Gyms closed their doors on 23rd March, when public places were ordered to go into lockdown by PM Boris Johnson. With some lockdown restrictions starting to ease they may be set to reopen again in July. This is the very earliest though and will only happen if the government’s five tests to ease restrictions are met.
During lockdown online workouts, shared across all social media platforms, have proved invaluable. People have embraced home training, either making do with what little equipment they have, utilising household items as training aids (like I’ve been showing the women in my Her Garden Gym Community Facebook group how to do), or engaging in bodyweight exercises.
So if you’re one of those people who won’t be rushing back to the gym in July here’s a list of home gym equipment worth investing in, and for more details you may be interested in my video explanation here.
Yoga Mat
You don’t have to practice Yoga to have a Yoga mat. A mat is invaluable for stretches and exercises such as ab curls and other core conditioning exercises. Relatively inexpensive a Yoga mat can be easily rolled up and stored at the end of your session
Good for: Stretching, mobility work, Yoga and Pilates
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are very versatile, take up minimal space, and allow you to complete a range of exercises, mimicking the work you would perform on a resistance machine in the gym. An affordable option for those seeking strength and conditioning tools on a budget
Good for: Resistance exercises and widely used in injury rehabilitation
Dumbbells
Dumbbells are more costly but will last you a lifetime. I still have the very first set of dumbbells I purchased over twenty years ago although my collection has expanded a bit since then! If finances allow buy two or three pairs of dumbbells, you’ll need a lighter set to complete exercises like lateral raises and triceps extension, and a heavier option for squats and lunges.
Good for: Numerous strength and conditioning exercises
Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a very versatile training tool working the cardiovascular system, strength, power, and endurance. Correct technique can take time to master, so if you’ve never used these before then consider investing in one to one online training. If this is something that interests you then please email me for more information on my Six Weeks Beginners Kettlebell Coaching Programme.
Good for: Cardiovascular work and strength and conditioning
Step
A step that doubles up as a bench is very useful if space permits. A step can be used for numerous lower body exercises, like step ups and rear foot elevated split squats, as well as utilising it as a bench for dumbbell exercises. Look for an adjustable step, where the back can be raised for seated exercises that require a supported seated position.
Good for: Stepping, sitting and lying on to perform exercises
Adjustable Barbell and Plates
Although a more expensive investment an adjustable barbell with plates is a useful training tool for numerous strength exercises. Barbells and plates need quite a bit of space to store, so may not be a suitable option if space is limited.
Good for: Numerous strength and conditioning exercises
Sandbell
Sandbells are great for functional exercises and all round conditioning, they also challenge grip strength and are great for dynamic and explosive power movements. Available in a range of weights a sandbell can add a different dimension to home training.
Good for: Traditional free weight exercises as well as power and sports performance
Battling Rope
If you have the space, either indoors or outside, then a battling rope is a great cardiovascular training tool, which also targets grip strength, stamina and coordination. They are also fun to use and provide an impact free option for anyone with lower limb injuries or issues.
Good for: The fun factor
Glute Band
The new kid on the block in resistance bands. A glute band is short, wide, and looped and is used in lower body toning exercises for the glutes and legs.
Good for: Strengthening glutes and legs, creating shape and definition
Powerbag
Powerbags are bulky, weighted sand filled bags. They are more like something you might have to lift or move in your day to day life so there’s huge carryover benefits in terms of functional training. They don’t offer as much versatility as other training tools so are only worth investing in if you have the budget for several pieces of training kit.
Good for: Functional training and won’t damage your floor if dropped, unlike other weights.
Skipping Rope
One of the cheapest and endurable training tools. Fantastic for cardiovascular training, HIIT workouts and intervals. Takes up minimal space, easily transported, and is a fun. However, if pelvic floor weakness is an issue then this is not a good option as skipping can exacerbate problems.
Good for: Outdoor cardiovascular training in limited space
Suppliers of exercise and fitness equipment sold out of almost all their stock at the start of lockdown. Stock levels are changing almost daily. I recommend you conduct your own online search but these suppliers are worth checking with.
Argos https://www.argos.co.uk/
Sports Direct https://www.sportsdirect.com
Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk
Powerhouse Fitness https://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/
Fitness Superstore https://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk/
Decathlon https://www.decathlon.co.uk/
Origin Fitness https://originfitness.com/
Mace Muscles https://www.macemuscles.com/