Do you prefer to train at home? Then these are the essentials!

If there's one advantage the coronavirus period has brought us, it's that we've become much more flexible. We've had to be creative and find ways to do all the activities we normally do outside at home. This includes exercising. Did this work out for you and do you want to go to the gym less or not at all? Then these fitness equipment are absolute must-haves for your home gym!

A fitness mat and/or yoga mat

A fitness mat is always handy to have, especially if you're doing bodyweight exercises like sit-ups, push-ups, burpees, glute bridges, etc. It's also great for stretching after your workout. Are you more into yoga and meditation? Then a yoga mat is a must-have.

Resistance bands

With resistance bands, you can make some exercises a little more challenging. Think of side squats or lunges, for example. Or, loop the resistance band around your ankles and raise your right leg (and then your left) sideways or backward to work your glutes. Resistance bands are often available in sets, with each band being heavier than the other. This way, you can adjust the level of resistance you prefer.

Dumbbells

If you want to do strength exercises, dumbbells are a must-have in your gym equipment collection. It's helpful to buy a set so you can vary the weight. Dumbbells are especially useful for training your biceps, triceps, and shoulders, but you can also hold them while doing squats, lunges, or calf exercises.

Fitness step

A fitness stepper is always handy to have. It allows you to do both cardio and strength exercises. In our previous article, we highlighted a few exercises to give you some inspiration. You can also find an online stepper class on YouTube and follow it from home.

Ankle weights

Ankle weights attach to your ankles to make your leg exercises a little more challenging. Be sure to wear them when exercising with your fitness step! You'll notice they're much more challenging right away.

Kettlebell

You can use a kettlebell for deadlifts, kettlebell swings, squats, Russian twists, upright rows, and more. So this is definitely a great investment for your home gym!

Weight bag

A weight bag is especially useful for making your leg exercises more challenging. For example, place it on your neck while doing squats or lunges. You can also use it for shoulder presses or weight bag rows (for your back). You can also place the weight bag on your neck, bend your knees slightly, and slowly bend your upper body forward and back (while keeping your back straight). A great exercise for your back muscles!

For the real diehards!

Would you rather skip the gym altogether and still be able to do full-fledged, intense workouts at home? Then you can, of course, purchase larger equipment if you have the space. Think of a barbell with weight plates, an adjustable bench for more exercise variations, a CrossFit trainer, or a treadmill. Really want to go all the way? Then you can even purchase a fitness cage with all the accompanying equipment. With it, you can perform every conceivable exercise!