6 Pieces of Equipment You Can Use to Start Your Fitness Journey

More and more people are trying to save money by canceling their gym memberships and focusing on their own workouts from home. Starting a fitness journey from home can be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. One of the biggest obstacles to overcome when starting out is figuring out what equipment you need to get started. Here are six pieces of equipment you can use from home to start your fitness journey.

Dumbbells

One of the most typical pieces of equipment you should start off with is a dumbbell. Dumbbells are versatile pieces of equipment that can be used to target specific muscle groups and improve your overall strength. They come in various weights and sizes, allowing you to use the right ones for your fitness level and the goals you’re trying to reach.

Some exercises you can engage in include chest presses, shoulder presses, bicep curls, tricep extensions, and even squats. They can add resistance to bodyweight exercises, such as push-ups or lunges, making them even more challenging and effective.

Dumbbells can be used to improve strength, but they can also be used to help increase muscle mass and definition. Effectively, you will be trying to challenge your muscles to work harder, which can help you reach the fitness goal you seek.

Bikes

Biking is a low-cardio exercise that can be done either indoors or outdoors. When it comes to indoor biking, you can purchase a stationary bike that allows you to exercise in the comfort of your home. Road bikes are ideal for those who want to explore the great outdoors and get fresh air. Either can work for you; it comes down to personal preference a lot of the time.

There are many different types of bikes you can choose from. For example, you could choose a spin bike, an upright bike, or a recumbent bike. When selecting a bike, you should consider what sort of riding you will do. If you’re doing off-road biking, you will need a suitable bike to handle that terrain. 

It’s important to choose a bike that is comfortable for you, too, as this will help you stay motivated while riding and help you avoid injury. In addition to choosing the right bike for your needs, it’s also important to consider insurance for your bike. Your bike may be a significant investment, and you should protect it as much as possible. You can get a free instant quote from online providers such as Velosurance to determine how much it could cost and what type of coverage you can receive.

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Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are versatile pieces of equipment that can be used for a variety of exercises. They come in a range of weights, making them a great option for both beginners such as yourself and advanced fitness enthusiasts in general. They are usually relatively cost-effective to pick up, too, and they can be found in various stores.

As the name suggests, they can strengthen you through resistance and often come in different resistance levels. This makes them suitable for individuals of varying fitness levels. You will be able to use them for a variety of exercises. For example, you could use them for bicep curls, triceps extensions, squats, and pull-downs.

Resistance bands are a great alternative to traditional weights, as they can be used to target specific muscle groups. This includes the biceps, triceps, chest, legs, and back. You will also be able to use resistance bands to add resistance to existing bodyweight exercises. This makes them a great option for those looking to build strength and muscle without needing heavy weights.

Yoga Mat

A yoga mat is an essential piece of equipment that can be used for multiple purposes. The most common reason that it is used is for yoga, but it is also useful for anyone wanting to exercise on a soft and supportive surface. Yoga mats provide a cushion between you and the floor, making it a more comfortable place to perform various poses and exercises. Most yoga mats will also provide an element of grip, allowing you to avoid slipping and sliding while working out.

When looking for a new yoga mat, it’s important to consider factors such as size, thickness, and material. You will notice that yoga mats come in various sizes, with some designed to fit larger individuals and others designed to be more compact and portable. Again, the one you pick will likely come down to personal preference. Consider reading yoga mat reviews to discover what’s out there and what could be a good choice for your fitness journey.

The material of your new mat is also important, as it can directly affect the level of grip and durability during your exercise. Some common materials usually used within a yoga mat include PVC, rubber, and natural materials, such as cotton. Each of these materials has its own benefits and drawbacks, so you should consider what you need and how you will use it. Consider trying a few different yoga mats to get a feel for what suits you.

Foam Roller

A foam roller is a simple but effective piece of equipment that can help improve your flexibility and reduce muscle soreness. When done right, foam rolling can also help prevent injury in the future by improving your posture and balance. It helps strengthen core muscles and enables you to increase mobility and your range of motion. You will find it easier to perform various exercises and activities. 

If you use a foam roller, it’s important to ease your way into it. Use it slowly, and work your way up to more intense pressure. Focus on rolling each of your key muscles for 30 seconds to a minute, and avoid applying pressure that causes pain. These rollers can be sourced cheaply, adding to your workout regime quickly.

This makes a foam roller a great investment if you’re looking to improve your flexibility, reduce muscle soreness, and prevent injury. It is an easy piece of equipment to use, as it’s simple and convenient. You should add a foam roller to your workout routine to aid you in your fitness journey.

Jump Rope

Perhaps this is one you are more familiar with but haven’t explored since childhood. If you didn’t know, or if it’s been a while, a jump rope is a simple and effective piece of equipment that can provide a full-body workout and improve cardiovascular health. Jumping ropes come in various lengths, materials, and weights, allowing you to choose the right one for your fitness journey.

A jumping rope workout is a high-intensity exercise that can increase heart rate, burn calories, and strengthen the legs, arms, and core. You can pick up a lighter rope that will be useful to start with, and there are heavier ropes that will be preferable for more advanced jumpers. Similar to the foam roller, your material can also have an effect.

For example, the material of the rope can vary in weight and durability, with options ranging from plastic to leather. These materials can add to your workout or hinder you, depending on your preference. When starting off with a jump rope routine, you should start slow before gradually increasing the intensity as you improve.


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