The facility shutdowns during the COVID pandemic caused many people to look at physical training from home in a completely different light. Often due to distance or time constraints, training at home is the most viable option for many people’s training program. All you need is some simple equipment!
I’d like to preface this blog and its recommendations with this: I am a strong proponent of calisthenics and bodyweight-based exercise, so I have some bias on this topic. I believe that weight training definitely has its place. But, in my experience, many people struggle to make gains in the gym because the don’t have proper guidance. That being said, here are three pieces of training equipment that can supplement any at-home training routine:
The most affordable at-home training equipment options
1) Jump Rope
There is a good reason why jumping rope is a staple of boxing training. It increases eye-hand coordination and timing. The cardio-respiratory benefits are also well-documented. Minimal equipment, minimal space needed, and completely safe (not counting the occasional smack in the head as you are learning).
2) Exercise Bands
Relatively inexpensive, you can find them at Walmart, Target, and other stores. They are so lightweight that you can literally stick them in your pocket. And most importantly, they are extremely effective. To be clear, resistance training is not the same as lifting weights, but you can get in a decent workout if you concentrate on form and use the bands properly.
3) Exercise Ball or Swiss Ball
Again, inexpensive and effective. Many of them are sold with an exercise manual or instructional DVD so you can learn proper technique. There are numerous instructional videos on YouTube that can teach proper technique with all three of these pieces of equipment.
These three pieces of equipment are easily available, inexpensive, and effective. Much of the time, they will include some type of instructional material with the purchase. There are also resources available on YouTube and other social media to advise on technique and fitness programming. With that being said, be advised: not every piece of advice on YouTube is a good idea. There’s lots of nonsense out there, but you can find some solid information if you look a little deeper.
Tom Wilson is a gold rated fitness instructor and one of CoachUp’s finest personal trainers. He has been on the platform for several years, and you can find his profile here!
