If you're going to create a home gym in a small space, make sure these items are on your list.
Want to work out more often, but don't want to shell out for a gym membership or pricey boutique fitness classes? No more excuses! These workout essentials will help you sweat it out at home—no gym membership necessary. Pick and choose from our curated list of gear (weights, medicine balls, yoga mats, and much more) to create a home gym room that works for you.
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1 Weighted arm bands
A little weight goes a long way, and Tone-y-Bands are proof. Clocking in at 0.5–1 pound, this colorful wristwear adds a touch more resistance to everyday exercise.
2 TRX bands
When anchored to the wall or a sturdy door, the TRX Home2 System becomes a full-body training system that helps you build muscle while perfecting your posture and alignment. You can var the degree of difficulty by changing your body angle.
3 Weighted jump rope
Did you know one study found that just 10 minutes of jumping rope can be equivalent to a 30-minute jog? Exactly. What’s more, the WOD Nation Adjustable Weighted Jump Rope comes with removable 1-pound weights stashed in the handles.
4 Resistance bands
Want a rounder rump? Place one of the bands in Mark Bell’s Sling Shot Hip Circle Sport Pack around your quads, ankles, or knees during squats, bridges, or banded walks to help wake up those lazy glutes.
5 Medicine ball
A simple all-around fitness tool, the 10-pound CAP Medicine Ball can be lifted, thrown, or slammed to beef up your strength and conditioning.
6 Dumbbells
Thanks to an easy-adjust weight selection system, you can choose the perfect poundage—from 2.5 to 12.5—on the NordicTrack Select-a-Weight Adjustable Dumbbells.
7 Kettlebell
From single-leg deadlifts to swings, a kettlebell allows for myriad strength moves in limited space. Our fave: the Sunny Health & Fitness Kettlebells, available in 5 and 15 pounds.
8 Balance ball
The Gaiam Total Body Balance Ball challenges your posture while forcing you to work those core muscles. Plus, it’s a great tool for stretching.
9 Exercise dice
Featuring exercises (think push-ups, lunges, and more), plus rep and time allotments, the The FitLid Exercise Dice help you keep things feeling exciting and fresh
10 Sliders
SKLZ Sliders enhance classic body-weight exercises like lunges, mountain climbers, and pikes by creating a greater stability challenge as you glide across surfaces. This double-sided pick is optimized to let you glide over both hardwood and carpeted surfaces.
11 Exercise bench
Thirty years later and the Step High Step Aerobic Platform still reigns supreme. Here’s why: You can use it for cardio and explosive exercises, to advance moves or make them easier, or simply as a trusty bench.
12 Yoga mat
Whether you’re moving through a yoga sequence or just stretching it out after a tough workout, a cushioned mat like the Sugarmat Dreamcatcher is a must.
13 Use a block
The Manduka Recycled Foam Yoga Block allows you to perfect certain yoga poses by helping keep your body in proper alignment, but it can also double as a mini toning tool. Place it between thighs while owing from Down Dog to Up Dog for greater ab activation.
14 Yoga strap
Multiple hand- and footholds along the 7-foot Gaiam Restore Multi-Grip Stretch Strap ensure that you get a good post-workout stretch no matter your level of flexibility.
15 Treadmill
Cardio your thing? The XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill Black is a good bet: It rings in at an affordable price point, and can be folded up, making it perfect for a home gym.