Must-have home gym kit

24 March 2014 by
First published: 29 March 2014

Who says you can’t get a good workout in at home? Make sure you’re not missing a trick by investing in our pick of the must-have home gym kit.

There are some days when we just can’t leave the house. Okay, there are some days when we just don’t want to leave the house. And that’s okay, because home workouts can be just as much the ticket to a toned bod as gym workouts, especially if you’ve got the right kit. Who says you need to splash out on the latest gym gadgets to reach your fitness goals? Here’s a list of the best basic things you need so you don’t have to waste a penny – or get our of your pyjamas. (Just put on a sports bra, at least!)

1. Skipping rope
Can you say cardio? If the weather is deterring you from lacing up for a run, get your fitness fix inside with a jump rope routine. Not only does it bring out your inner child, but it’s a hell of a lot cheaper than a treadmill, too.

2. Stability ball
It’s true that this gym essential works wonders for the core and abs, but there are plenty of ways to make the most of it by training your upper and lower body, too. If your home is a little cramped, just deflate it and tuck away in a cupboard.

 3. Resistance band
Perfect for home or holidays, you can do so many different exercises with the cheap, compact and super-light resistance band. If you don’t have weights at home, you can easily feel the burn with one of these.

 4. Yoga mat
Preferable rather than essential, this yoga mat is handy if you’ve got wooden floors or if you’d rather not sweat onto your floor! It feels a lot nicer when you’re stretching, too.