Gym Closed? Set Up our Own

If your gym is closed, or if you simply want to use some of that extra time at home to get more active, just a few inexpensive  items of equipment can make home workouts more varied and effective. Thankfully, there are simple yet clever items available that can give you variable resistance for strength workouts, and most come with exercise suggestions or even whole workout plans, so that you can start using them right away. Click on the photo or name to view and buy on Amazon.

Resistance tubing – Get different strengths; a door attachment is smart! 

Stability Ball – Available in different sizes. (Check size guide to order the right size for you.)

Yoga Mat – I wouldn’t get anything thicker than 4mm, unless you’re working out on hardwood floor. If you have carpet, this thickness is more than enough. In fact, if you’re planning on doing standing exercises on the mat, you want as little cushioning as possible, as soft flooring will make the exercise much harder.

Dumbbells – This can get pricey quickly, but a few sets (e.g. 3lbs, 5lbs, 7 or 8lbs, 10lbs, 12lbs, 15lbs) can go a long way! Invest in individual dumbbell sets rather than a set where you combine different size plates on short bars – it can be cumbersome and time-consuming to change weights between different exercises (particularly if you’re alternating different exercises that require different amounts of resistance)

If you want something a little different, want to take your workout outdoors, get a Suspension Trainer – TRX is the classic brand everyone knows, but there are many others. Important: Think where you are most likely to use it and then pick your kit based on the attachment options it offers (e.g. over the door attachment, wall anchor, strap for anchoring around tree branches etc.). 

Top photo: Bigstock