Looking to Level Up Your Home Workouts. Here are 15 Must-Have Gear For Building Your Own Home Gym

Looking to Level Up Your Home Workouts. Here are 15 Must-Have Gear For Building Your Own Home Gym

Invest in a High-Quality Yoga Mat to Cushion Hard Floors

As someone who has done at-home workouts for years, I’ve learned the hard way that a good yoga mat is essential for cushioning hard floors. I initially tried to save money by using a cheap $10 mat from the discount store, but quickly realized my joints were aching during plank poses and lunges. What a rookie mistake!

After consulting with my yogi sister, I invested in a high-quality, extra thick Nike yoga mat. The difference was night and day! With ample cushioning under my knees and hips, I could hold planks comfortably and flow through vinyasas without joint pain. No more sore wrists in downward dog either thanks to the mat’s superb grip and stability.

Think of a quality yoga mat as the foundation of your home gym. Just like you wouldn’t build a house on a shaky base, don’t skimp on the mat that will support countless burpees, mountain climbers, and warrior poses. Nike makes excellent mats that provide the ideal balance of cushioning and density for home workouts. They absorb shock better than hard floors to protect your joints during high-impact moves.

As a bonus, most Nike mats come with antimicrobial treatments that inhibit bacteria growth and odors even after countless sweaty workouts. No more stinky mats – hooray! They also have textured surfaces that prevent slipping and sliding during hot yoga sessions or plyometric exercises.

While more pricey than basic mats, Nike’s mats are durable and built to handle wear-and-tear. Consider it an investment in your body that will ultimately save you money on physiotherapy down the road! Protect those precious knees and treat yourself to a professional-grade mat.

Try Doing Jumping Jacks on Concrete Versus a Yoga Mat

Need proof that a good mat saves your joints? Try doing jumping jacks on a hard concrete floor versus a cushy Nike mat. The difference is remarkable!

On concrete, the repeated impact jars my knees, hips, and back with each landing. After 30 seconds, my joints already feel inflamed. Meanwhile on a high-density mat, the-cushioning softens each landing so my joints feel protected. I can do jumping jacks comfortably for minutes without joint strain or next-day soreness.

Read Customer Reviews Before Buying

With so many yoga mat brands out there, reading customer reviews can help determine quality and value. I compared Nike mats to lower-cost options and the consumer feedback was overwhelmingly in Nike’s favor for durability, cushioning, and performance during intense home workouts.

Many budget mats lost their cushioning quickly or slid around on floors during exercises. Meanwhile, Nike’s mats consistently rated high for providing ample joint protection and grip throughout years of use. The consensus was that Nike mats were worth the investment for home gyms.

Ask Your Instructor What Mats They Recommend

If you take yoga classes at a studio, ask your instructor what type of yoga mat they recommend for home practice. Most will suggest a dense, cushioned mat similar to what the studio provides.

My instructors unanimously endorsed thick high-quality mats, preferably Nike or Manduka brands, to best mimic the studio experience. One even joked to avoid the $10 discount mats unless I wanted to be “doing Downward Facing Dog on concrete.” Message received!

Instructors see first-hand how different mats either enhance or hinder clients’ practice. Take their advice and invest in a pro-level mat that will support proper alignment and cushioning through all your home workouts. It’s worth every penny.

Test Mats In The Store With Squats And Lunges

Before purchasing a yoga mat, test it out in-store with bodyweight squats, lunges, and planks. This gives you a better sense of the mat’s cushioning and grip than a simple hand-feel.

Some mats that initially feel soft quickly flatten and bottom-out. Others slide around on the floor or offer inadequate support. When testing mats in-store, go through motions similar to your planned home workouts – rock side-to-side, land deep squats, and push-up into a plank.

I realized one seemingly-cushy mat compacted to the hard floor under my knees during lunges. Meanwhile the Nike mat maintained its stability and cushioning throughout the movements, proving it could withstand hardcore home gym use.

Test before you invest to find a yoga mat that truly cushions and supports your body through dynamic workouts beyond just downward dog!

At the end of the day, don’t compromise your joints by trying to save a quick buck on a flimsy mat. A quality yoga mat protects your body and enhances every workout, making it a worthwhile investment for your home gym. Do your joints a favor and pick up a durable, cushioned Nike mat today!

Add Resistance Bands to Amp Up Strength Training

Let’s be real – lifting weights and strength training isn’t just for the gym. As someone who loves staying fit at home, I’ve found resistance bands are clutch for amping up strength workouts in my living room. They’re portable, budget-friendly, and allow you to get a killer burn using just your bodyweight.

I always keep a set of resistance bands with varying levels of resistance handy for whenever I want to add extra challenge to home workouts. Bands are so versatile – I use them for arms, glutes, legs, back – you name it. Just securing the band to a stable surface and stepping on it with my foot or grasping it with my hands adds instant resistance for any exercise.

What I love is that bands accommodate beginners or advanced lifters. I simply choose thicker, higher-resistance bands as I get stronger. I also mix and match band resistance to keep challenging different muscle groups. One day I’ll do walking lunges with a heavy band around my legs, then chest flys with a lighter band the next.

Compared to bulky weights, resistance bands are lightweight, portable, and easy to store. I toss bands of varying resistance levels into my gym bag for workouts on the go. They take up way less space than dumbbells when traveling or heading to the park for an outdoor workout.

Add Resistance Bands to Basic Moves

My favorite way to use resistance bands is adding them to basic bodyweight moves like squats, lunges, push-ups and rows. Who knew you could get so ripped using just bands and your own body?!

During squats, I loop a band around my hips for extra glute burn. For tricep push-ups, I’ll place both hands on a resistance band on the floor to increase the challenge. You can get super creative to hit different muscle groups!

I love throwing on some energizing music and doing a circuits of band moves like squat to overhead press, side lunge to bicep curl, push up with band row. Three rounds of those band circuits and I’m feeling the burn!

Invest in a Set With Varying Resistance Levels

To get the most out of bands, invest in a set that includes multiple resistance levels like light, medium and heavy. That way you can progress your strength and switch up the challenge.

As I get stronger, I graduate from lighter bands to heavier resistance to keep improving. I also alternate band resistance day-to-day to target all my muscle groups. One day I’ll focus on upper body with the heavy band, then hit lower body with the light band the next.

Having a variety of resistance band options keeps me progressing and prevents plateaus in my strength. Plus I can share my bands when working out with friends or family since there are options for all fitness levels.

Combine with Weights for Added Intensity

My favorite band move is squat to overhead press because the band tension really engages my lower and upper body at once. For added intensity, I’ll hold dumbbells or a resistance bar as I perform the move.

Combining resistance bands with other equipment like dumbbells, kettlebells or medicine balls lets me load up the challenge and take my strength to the next level. The band adds constant tension as I move while the weights provide extra load for each rep.

Adding resistance bands to classic strength moves enhances the challenge and brings a new training stimulus to my workouts. I get to hit muscle groups from new angles while leveraging gravity and resistance for killer gains!

At the end of the day, resistance bands allow me to amp up strength training from home, on the road, or wherever I get the urge to workout. They’re simple, affordable and effective for taking fitness to the next level.

Grab a Set of Adjustable Dumbbells for Full-Body Workouts

As someone constantly looking for ways to maximize my home workouts, adjustable dumbbells are a must-have for full-body strength training. Unlike individual dumbbells that are limited by weight, adjustable dumbbells allow you to change the load with the turn of a dial.

I love that I can grab my adjustable dumbbells and crank out a complete upper and lower body workout using just one compact piece of equipment. A quality set like Bowflex’s adjustable dumbbells replaces an entire rack of weights at a fraction of the cost and space.

By simply adjusting the dials from 5 lbs up to 50 lbs, I can progressively challenge my muscles within each exercise. Need more weight for those bicep curls? No problem – I just increase each dumbbell up to 15 or 20 lbs in seconds. Talk about versatile!

Compared to switching out various individual dumbbells mid-workout, the adjustable versions save me tons of time and hassle. I can smoothly transition from lighter goblet squats to heavy Romanian deadlifts without breaking my flow.

Modify Exercises by Adjusting Weight

The coolest thing about adjustable dumbbells is modifying exercises on-the-fly simply by changing the weight. I love challenging my muscles in new ways by tweaking the load.

For example, I’ll do a set of shoulder presses at a lower weight focusing on slow, controlled reps. Then I’ll bump up the weight dramatically and power through push press reps, lifting explosively from my legs.

Being able to quickly tweak the load keeps my muscles guessing, rather than hitting the same old plateau at fixed weights. My shoulders have blown up in size and definition thanks to adjustable dumbbells!

Compact Storage Compared to Bulky Dumbbells

Another benefit of adjustable dumbbells is they take up way less space than a full rack of weights. I can tuck my Bowflex dumbbells neatly in the corner versus needing an entire wall of storage for individual dumbbells.

Thanks to their smaller footprint, adjustable dumbbells are perfect for small home gyms or apartments with limited space. I don’t have to worry about crowding my workout area with massive dumbbell racks. It’s opened up so much usable floor space!

The ability to get a complete strength workout using one space-efficient piece of equipment

Try a Slam Ball for High-Intensity Cardio and Power

Want to take your home workouts to the next level? Introduce a slam ball into your training for high-intensity cardio that will leave you drenched in sweat. Combining full-body movements with the ballistic power needed to repeatedly slam a heavy ball makes for killer conditioning.

I first tried slam ball exercises at my friend’s CrossFit gym and was instantly hooked. Swinging and tossing the dense rubber ball got my heart rate up fast. But I also felt the burn in my core, arms and legs as I used full-body power to handle the ball’s momentum.

Once I got my own slam ball for home use, I incorporated it into metabolic circuits for time-efficient training. Combining slam ball slams with battle rope waves, kettlebell swings, and lateral shuffling utterly destroys me! I’m huffing and dripping sweat after just 3 rounds.

Beyond circuits, I love doing solo cardio slams for up to a minute straight. From overhead slams to twisting Russian twists to pendulum swings between my legs, the movement possibilities are endless.

Start Light, Then Progress Heavier

When first using a slam ball, begin with a lighter 10-15lb ball to dial in proper form. Focus on controlling the ball as you lift it overhead then drive it forcefully into the ground. Land softly with knees bent to absorb the impact.

Once you have technique down, go heavier! I progressed up to a 30lb slam ball pretty quickly. The heavier ball forces me to engage my full-body to develop momentum. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself with weight – just scale the reps if needed.

Having a couple different weight slam balls allows me to switch things up day-to-day. Going heavier builds power while a lighter ball improves stamina for higher rep sets.

Incorporate Into Circuits for Cardio Blasts

To take my heart rate to the stratosphere, I’ll do continuous circuits of 1 minute each move using the slam ball, battle ropes, rower, and kettlebells. No rest equals endless suffering!

Some of my favorite high-intensity circuits are: slam ball slams + battle rope waves + air squats, woodchop slams + sprint on treadmill + dumbbell thrusters, Russian twists + kettlebell swings + pull-ups.

Including the slam ball forces me to keep moving while handling its unwieldy momentum. My heart is just as exhausted as my muscles after these fast-paced circuits!

Focus on Full-Body Power

Proper slam ball technique requires your entire body – from your strong core and legs to grip strength in your arms and upper back activation. Don’t just casually toss the ball, use your full power!

Drive from your hips and keep a neutral spine as you swing the ball between your legs. Squeeze your glutes and abs at the top of each swing before forcefully slamming the ball down. Keep knees soft to absorb the impact.

Your core and legs should feel it by the end! Let the slam ball’s weight challenge your full-body explosiveness and coordination.

At the end of the day, adding a slam ball to your home workout arsenal torches calories while building functional strength. I love my slam ball for intense metabolic conditioning! Try one and prepare to get shredded.

Get a Quality Jump Rope to Burn Fat Fast

Want a cheap but effective way to torch calories and fat at home? Grab a jump rope! Skipping rope provides an awesome cardiovascular workout that skyrockets your heart rate and burns major energy.

I like to end my home workouts with 5-10 minutes of high-intensity interval jump roping. Alternating between fast-feet double unders and slower side swings absolutely smokes my lungs and legs. Talk about an endorphin rush!

Jump ropes are portable and can be used anywhere too. I often pack a lightweight rope in my carry-on when traveling to squeeze in some cardio at hotels or the beach. Way more fun than slugging away on a treadmill!

The rapid cadence and coordination needed to repeatedly skip rope also torches calories. In just 10 minutes I can burn over 100 calories while improving agility and reaction time.

Pick a Quality, Weighted Rope

Choosing a quality jump rope is key – don’t just grab any flimsy plastic one from a bin. Look for one with some weight to it, at least 1/4 lb, so it has momentum as you swing it.

I like a thick PVC rope with ball bearings in the handles for smooth spinning. The added weight challenges my upper body too as I turn the rope quickly around my hands and wrists.

Avoid ropes that are too lightweight and bend easily. They make timing your skips much harder. Invest in a durable, weighted rope to enhance the workout and build wrist stability.

Mix Up Tempos and Footwork

The beauty of jump roping is you’re not just limited to basic two-foot hops in place. Play with side swings, crossover jumps and high knees to spice things up.

I like to go hard for 1 minute of double unders, crossing the rope quickly twice per jump. Then I’ll take it down to brisk 1-foot hops for a minute, really driving my knees high.

Varying the tempo and footwork keeps you nimble. It also allows you to maintain longer skipping stints before your lungs totally give out!

It’s High Intensity Interval Training

Jumping rope is a phenomenal form of HIIT training. The intense bursts of double unders and high knees followed by slower paced intervals provides serious calorie burn.

I finish many home workouts with 3-5 rounds of 1 minute hard / 30 seconds recovery jump rope intervals. After 2 rounds I am drenched in sweat and sucking wind!

The rapid skips combined with fast arm movement drives my heart rate sky high. Plus having to think and coordinate footwork keeps my mind engaged rather than zoning out.

For a nearly free piece of equipment, the jump rope pays huge dividends for heart-pumping, fat-frying HIIT!

Jumping rope is now a staple in my home workout routines. It provides an awesome full-body cardio blast perfect for revving up your metabolism. Grab a quality rope and get ready to burn!

Use a Foam Roller to Relieve Sore Muscles

Intense home workouts can leave your muscles feeling pretty beat up and tight. That’s where having a quality foam roller comes in handy for releasing knots and speeding up recovery.

I like to use my foam roller after tough strength training sessions when my quads and hamstrings feel especially tight. Slowly rolling out my sore muscles helps alleviate stiffness and muscle fatigue.

The added pressure from your bodyweight on the roller loosens up fascia – the connective tissue surrounding muscles. This allows blood and oxygen to better penetrate tight areas and soothe muscle aches.

Foam rolling for even 5-10 minutes helps me feel looser while easing post-workout muscle soreness. It’s like a free sports massage without leaving home!

Target Major Muscle Groups

I focus on rolling out the major muscle groups in my legs like quads, hamstrings and calves which bear the brunt of my home workouts. These larger muscles are prone to tightness.

Place the foam roller under the belly of the target muscle group. Use your arms and free leg to control pressure as you slowly roll back and forth over the muscle.

When you find a particularly tender spot, pause and let the pressure soak into that knot for 10-15 seconds until it releases. Ouch, but it feels so good!

Roll Before AND After Exercise

For best results, I make foam rolling part of both my warm-up prep and post-workout recovery.

Rolling before I workout serves like a dynamic stretch to wake up my muscles and get blood flowing. It helps me move and lift better once I start exercising.

Then I use the roller after training when my muscles are fatigued. It helps flush out lactic acid buildup and eases aches. Like a cool-down for my tissues!

Combine With Stretches and Trigger Point Therapy

While foam rolling loosens tissues, stretches help muscles safely regain full range of motion. I like to combine both.

After rolling out my hamstrings, I’ll do some forward folds and lunges to open up the back of my legs. This combo makes me feel long and limber.

Using a lacrosse ball or massage knob directly on trigger points while foam rolling the overall muscle takes recovery to the next level too!

Try rolling out your back and shoulders too. Just be cautious and modify pressure based on comfort level.

Bottom line, foam rolling helps relieve tight, achy muscles after punishing home workouts. Add a roller to your routine for quicker recovery and better performance!

Try a BOSU Ball for Killer Core and Balance Work

Want to take your home workouts up a notch? Introduce exercises using a BOSU ball to challenge your core strength and balance.

The BOSU’s unique half-circle, dome shape makes even basic bodyweight moves way tougher by introducing an unstable surface. Just holding a plank on the BOSU amps ab activation to the max!

I like doing circuits that alternate cardio bursts like mountain climbers with core moves on the BOSU. Three rounds will have me dripping sweat while my abs ache. The dome shape forces me to engage my core dynamically from all angles as I stabilize.

Beyond cardio and core training, the BOSU trains overall body control. Reaching overhead while balanced on one leg tones stabilizer muscles I’d never normally target.

Start with Basic Balance Exercises

When new to BOSU training, begin by getting comfortable balancing on one foot atop the dome. Nail standing in place before trying any dynamic moves.

From there, progress to simple exercises like bodyweight squats and lunges while ON the BOSU. Drive evenly through your foot to avoid rocking side to side.

You’ll quickly feel ancillary muscles firing to maintain stability. That’s where the core and balance magic happens!

Up the Intensity with Plyometrics

Once you have balance basics down, up the intensity by adding plyometric exercises on the BOSU like tuck jumps, burpees and skater lunges.

The unstable surface forces you to engage your core and glutes dynamically to control bouncing and landing softly. My legs always burn after BOSU plyos!

Start with 30-60 seconds per move before switching to the next plyo. Shoot for continuous rounds to spike your heart rate.

Combine With Dumbbells or Bands

To take BOSU challenges up a notch, incorporate light dumbbells or resistance bands into your moves. This adds load to your bodyweight.

Some of my favorites are BOSU split squats or lunges while holding dumbbells. You can also place the BOSU against a wall and do band-resisted chest presses. Killer combo!

Adding external resistance forces you to stabilize muscles even more to control the load. Your core will be screaming!

BOSU training builds tremendous core strength and body control. Try this versatile tool to take your home workouts from monotonous to challenging.

Add a Pull-Up Bar for Bodyweight Training

Looking to add more bodyweight exercises at home? A pull-up bar is a simple but versatile addition for powering your workouts using just your own strength.

Having a dedicated pull-up bar lets me bang out sets of pull-ups, chin-ups and hanging leg raises anytime I want. It provides a stable grip to work antagonist muscles like back, biceps and core.

I go through phases of doing 100 daily pull-ups as a quick way to build upper body and grip strength without any equipment. A home pull-up bar makes this possible.

Models that install in a doorway are inexpensive and don’t take up much space. Plus you can take it with you if you move. A no-brainer investment!

Master Strict Pull-Ups

The first exercise I recommend when getting a pull-up bar is perfecting strict pull-up form. This compounds movement trains back, biceps, forearms and core.

Grip the bar with hands just outside shoulder width. Retract your shoulder blades, engage your core and pull your chest toward the bar.

Focus on smooth, controlled motion rather than swinging or cheating reps. Quality over quantity with pull-ups!

Switch Up Grips

Beyond regular pull-ups, changing your grip hits muscles from new angles.

Underhand and shoulder width targets more biceps as chin-ups. A wide overhand grip emphasizes your lats. Neutral grip torches your brachialis muscles.

I like to do 3-4 sets of each grip variation to train all the pulling muscles through a full range of motion.

Add Lower Body/Core Movements

You can use a pull-up bar for more than just upper body work. It’s perfect for hanging core exercises like leg raises and knee tucks.

Let your body hang from the bar with arms extended. Engage your core and raise your legs parallel, lowering with control. Or bring knees to elbows in a hanging crunch.

I’ll also throw in hanging stretches between sets to decompress my spine and open my shoulders.

A pull-up bar allows endless bodyweight exercise options. Add one to your home gym for a minimal investment that packs a huge training punch!

Grab a Kettlebell for Full-Body Functional Exercises

Kettlebells are a phenomenal addition to any home gym for performing high intensity, functional exercises that challenge your full-body.

The kettlebell’s center of mass extends beyond your grip, requiring extra stabilization and core engagement. This makes moves like swings, cleans and snatches extremely dynamic and powerful.

I like using kettlebells for HIIT-style metabolic conditioning circuits that tax both strength and cardio endurance. Complexes with swings, presses, squats and pulls can torch calories and build muscle.

Start with a moderate weight kettlebell you can press overhead 10+ times. I recommend women grab a 15-20lb bell, men a 25-30lb.

Master Swings First

Before progressing to more complex moves, it’s important to master two-handed kettlebell swings. This explosive hip hinge engages your posterior chain.

Hinge at the hips to swing the bell back between your legs, then drive through your glutes and hamstrings to swing it forward. Finish standing tall.

Really nail the hip snap and squeeze at the top. Keep your core braced so your torso doesn’t collapse.

Try Foundational Exercises

Once swings feel comfortable, incorporate foundational kettlebell moves like goblet squats, presses, and rows.

For goblet squats, hold the bell at chest height and sit back into your hips. Drive through your glutes to stand back up.

For presses, clean the bell to shoulder height, press it straight overhead, then control it back down. This builds serious shoulder stability!

Link Moves Together Into Flows

To really amp the athletic challenge, try linking kettlebell moves together into complexes or flowing sequences.

An example circuit is: kettlebell swing x 10 reps, goblet squat x 10 reps, overhead press x 10 reps. Repeat for 3-5 rounds.

These hybrid cardio and strength complexes keep your heart rate up while challenging mobility and control.

Kettlebells build tremendous full-body power and stamina. Add them to your home gym for hardcore functional training!

Use Suspension Trainers Like TRX for Challenging Bodyweight Workouts

Suspension trainers like TRX are an awesome addition to any home gym for amping up bodyweight workouts. The unstable straps force you to engage your core and stabilizer muscles in new ways.

I like using my TRX for everything from push-ups to squats to planks. The instability challenges my balance and coordination. Even basic exercises feel new and tough!

TRX and other suspension trainers are also super portable. I’ll toss the straps in my suitcase when traveling so I can get a workout in hotel rooms or outdoors.

The options for creative exercise combinations are endless too. There’s always a new challenging way to train with a suspension system!

Anchor Above Head Height for More Intensity

Where you anchor your suspension trainer affects exercise intensity. A higher anchor point equals a harder workout.

I usually secure my straps above my head in a doorway or high crossbeam. This forces me to stabilize through a larger range of motion.

The angle on TRX moves like planks and rows really torches my muscles when the anchor point is overhead. Don’t be afraid to set it high!

Engage Your Core and Squeeze Your Glutes

To get the most from suspension training, actively engage your core throughout each movement. Tighten your abs and obliques to stabilize.

On standing exercises like squats or lunges, really focus on squeezing your glutes both on the exertion and return. This protects your lower back from sagging.

Proper bracing technique allows you to lift heavier and gain more strength. It also protects your back from tweaking!

Progress By Adjusting Body Angle

One of the beauties of suspension trainers is you can make moves harder by simply adjusting your body angle and leverage.

For push-ups, start with hands directly under your chest. Then slowly walk your feet backward while leaning forward to increase resistance.

You can fine-tune the challenge. As your fitness improves, play with angles to build strength!

Suspension trainers like TRX provide an incredible strength workout using just your bodyweight. Add one to your home gym for serious core power!

Add a Medicine Ball for Explosive Power Exercises

Want to build explosive strength and power at home? Add a medicine ball to your home gym arsenal for intense full-body workouts.

Medicine balls allow for dynamic, high-force exercises like overhead slams, rotational throws, and weighted push-ups. The reactiveness challenges your neuromuscular coordination and control.

I like using a medicine ball for HIIT circuits or supersets with bodyweight moves. The constant accelerating and decelerating forces fast-twitch muscle fibers differently than weights.

Start with a lighter 2-6kg medicine ball before progressing heavier over time. Focus on quality powerful reps rather than straining with excess weight.

Target Total-Body Power

The beauty of medicine balls is they train power through your entire kinetic chain – arms, core, and legs.

Overhead slams require triple extension from the ankles, knees and hips to drive the ball forcefully into the ground. This engages your full posterior chain.

For frontal and rotational throws, rotate through your torso and core while generating arm speed. Your abs and obliques stabilize with each forceful throw.

Combine With Plyometrics

To take medicine ball training up a notch, combine throws and slams with plyometric exercises for an insane workout.

An example combination is overhead slam + burpee, side throw + skater squat, rotational slam + tuck jump. Keep the intervals short and intense.

This forces your muscles to transition rapidly between eccentric and concentric contractions. Killer athletic conditioning!

Mimic Real-World Power

Unlike steady barbell lifts, medicine balls better mimic real-world power applications like throwing, hitting, pushing and pulling.

The ballistic and unbalanced load trains your body for dynamic movements requiring balance, coordination and explosiveness.

Next time you play sports or go for an athletic PR, you’ll notice the functional transfer from medicine ball training!

Add a medicine ball to your home workouts for serious full-body power. Your athletic performance will skyrocket!

Invest in a Quality Exercise Bench for Versatile Strength Training

An exercise bench is an essential addition for any home gym. Having a dedicated bench opens up endless strength training options with free weights or bodyweight moves.

I use my adjustable bench for everything – chest presses, shoulder presses, incline curls, seated tricep extensions, hip thrusts, step ups. The list goes on and on!

Look for a sturdy, padded bench that adjusts to flat, incline and decline positions. This provides versatility no matter your workout or fitness level.

While more of an investment, quality benches last forever and allow you to cancel that expensive gym membership!

Hit Each Muscle Group from New Angles

The best part about having an exercise bench at home is it lets you target muscle groups from more angles to spur new growth.

Doing chest presses on a flat bench hits your pecs and triceps differently than an incline. Decline sit-ups torch your abs in a way floor crunches can’t.

Adjustable benches bring welcome versatility compared to training on the floor. Make sure to utilize every angle!

Accommodate Different Exercise Styles

Another perk of an exercise bench is it accommodates different training styles – from heavy strength days to higher rep pump sessions.

On heavy days I’ll use it for slower, controlled bench presses. On high-rep days, I’ll bang out incline dumbbell presses with lighter weight.

The adjustable seat and backrest provide stability no matter your exercise tempo or workload. Super convenient!

Boost Your Barbell, Dumbbell and Bodyweight Workouts

An exercise bench not only unlocks more barbell training, it brings new possibilities to dumbbells and bodyweight too.

You can perform seated shoulder presses with dumbbells or unstable push-up variations with hands on the bench. Killer combo!

Whatever equipment or training style you prefer, a bench makes every workout more productive and full-body. It’s the ultimate versatile investment for your home gym!

Get a Set of Resistance Loop Bands for Portable Workouts

Resistance loop bands are a versatile addition to any home gym. Their portable size and flexibility make them perfect for training on the go.

I like to stash a set of loop bands in my work bag or suitcase. That way I can get a quick workout in the park, hotel room, or office on busy days.

The latex band’s progressive resistance also allows you to scale the intensity. Just stretch it farther to make moves harder. I use light bands for higher rep warm-ups then progress heavier.

With just loop bands and your bodyweight, you can train your entire body anywhere. And they take up zero space in a packed carry-on!

Target Arms, Shoulders and Back

Loop bands are perfect for portable pull exercises like bicep curls, tricep extensions and upright rows.

Stand with feet hip-width on the center of the band, then grip the ends and perform curls or extensions. The anchored stretch adds bonus resistance!

You can also loop longer bands around a pole or tree branch for inverted rows. So many options to sculpt your upper body.

Incorporate Into Lower Body Moves

Don’t forget you can also use resistance bands to amp up lower body exercises like squats, lunges and glute bridges.

Situate the band around your knees or ankles and perform the move, pushing outward against the band’s resistance.

The tension forces your stabilizers to engage even more. Your legs will burn after a single set!

Combine With Bodyweight Exercise

For an extra challenge, combine band resistance with bodyweight moves like push-ups and planks.

Put both hands or feet in the band to create tension through your upper or lower body as you perform the exercise.

The addition of the band resistance steps any bodyweight exercise up a notch. Get that extra burn!

Portable and budget-friendly resistance bands provide challenging workouts wherever life takes you. A must-have for home gyms and travel kits alike!

Try Battle Ropes for High-Intensity Cardio Conditioning

Want to take your cardio to the next level? Battle ropes are an awesome addition to your home gym for torching calories and building endurance.

These thick, heavy ropes require full body power as you vigorously whip them up and down to create “waves.” Generating and controlling that momentum provides a killer HIIT-style workout.

I like to go all-out for 30-60 seconds of waves before resting. Three total sets leaves me totally winded and my arms feeling pumped.

Battle ropes can also be used for strength training by holding different positions like squats or lunges as you create smaller waves.

Use Your Whole Body

Proper battle rope technique engages your entire body from calves to shoulders.

Drive the motion from your hips and legs using a low athletic stance. Keep your core tight, chest up and stabilize your shoulders as you whip the ropes.

Don’t be tempted to just use your arms. Really think full-body power to maximize results.

Experiment With Grips and Positions

There are tons of ways to change up a battle ropes workout. Varying your grip and stance works new muscles.

Try traditional alternating waves, hammer curl waves, outward slams, and inward crossover waves. Move side to side or in a front to back motion.

Switching up the resistance and plane of motion keeps things fresh and challenges stability muscles in new ways.

Combine With Other Cardio

To really spike your heart rate, combine battle rope waves with other cardio bursts like sprints, bike intervals or burpees.

An example combo is one minute ropes, one minute jumping jacks, one minute ropes, one minute high knees. Repeat for 3-5 rounds.

These hybrid cardio complexes torch fat and build full-body endurance at the same time. Feel the burn!

Add battle ropes to your home gym and take your conditioning to the next level. They’re brutal but effective!

Add a Quality Exercise Mat to Protect Floors and Joints

While often overlooked, having a quality exercise mat is crucial for both protecting your floors and joints during home workouts.

A dense mat provides essential padding for high-impact exercises like plyometrics or HIIT circuits. Cushioning helps absorb force rather than transmitting it to your joints.

Thick mats also prevent scuffs and sweat damage on hardwood or carpet during calisthenics and strength training.

I like using interlocking foam tiles that provide both sound dampening and traction. Easy to clean too!

Prioritize Thickness and Density

The thicker the exercise mat, the better for protecting your body from impact. I recommend at least 1/2 inch thickness, if not more.

Denser mats also don’t compact down over time like cheaper foam can. You want material that bounces back after each use.

While pricier, thick high-density mats provide longevity so you get what you pay for. An investment for sure, but your joints will thank you!

Ensure a Non-Slip Surface

A quality exercise mat should grip your floor to stay stationary even during intense training.

Seek a textured underside and rubberized surface that keeps the mat from sliding and shifting as you switch positions.

Nothing throws off your groove like an unstable surface. Non-slip mats let you power through workouts with confidence.

Make Sure It’s Sweat-Proof

Let’s be honest – we sweat during home workouts! Look for moisture-wicking mat material that can be easily wiped down after use.

Some quality mats have antimicrobial properties too. This inhibits bacteria growth that can cause odors and stains over time.

Your mat will take a beating with burpees, mountain climbers and more. A sweat-proof surface ensures it stands the test of time.

Don’t neglect the importance of a quality exercise mat for your home gym. Cushioning and stability will allow you to workout harder while protecting your body and home.