While you might still be riding the wave of post-lockdown gym enthusiasm, there’s still plenty to be said for working out from home. And even if you’ve only got ten minutes to spare, having a pull-up bar on the bedroom door or a resistance band stashed behind the sofa at least gives the better-than-nothing option of a few quick sets – not afforded if you’re solely reliant on the gym.
Check out our pick of the best dumbbells for home workouts
But with so many home workout products to choose from, where do you start?
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but the following bits of kit are space-saving and budget-friendly, providing everything you need for an effective workout from the comfort of your own four walls.
5 Essential Pieces Of Home Workout Equipment
Pull-up bar
Master the pull-up and you’ll be well on your way to a solid physique. Get a bar at home and aim for at least 6 sets each week – once you can hit 10 reps consistently, you know you’re in very good nick.
Best buy:
Beachbody Chin-Up Bar
£59.84, teambeachbody.com/shop/gb
Resistance bands
Resistance bands work particularly well for higher reps, and one study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research showed that using a combination of bands and weights is more productive than using weights exclusively.
Best buy:
My Protein Resistance Bands
£12-£22, myprotein.com
Ab wheel
A deceptively comprehensive bit of kit that not only isolates your abs, but also works your lats, erector spinae, delts, chest, biceps and triceps for full-body benefits. Start from a kneeling position, keep a slow rhythm and really pay attention to your muscle control.
Best buy:
Body Power Premium Ab Wheel
£9.99, fitness-superstore.co.uk
Kettlebell
Bridging the gap between strength and cardio, virtually every kettlebell moves requires core stability and a good level of cardiovascular fitness, as your muscles are forced to compensate for the bell’s low centre of mass.
Best buy:
Body Power 16kg Kettlebell
£55.99, fitness-superstore.co.uk
Suspension straps
Suspension training allows your whole body to strengthen as a unit, and while the larger muscles are the main targets, your smaller, stabilising muscles are also being engaged. That means you’re reducing any weak points in the system, improving both efficiency and movement.
Best buy:
TRX Move System
£99.95, store.trxtraining.co.uk
