If you’re looking for new ways to max your gains without maxing out your bank account, it’s time to think outside of the box when it comes to affordable gym equipment.
You don’t need a fancy gym set-up to achieve your fitness goals. Instead, you need to think smart.
Want to know how?
We’ve got 5 simple and affordable gym equipment ideas to fuel your home workouts.
- THE SKIPPING ROPE
The ultimate calorie burner!
Skipping not only ramps up cardio but also improves coordination and offers an endlessly creative addition to your workout routine.
PRO TIP:
If you’re looking to pump up the intensity, weighted ropes can help to build strength. Trying different jumping techniques and mixing in some bodyweight exercises can also keep things interesting.
There are also plenty of apps that incorporate both strength and cardio training if you’re short on workout ideas!
- THE DUMBBELL
We know approaching the weight rack in the gym can feel like you’re a kid in a sweet shop, but you might not have the same options available at home.
Fear not!
You can still build an effective home gym with a small dumbbell selection and without breaking the bank!
PRO TIP:
Work smart.
Favor compound lifts such as squats and lunges and play around with different techniques:
Time under tension (TUT) refers to the length of time a muscle is held under tension during a working set. Slowing down movement phases can force muscles to work harder.
Volume (increased rep ranges) can be used to increase intensity and load without needing heavy weights. It is a technique often used throughout endurance training.
Using all three planes of motion (frontal, transverse, and sagittal) into exercise can improve mobility, stability, and functional movement, while reducing the risk of injury.
- THE RESISTANCE BAND
If lockdown did anything for the fitness industry, it certainly got our creative juices flowing!
While we can finally ditch the backpacks filled with baked bean tins, or the soup cans for overhead presses, an item that should still be gracing every home is the resistance band!
Affordable, foldable, lightweight, and versatile, resistance bands are easy on the joints and come in a variety of thicknesses for switching up intensity.
What’s not to love?
Resistance bands are a smart replacement for dumbbells and can attach to pull-up bars, benches, and door handles or be used underfoot.
PRO TIP:
Resistance bands are super useful for upper body exercises such as reverse flies, rows, push-ups, and pull-ups.
They’re also a great tool for mobility, stretching, and rehabilitation!
- THE SWISS BALL
Proprioceptive exercise reduces the likelihood of ankle injury and improves mobility and coordination.[1]
Swiss balls are the perfect way to shake up worn-down workouts by challenging balance and core strength.
The added bonus?
They’re lightweight and can be used for a variety of exercises!
PRO TIP:
Try single-sided exercises such as single-arm presses, single-leg hammy curls, and core exercises such as sit-ups and tucks.
- THE PLYO BOX
Boxes are arguably one of the most versatile pieces of equipment found within the fitness industry.
They can be utilized for cardio using an exercise such as box jumps, or included into strength workouts using exercises such as tricep dips, deficit push-ups, or Bulgarian split squats.
This way, you can challenge balance and core strength or use height to target muscles differently.
PRO TIP:
If you’re looking to improve your push-up technique and range of motion, use a plyo box to place your hands on.
Looking for more intensity? Put your feet on the box and use it for deficit push-ups.
Find the best sports equipment suppliers in our directory.
[1] The Benefits of Balance Training, Harvard Health. Retrieved: https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/The_benefits_of_balance_training
