Setting up a home gym can be a daunting task. What do you need? How much will it cost? Where do you buy the best equipment for the best price? Fret not. Here are the 10 basic pieces of equipment you need, including weights, exercise balls and other important gear to help you reach your goals. Learn what you need to create a well-stocked gym to meet your ever-changing needs.
1. 50-lb Hex Dumbbell Set
This dumbbell set offers 5-, 8- and 12-lb. weights (two of each). These are rubber hex dumbbells, so they won't roll away when you put them down. The set also comes with its own compact rack. This is a quality set of dumbbells for a great price, though it's missing a 10-lb. set, which you'll need to purchase separately.
2. Barbell Set
Along with your dumbbells, you'll want to have a barbell set so you can lift heavier weights and give your body something a little different to work with. This barbell set includes a bar and weights that, all together, equal 300 lbs. That means you can adjust the barbell in a number of ways, giving you a multitude of workout options that target all muscle groups, big and small. Of course, you may not need all that weight, so be sure to shop around, especially at discount and sporting goods stores for different options.3. The Step Aerobic Step
A step is an excellent choice for your home gym because it can be used for more than one activity. A step can be used for cardio activities, such as step aerobics, and also do double-duty as a weight bench. Get enough risers with it and you can change your step to become an incline, decline or flat bench, adding new dimension to your weight training.4. Stability Ball
Exercise balls are the latest trend in exercise because they improve your balance and core strength. Use yours for an abdominal workout, or use it as a weight bench to really challenge the old stabilizer muscles while you bench press. Use it for pushups, back extensions, or lower-body exercises. You can even sit on it while watching television or working on the computer to help reduce nagging back pain. Spri makes some great, quality stability balls.5. Weight Lifting Gloves
One side effect of lifting weights, aside from sleek muscles, is that your hands can get a little rough from calluses. To protect your hands, you'll want a solid pair of weight lifting gloves. These gloves are made of fabric that allows sweat to evaporate, so your gloves don't get stinky.6. Adjustable Weight Bench
If you're not into step aerobics, you may want a weight bench instead of a step. You'll need it for chest and back exercises, and you can even use it for a quick ab workout or some tricep dips. There are a variety of choices -- from flat to adjustable. It's best to get an adjustable bench, if you can, so you can do incline and decline exercises.7. Resistance Bands and Tubes
You've got your dumbbells, you've got your barbell...what else is there? Resistance bands! These are great because you can get a full body workout, no matter where you go. Resistance bands are small enough to fit in your suitcase and versatile enough to use in any hotel room. Another bonus is that they provide a different type of resistance than free weights, so your muscles get a brand new workout (great for busting weight loss plateaus).8. Adjustable Ankle Weights, 5-lb. Pair
For working the stability muscles of the lower body (like the inner and outer thighs), you may want to invest in a quality pair of ankle weights for moves such as standing leg lifts or leg extensions. These exercises are great add-ons to standing lower-body moves, such as squats and lunges, and ankle weights can help add a little intensity. For the record, you usually don't want to use ankle weights that are heavier than 10 lbs.9. The About.com Guide to Getting in Shape
If you want to get started with exercise, this book offers a step-by-step guide for incorporating cardio, strength training and flexibility into your daily schedule. A variety of workouts, as well as the basics about strength training exercises and creating a healthy lifestyle, are included.10. Exercise Mat
One last thing you'll need is an exercise mat. You can use your mat for ab workouts, toning exercises, yoga, Pilates or whatever your heart desires. If you don't have carpet, make sure you choose a no-slip mat.
