How to build a home gym using equipment you can buy online

What do you really need for a home gym? There is a staggering amount of gym equipment available. So much so that it can be overwhelming to get started building a home gym. Is it more important to get dumbbells and other resistance equipment, or should you prioritize cardio gear, such as a treadmill?

To help answer all your questions about putting together a complete home gym, we talked to fitness expert Judd NeSmith, founder of Serious Fitness. NeSmith has detailed two home gym options that provide a full-body workout: a less expensive option and a more expensive option.

The least expensive home gym components Stability ball

A stability ball is also known as an exercise ball. It is the same piece of equipment that people sit on when they work. He recommended getting a burst-proof model for safety.

Exercise mat

An exercise mat gives people a dedicated workout space. It must be long enough and wide enough to fit your whole body. It should be an inch or two thick for cushioning, especially if you have hard floors.

Loop bands

Loop bands are elastic bands that provide varying degrees of resistance that increase the intensity of your workout. For instance, you can wrap them around your ankles and use them for many lower body exercises.

Cardio options

To get your cardio in with an economical gym, you need to perform body-weight cardiovascular exercises. There are many ways to do that, such as bodyweight squats, burpees, mountain climbers and more. Alternatively, you could run, ride a bike or perform some other sort of physical activity outside.

A more expensive home gym option Weight bench

A weight bench is not essential since there are plenty of exercises you can perform without one. However, if you want the best home gym possible, you will want to add a weight bench to your shopping list. A weight bench is a fundamental piece of workout equipment that enhances the quality and adds variety to your exercise routine.