Weights

While cardio equipment gives your cardiovascular and pulmonary systems a workout, weight-lifting and strength training are often recommended for maintaining bone density and protecting against injury. You might also do it for muscle toning, bodybuilding or fun. Whatever your goals, you will figure out what dumbbells or other weights are best by deciding on a routine you want to follow.

When starting out, ensure that you work from the advice of a trainer—whether a personal trainer or a strength-training program. Since weights and resistance bands are easy to fit in a home gym, there are many popular strength training workout routines available through connected fitness programs.

When working with weights, the number of sets you do and the amount of weight your work with should increase strategically. It’s also good to have a professional’s eye on you when beginning to ensure you know how to maintain proper form.

You might think of really large exercise equipment, like treadmills or elliptical machines, when you think “home gym”. However, strength training can be very efficient in its use of space. For a thorough setup, you might want an exercise bench and a rack or tower for your weight set, but you can also get away with much less, like a few dumbbells, kettlebells, weight plates or a medicine ball.

Additionally, home gym tech isn’t just the workout equipment. Wearable devices like fitness trackers can monitor your progress and give you data on your training routine and general daily activity levels.

Whatever you settle on in terms of home fitness equipment, you will also want to invest in workout recovery equipment. Foam rollers, compression sleeves and percussive massagers can help you address sore or stiff muscles and maintain flexibility. Start your journey by assessing your goals so that you can choose the best home gym equipment for your needs.