As countries around the world are tentatively contemplating, or are gradually in the process of loosening the restrictions in place for the pandemic, many people are naturally wondering what the new normal will mean for jobs, travel, socialising and recreation.
If you are a gym goer, then you have probably wondered if going back to the gym anytime soon will be feasible or sensible, even with enhanced health and safety measures in place. Maybe you have been working out at home and are looking at adding some extra equipment to improve your training.
With that in mind, here are our recommendations for setting up a home gym that require a small footprint.
ADJUSTABLE DUMBELLS
Dumbbells are the ultimate home workout tool. You can do a wide variety of exercises hitting every muscle group. You can buy different weighted dumbbells in a set, which tend to take up quite a bit of room, or you could opt for the kind where you add more weight on using a spin lock; but for the most efficient workouts, pick up a pair of adjustable dumbbells. This way you can change weights quickly, adding efficiency to your routines, plus they take up the least about of space.
THE TOTAL GYM
This is a very underrated piece of equipment, often left disused and confined to the garage collecting dust. One of the issues of working out at home can sometimes be the lack of variety in exercises to keep you interested, but the Total Gym offers you a huge variety of exercises at varying resistances. It is particularly good at mimicking a lat pulldown or pull up movement that targets the upper back muscles, which can be difficult to hit with just basic home equipment like free weights. The Total gym is also excellent for performing a variety of core movements and can be used in a similar fashion to a pilates reformer. The Total Gym can also be used as a flat, incline and decline bench for incorporating all manner of dumbbell exercises and of course folds into a fairly compact unit that can be stored neatly.
WEIGHT VEST (ADJUSTABLE)
Weighted vests are great for adding additional weight to exercises like pushups and chin-ups as well plyometric exercises and bodyweight circuits.
BOSU STABILITY TRAINER
A great versatile tool that can challenge your balance and core with both body weight, free weight and plyometric exercises.
SKIPPING ROPE
The humble skipping rope is a very accessible yet under-appreciated tool that is very low impact on your joints and will train your full body and deliver a challenging cardiovascular workout. In addition, you will also benefit from improved coordination and timing.
