Working out requires commitment, dedication, and the will to get up from the comfy sanctuary of the couch! We get it – we’ve all wished to be fitter at one point or another. However, working out diligently is easier ‘wished’ than done. But don’t worry, everything has a starting point and so does your fitness routine!
If you still don’t want to commit to a full-time gym membership, then we bring to you the 14 best home exercise equipment so that you can get started on your fitness journey in the comfort of your humble abode! No membership, no travel, no hassle – just your determination and wee bit discipline. Let’s go!
1. Yoga Mat
Let’s start easy. The most basic gym equipment you will need is a thick, firm yoga mat. There are a couple of reasons why a yoga mat is essential – working out on a bare floor won’t give you the grip you need and is bad for your back and joints. Tiled floors can also get slippery. A well-cushioned mat will give you proper back and tailbone support while you do mat workouts (of which there are many!). Plus, yoga mats help you keep your feet and knees pain-free during high-intensity exercises.
Nykaa recommends:
2. Treadmill
The best beginner’s or back-to-basic exercise you can do is walking. We do a fair bit of it every day but when done consciously and with rhythm, walking has wondrous benefits. A treadmill is a great piece of equipment to mark the beginning of your fitness journey. With multiple speed and incline settings, having a treadmill at home ensures you can get your daily steps in even when you don’t feel like stepping outside! Once you’ve built enough stamina, you can even start jogging or running.
Nykaa recommends:
3. Gym Ball
You may still be a good way away from lifting weights but that doesn’t mean you can’t add a bit of challenge. A gym ball is a versatile addition that can come in handy when you want to do yoga or strengthen your core with some ab exercises. If done correctly, you can also improve your flexibility and stability with simple, at-home stretches.
Nykaa recommends:
4. Peanut Ball
A peanut ball is a good alternative to a gym ball. It is used across different kinds of body movements – beginner workouts, physiotherapy, and for pre- and post-natal care. It’s also great if you want to improve your squats, build core strength, and work on your balance.
Nykaa recommends:
5. Jumping Rope
Want to couple your walking/jogging time with a fun form of cardio? Skip, jump, and repeat with a simple yet humbling jumping rope. It’s another effective means of cardio exercise that builds stamina and endurance. Regular jump rope workouts also strengthen the calf, quads and glutes. If you fancy, go ahead and make it even more fun with jump rope combinations and styles.
Nykaa recommends:
6. Mini Pedal Exerciser
No matter where you are on the fitness scale, you can use a mini pedal exerciser standing or sitting. It’s also compact so it can be easily moved about the house or office as per your convenience. Look for one with an adjustment setting with which you can change the intensity level of the workout. Lastly, a holistic mini pedal exerciser would also help you keep track of your speed, time and calories.
Nykaa recommends:
7. Ankle and Wrist Weights
If you are an intermediate-level fitness enthusiast, you can consider adding ankle and wrist weights. The added weights will make your legs and arms work harder during walks, jogs or pilates exercises. Look for ankle weights that have adjustable straps and will sit comfortably around the ankles and wrists so that while you exercise, you don't have any uncomfortable strap tugs. Gradually adding weights will improve the strength quotient of the limbs, tighten the core and give your body a slight muscle definition.
Nykaa recommends:
8. Spin Bike
If you’ve attended a spin class, you’d agree that it’s one of the most challenging and effective modes of workout. It works a wide range of muscles at the same time while greatly improving your cardiovascular health. Place the bike in a spacious area of your house and get spinning. Keep in mind, if you’re a beginner, start by pedalling slowly and work your way up to higher speed settings.
Nykaa recommends:
9. Aerobic Stepper
If you’re someone who aims to keep their cardio workouts as diverse as possible, then consider adding an aerobic stepper to your at-home gym. You can always get creative with your cardio sessions by trying different combinations using a stepper. From beginner to advanced movements, an aerobic stepper is yet another equipment that will keep your workouts fun.
Nykaa recommends:
10. Dumbbells
Make way for the quintessential workout equipment a.k.a dumbbells. As you progress your way to high-intensity workouts, you should definitely consider adding strength training to your workout routine. It comes with a host of benefits – improved posture, better body-mind coordination, and muscle toning to name a few. Furthermore, with a sturdy pair of dumbbells, you can try a variety of strength exercises both for your lower and upper body.
Nykaa recommends:
11. Dumbbell Stand
When you’re investing in heavy-duty dumbbells, it’s best to go for a dumbbell stand, too. This way, they won’t dent or tear your mat or leave scuff marks on the tiles. A dumbbell stand is also good for easy accessibility and adjustability of dumbbells in between sets.
Nykaa recommends:
12. Exercise Cycle
This equipment is slightly different from a spin cycle. With dual training modes, you can use an exercise cycle as a standing epileptic machine or as a bike. It even comes with moving handles on either side for easy balance. Once you improve your stability on the machine, you can let go of the bars and challenge yourself a bit more to improve balance and work your core.
Nykaa recommends:
13. Door Pull Up Bar
Want to build upper body strength like a pro? Pull-ups are a great way to strengthen your shoulder, biceps, triceps, and shoulder blade area. Mount the pullup bar on any doorway and challenge yourself to do as many repetitions as your endurance will allow you. It’s also ideal to go for one that has grips on both ends to prevent slipperiness or calluses.
Nykaa recommends:
14. Massage Gun
Tougher the workouts, more the soreness. But don’t worry, soreness (the good kind of pain) means that you worked your muscles and burned those calories. However, it’s also equally important to give your sore muscles time to rest and recover. If you still feel some persisting soreness, treat yourself to a much-needed massage with a vibrating body massager that comes with multiple settings and heads depending on your need. This will soothe the muscles and ease any tension or pain.
Nykaa recommends:
So there you have it – a simple curation of the best and most effective training equipment for all your at-home workout needs. Here’s to hitting those new fitness goals this new year. Best of luck!
