There are so many things I’m looking forward to enjoying again once COVID-19 becomes a thing of the past. I can’t wait to go to concerts with friends, to eat in a restaurant without fear, and to travel without being afraid of transmitting a life-threatening disease.
However, after living in this “new normal” for over a year there are a few things I’ve realized I don’t need in my life ever again, one of them being gyms. In fact, I don’t know if I’ll ever step foot inside a gym again!
Why do I need to go share a workout space with a bunch of sweaty people? Why should I ever have to share workout equipment again? And why would I pay so much money to do something I can do at home?
If you feel the same way I do, it’s time to fully commit and create a home gym you’ll use all the time. While creating a gym experience at home can be expensive, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, you can create a fully functioning “gym” for under $100. Trust me.
Jump Rope
Forget treadmills and exercise bikes; all you need to get a great cardio workout is a jump rope. While they can range in price, you can easily find a reliable jump rope for less than $10.
Jumping rope, even for 10 or 15 minutes, will burn tons of calories, get your heart rate up, and will even improve your overall coordination. And, while other exercises require you to do them for a long time, you don’t have to jump rope for very long to reap the benefits.
Adjustable Dumbbells
Rather than purchasing multiple sets of dumbbells, just buy one set of adjustable dumbbells. Though they can be expensive, they’re actually available at Walmart right now for less than $50. If you’ve never lifted weights before, or are starting at a lower weight, adjustable dumbbells will push you to lift more and more.
Resistance Bands
If you’re looking to both tone and strengthen your muscles, resistance bands are the way to go. It’s important to purchase equipment that serves many different purposes, and resistance bands do just that. They’re a great alternative to lifting weights, but they also help to stretch and open up your muscles. Plus, you can find them for around $10 to $15.
Foam Rollers
After you’re done with your cardio and strength training, don’t forget to cool down with a foam roller. While it may be an easy step to skip, foam rolling is essential in improving flexibility, increasing mobility, and relieving muscle soreness. Every good gym needs to have a foam roller on hand.
Get Creative
While it’s great to have a few trusty pieces on hand, you can also get creative with items you have at home!
For example, you can use any sturdy chair to do tricep dips, you can fill up water bottles or milk jugs to make weights, or you can make the stairs your cardio workout for the day. Truly anything around the house can be used in some capacity to exercise–you may just have to use your imagination.
