As new COVID-19 cases continue to emerge. individuals are being requested to stay at home in self-quarantine. In some countries, fitness centers and other locations where individuals are normally active, will remain temporarily closed.
Staying at home for prolonged periods of time can pose a significant challenge for remaining physically active. Sedentary behavior and low levels of physical activity can have negative effects on the health, well-being and quality of life of individuals.
Self-quarantine can also cause additional stress and challenge the mental health of citizens. Physical activity and relaxation techniques can be valuable tools to help you remain calm and continue to protect your health during this time.
WHO recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week, or a combination of both.
Home fitness equipment can come in many different forms and the price can range from less than $20 for a simple jump rope to thousands of dollars for a high end piece of cardio equipment.
The benefits of establishing a home fitness routine are many and include no monthly membership fees, flexibility of when you can do your workouts and saving on gas to name a few.
Before you start accumulating your home fitness equipment there a few things you should consider in order to maximize your home fitness routine.
The cost of fitness equipment can get out of hand quickly so you will need to establish a budget you and your family are comfortable with.
You also need to establish goals or at a minimum have an idea of what you are trying to accomplish: lose weight, gain muscle, improve muscle tone, improve cardio endurance, etc.
Lastly, you should consider when you will have time to use your home fitness equipment then come up with a workout plan.
Below is a list of 10 popular and effective home fitness equipment products with brief descriptions of their functionality and estimates for cost range to help get you started:
•Medicine Balls: An alternative to free weights, medicine balls are effective for toning and building muscle in your biceps, triceps, abdominals and legs. Prices vary by weight but you can usually find quality medicine balls for under $60.
•Stability Balls: Can be used in combination with medicine balls, dumbbells and other weights. They are a great way to target your abs, back and glutes and tone your entire body. Stability balls can be purchased for less than $50.
•Resistance Bands: Can be used for strength training and weight loss. You can generally get what you need for less than $50.
•Kettlebells: Kettlebells have become extremely popular and are also great tools for building and toning muscle and core strength as well as losing weight. They are typically cast iron spheres with handles. You can usually purchase weights 20 lbs. or less for under $50. Heavier weights can get expensive and some retail for higher than $100.
•Dumbells: The classic form of strength training. You can get smaller weighted neoprene dumbbells that are great for toning when used in lunges, curls and holding while running on the treadmill. These weights can usually be purchased for less than $50 for a pair. If you are looking to add muscle mass you probably want to go with rubber coated hex dumbbells or an adjustable weight dumbbell set. Depending on the weight you choose cost here can exceed $100 but usually will not exceed $200 unless you purchase a set.
•Elliptical Machine / Treadmill / Exercise Bike: Great for the cardio and aerobic aspect of your home fitness routine. These machines can get pricey but some models can be bought for under $300. Top brand names and models with all of the bells and whistles can be several thousand dollars. Choose the type and model that fits your budget.
•Jump Ropes: Probably the least expensive piece of home fitness equipment, a quality jump rope can usually be purchased for under $25. You can find ones with weighted handles to add to the workout. Jumping rope is great for cardio and aerobic endurance as well as enhancing muscle tone and weight loss.
•Aerobic Steps: Step aerobics is a great way to boost your metabolism, work your cardiovascular system and lose weight. You may also want to purchase a DVD to have a workout routine to follow. Steps and DVD's can usually be purchased for less then $100.
•Push Up & Pull Up Bars: Another simple way to add to your routine, this equipment is great for strength training and weight loss. You can find a good set for under $40 in most cases.
•Weight Vests & Slimmer Belts: These vests and belts can be worn while jogging or working around the house. You will want to be sure to purchase a vest that has an adjustable weight as most can be adjusted in increments of 1 or 2 lbs. For a vest less than 30 lbs. you can expect to pay up to $100 while heavier vests can exceed $200.
You will also want to consider where you will be performing these exercises as some of the machines can take up a lot of space. If you are just getting started you will probably want to begin with a few of the less expensive products and establish the habit before you invest thousands of dollars into your home fitness equipment.
A home fitness routine can be very successful if you get the right equipment to accomplish your goals and stick with the program you establish.
Disclosures
Francis Yeung is a participant in the
Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program
designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising
and linking to Amazon.com. I only recommend products I trust!
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