​​Top 10 Home Fitness Equipment Must-Haves​

Many people put off being active because they think that they don’t have the fitness equipment they need. The reality is that you don’t need to have expensive gym equipment to work out. All you need is time and motivation. Here are 10 fitness must-have items with no-cost or low-cost alternatives to help you to get active: 

Adjustable Workout Step

A workout step takes up very little space that you can use as part of a circuit routine or get your heart pumping. Choose a workout step with a non-slip surface and adjustable height to suit your personal needs.

Alternative: Use a sturdy wooden box, crate or stairs.

Motivating Music

Create a great workout playlist with your favourite high-energy songs. Music may alleviate stress, raise your spirits and take your mind off how many minutes you have left.

Alternative: Turn on the radio or find your favourite music on an app or streaming website.

Timer or Stopwatch

This is an essential tool for interval training. A stopwatch also keeps you on track with how long your workout lasted or how long you were running for.

Alternative: Use the stopwatch function on your smartphone or a clock in your home.

Skipping Rope

Have fun while doing a great cardio workout with a skipping rope. They also come in handy as a stretching strap to help improve your flexibility.

Alternative: Any long piece of rope will do or simply jump on the spot.

Dumbbells

Dumbbells are great for portable strength training. Remember to choose the right weight for you: good form with a lighter weight can create better results than bad form with a heavier weight.

Alternative: Anything that you can pick up safely, such as cans of baked beans or full water bottles.

High-Quality Clothes

Invest in a high-quality workout outfit and well-fitting training shoes. An outfit that fits, supports you in all the right places and makes you look good, which can help you to find the motivation to work out.

Alternative: Comfortable clothes can make for great workout outfits. Ladies: Remember to invest in a supportive sports bra.

Yoga Mat

You don’t have to practise yoga to use a yoga mat. They are perfect for push-ups, sit-ups and work great as a non-slip, clean surface for exercising when you’re on-the-go.

Alternative: A padded surface, like a carpet or a towel.

Medicine Ball

There are many effective upper and lower body exercises that you can do with a medicine ball.

Alternative: A basketball or football. Even without the added weight, you can still do many movements to help improve your coordination.

Resistance Band

A resistance band is another fantastic piece of portable fitness equipment for when you are on the road! They are practical, lightweight and easy to use.

Alternative: A piece of soft rope or a rolled towel can work well for basic exercises. Don’t use tubing or rubber bands that are not designed for fitness, as they could snap and cause an injury.

Water Bottle

If you’re working out, then you need to stay well hydrated. Remember to take a bottle of water if you go for a walk or do any type of exercise. Even if you’re at home, drink water and regularly refill your water bottle throughout the day.

Alternative: A reusable water bottle.