Inexpensive and Compact Home Gym
Working Out At Home Can Save Time And Money
By purchasing a few simple pieces of equipment, you can work your entire body easily at home.
If you’d like to build a very effective, inexpensive, compact home gym, keep reading. Sometimes it can be impossible to get to the gym because of time constraints, responsibilities, children, spouses and money, these can all be reasons you can’t or don’t make it to the gym as often as you’d like. Whether you want to build muscle, lose weight or tone up this home gym will assist you in reaching your goal.
So what exactly does this home gym consist of, you ask ! A set of dumb-bells (d-bells) and a flat bench or therapy ball (also called a stability ball). That’s it; that’s all you’ll need to do multiple exercises for every muscle group in your body. In other words d-bells are among the most versatile pieces of exercise equipment you can purchase.
D-bells come in many different weight denominations, and there are a few different types to choose from. Determining your goals will help you decide which type is best for you.
If your goal is weight loss (most people’s goal) or toning up, you can go with a few sets of the standard d-bells in varying weights from 3 lbs to 20 lbs, depending on you strength level. Hint: you do not have to purchase every weight between 3 and 20 pounds. I suggest 4 to 5 set of d-bells varying in weight by 2 to 5 pounds i.e. a set of 3, 5, 8, 10 and 15 pound-ers will work nicely. If you feel the need to go heavier later, you can add a set 20 pound d-bells, but the five weights mentioned should be enough to get you well on your way.
If however your goal is to get stronger, I would suggest you purchase individual plates and the bars with spin locks. That way, as your strength level increases, you can add more weight. Selector d-bells are also an option but they do cost a little bit more. However, they take up very little room, so they’re very easy to store and you get the benefit of having many weight denominations with just one set.
Benchs. There are a few different types of bench: the flat bench, the incline bench, the decline bench, Olympic style benchs, and so on. But once again, since we’re talking inexpensive, I’m suggesting the basic flat bench. This bench will allow you to execute all of the exercises you’ll need to do to work all of your major muscle groups.
Therapy balls (T-ball) come in various sizes and thickness. For most purpose, you’ll want what’s called a burst resistant t-ball. These are thicker and can be used in conjunction with weight lifting, as the bench. Get a T-ball that will allow your torso to be perpendicular to the floor with shoulders and head on the ball and knees bent with feet on the floor. If your shoulders and head are a little higher than your knees, that’s okay too.
You can purchase these items from a sporting goods store or on line. Shop around for the best prices. Once you have purchased your equipment, check back here for my next column, where will list a plethora of exercises to be done in your new home gym.
"He has the deed half done who has made a beginning." – Horace
