If getting to the gym regularly is not possible due to caring for children, or you’re not really a fan of working out in front of the world and his wife, you might want to consider creating your own mini gym at home. It doesn’t have to be anything extensive, just a few small bits of equipment that can be stored easily, but that mean you don’t have an excuse not to workout when you can’t get to the gym. Home gym equipment can be as costly or inexpensive as you like. Tot up your budget - maybe it could be the amount of money you would save on a year’s gym membership - and kit your home out. Here are some great bits of equipment you might want to consider.
Kettlebells
I don’t know who invented kettlebells, but honestly, they need a medal. Perhaps the greatest addition to home workouts, they’re versatile, simple to use, and turn any basic exercise into a brilliant cardio workout. It’s recommended that you start at the lighter end, so around eight kilos for women, and work your way up to the 16kg weights. It could be worth investing in a class for the first couple of times you use them, just to ensure that your form is okay and you’re not opening yourself up to injury. But after that you’re good to use them however you like - there are even some great workout suggestions for kettlebells available online for free.
Jump rope
Not just for kids, a skipping rope is a great addition to your home workout, takes no space at all to store, and only costs a couple of pounds. For a high-intensity cardio workout, with minimal impact, there’s really nothing better to choose, and it only takes a few minutes so it’s great during baby’s naptime. It’ll take a while to build up stamina - it’s nowhere near as easy as it was when we were seven years old - but once you get the hang of it, you’ll soon reap the rewards in no time.
Mini trampoline
I’m not suggesting you go out and buy a trampoline just for yourself, but if Santa happened to bring your kids one, I would highly recommend having a go once they’re in bed. It’s an absolutely brilliant cardio and core workout, and a whole lot of fun as well.
Parallettes
In case you’ve not heard of them, parallettes are two mobile parallel bars on the floor, which enable you to add new exercises to your usual workout. This inexpensive equipment is easy to store, can be used anywhere, and allows you do to exercises such as push-ups without strain on the wrist, while also pushing your muscles to the limit - a great addition to your home gym.
Yoga mat
If you want to get ripped, but you need some relaxation time as well, consider taking up yoga. A few lessons to learn the basics is all you need before you can do most of it from home, with the help of online videos. The best thing is, the only equipment you need is a workout mat, which can be rolled up and tucked away at the end of your workout.
A home gym doesn’t have to take over your house, but it could well make over your life.
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