Obesity has unfortunately skyrocketed in this country. More and more people are now relying on fast food for the majority of their meals, and working sedentary desk jobs while performing minimal amounts of exercise.
Data from 2009-2010 indicates that over 78 million adults in the United States are obese, and by 2030, it’s predicted that half of all U.S. population will be obese.
Obesity can lead to negative health effects such as diabetes and heart disease.
If you’re not a fan of these odds, then it’s time to put some extra effort in and start a regular exercise program.
Daily exercise can help lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, and set you up to achieve any weight loss goals you may have.
However, if joining a gym is not feasible at the moment—either you’re a new mom short on time and have no sitter, or just can’t afford the monthly expense—you can always build an efficient gym at home.
This is typically more convenient, motivating, and cheaper in the long run, making it an excellent option for many people new to fitness.
If working out at home intrigues you, here is a list of the gym equipment you’ll need, and how you can utilize it to get in the best shape of your life.
Yoga Mat
This piece of gym equipment is inexpensive and serves many purposes. Yoga mats are typically sold at most sports stores and fitness stores. Use this when you first wake up, or before your workout. Lay it on the ground and perform a few simple stretches. Stretching is a good habit to have since it can help improve your flexibility and circulation.
Search for some popular yoga poses online and practice your routine often. Some good poses to know are:
- Child’s Pose
- Downward Dog
- Tree Pose
- Corpse Pose
A yoga mat can also protect your floors from getting scuffed up while you’re exercising. A mat also provides traction if you live in a carpeted space.
A yoga mat is also a good barrier to have between the floor and your back while you’re performing core exercises in a supine (on your back) position.
Bands
Resistance bands are a great piece of fitness equipment to have if you don’t have a lot of storage. Use them for a quick workout, and fold them up when you’re done.
You can buy them in packs and in varying degrees of resistance.
These are fantastic for lower body exercises like:
- Glute Bridges
- Squats
- Side Walking
- Stiff Legged Deadlifts
- Lunges
Dumbbells
Dumbbells can increase the intensity of your routine tenfold. They are especially great for upper body exercises like:
- Bicep Curls
- Tricep Extensions
- Shoulder Presses
You can do all the cardio you want, but the only way to improve your body composition is to build muscle by incorporating weight training. This piece of gym equipment also comes in varying weight sets. Start with tens and work your way up as you gain strength.
Yoga or Swiss Ball
Swiss balls are giant inflatable balls sold at a majority of sports stores. You can perform many core exercises just using this one piece of at-home fitness equipment. So if your midsection has always been something you’ve been wanting to change, incorporate a yoga ball into your home gym. A strong core will help improve your overall strength and posture.
Conclusion
The right gym equipment can change your fitness routine for the better. By implementing a plan using a variety of dumbbells, resistance bands, and other exercise equipment, you can build a solid routine at home. You’ll get your sweat on, meet all of your goals, and dramatically improve your health.
