb and 5lb weights, and add larger weights as your strength increases.
Foam Roller
Foam rollers fall into the same category as release balls in that they’re great for post-workout recovery and rolling out tense muscles.
Foam rolling before or after workouts can help muscle tightness, inflammation, and improve your range of motion. It may take some getting used to initially, but soon you’ll be groaning that it “hurts so good”.
Don’t believe those who tell you that you must take out a loan to attend a certain gym, or that you’ll only see results by using pricey equipment systems. The truth is, you can get a high-quality, calorie burning workout using the equipment mentioned above…and you never have to break the bank to do it.
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