If you’re one of those people who found the COVID-19 pandemic destroyed your workout habits because you could no longer go to the gym, then you’ve probably considered making your own gym at home. Having a home multi-gym can make working out more accessible and more efficient and help keep you on track for your fitness goals.
But what machines should you get for your new home gym? Let’s figure that out together.
Strength
If you want to train strength, you’ll want free weights. Getting a set of dumbbells or kettlebells can be an excellent foundation for strength training, and if weightlifting isn’t your thing, they’re basically all you need for basic strength training.
Cardio
For cardio, you’ll want a machine that appeals to the type of cardio you prefer doing. Obviously, the basic choice is the treadmill: you can walk and run and set inclines and all that other good stuff. Treadmills are versatile, they’re useful, and they tend to last a long time.
If you’re more of a cyclist, then check out an exercise bike. If you like biking, your knees are bad, or you just don’t like walking, then exercise bikes let you get your heart pumping without the downsides of the treadmill.
All-in-Ones
All-in-one home gyms allow you to train different muscles and do different movements all on one compound machine. You could get a home gym smith machine for squats and bench presses, especially if you don’t have a spotter at home. A multi-gym machine for home exercise can open up doors for specific exercises you otherwise wouldn’t be able to do.
Also, if you have any injuries you’re training around, then having some machines at home can be especially helpful. That’s what they were originally designed for, after all!
Accessories
The main accessories you’ll probably want are floor/yoga mats and swiss balls. These can be very useful for stretching and doing yoga.
They’re especially popular for core workouts, so if you’re looking to hit abs often, you’ll want one or both of these. Having a gym mat for home workouts allows you to do good recovery stretches, as well.