Essential Equipment for a Home Gym

     Hey Guys!

     Home gyms can be very convenient for some people, and having one will save you money in the long run. It is also harder to make an excuse to not work out when you have equipment a couple rooms down. People tend not to work out when they have to drive to a gym to work out. It can make working out tedious, especially after a long day.

     But those of you who are interested in working out in the same place you sleep at night may wonder what equipment you need for a home gym. I have been working out at home for years. I have about $500 dollars worth of equipment. You may think that is a lot, but even the cheapest gyms cost about $240 dollars a year ($20 a month). And you do not own anything from it.

     I have had no trouble performing various exercises and getting stronger from the comfort of my own home. In fact, many people have been surprised that I have gotten as strong as I have by working out in such a fashion. Some people believe you need all these machines and equipment to get stronger. Not all of the equipment at the gym is necessary. It can make getting stronger easier for some, but it is not necessary.

     But without digressing any further, here is my list of essential gym equipment. The most essential equipment you will need for working out at home are adjustable dumbbells and a barbell. This is simple enough. Most strength exercises require either of these two devices. But do not substitute one for another. The barbell and dumbbells work differently. While you can do almost any barbell exercise with a dumbbell, you need both to target your muscles from different angles.
 

     The next piece of equipment you need is a pull-up bar. You can get a device that will hang over your door for about $25 dollars. There is no substitute to pull-ups - it is an essential exercise that works the arms, back, and core. You can also do various stretches and core exercises such as hanging leg raises or the front lever.

     The last piece of equipment you will need is a bench-press - preferably one that allows incline and decline and has a rack for a barbell. With a bench like this you can do various chest exercises and core exercises. The incline and decline will allow you to target different portions of your chest. You can use the rack to perform squats, another essential exercise that develops strength in the legs, core, and back.

     So that's all folks. All together, that will run between $200 and $500. In the long run that is not a bad price. You will also enjoy the perks of working out by yourself. Namely, you do not have to share equipment with others. And for those who are shy and do not want to work out in front of others, this is one solution. I hope that helps you guys, and as always...

     Get Stronger!
          - Nas