Everyone knows the benefits of exercise but not all of us make the effort or have the time to work out. Having an incentive, thus, is necessary to motivate one to start exercising. Purchasing gym equipment can do this as you're curious and compelled to use it.
Large equipments are expensive and cumbersome to accommodate. Unless there's dedicated space to house everything with immediate access, they'll be relegated to storage and be a waste of money. So before purchasing that state-of-the-art treadmill or space-consuming power rack, take the time to check out these small yet very effective gym tools.
Jump rope: Cheap, superbly effective and portable, the humble jump rope is one of the best tools to burn calories, lose weight and build muscle. It can be used anywhere, can be adjusted and can be used to warm up. You can also revolve your entire exercise routine around it.
Jump ropes are available for $20 and above but can be purchased for as little as $5. Choose an adjustable leather rope as it's weighed to cut through the air better and lasts longer.
Medicine ball: Medicines balls are weighted and like jump ropes, can be used anywhere and anytime. They're great for resistance and strength training when used in crunches or can be integrated into cardio workouts if tossed around.
The balls are available in different weights and if you're a beginner, choose a weight that isn't more than four to six pounds. You should be able to get a ball for as little as $20.
Dumbbell: They add weight to increase strength and build up muscles. As essential as large machines, dumbbells can be purchased at any department or gym equipment store. Like medicine balls, you can choose different weights and integrate them into cardio or muscle-building exercises.
Depending on weight and brand, you can get them for under $5. More expensive and weightier ones will set you back by $50 or more.
Kettlebell: Kettlebells are weights used to build strength and muscles. They aren't needed unless you want to bulk up muscles - especially if you have dumbbells - but for many exercisers, are an essential gym tool.
Expect to pay over $50 for a branded kettlebell and $20 for a low-cost variant.
Exercise ball: Exercise balls (Pilates ball) are inflatable tools frequently used in physical therapy and weight training. The nature of the ball allows for a wide range of exercises. In fitness programs, it's used to help focus on building abdominal and back muscles. Other uses include helping maintain proper posture and increasing range of movement as a part of physical therapy.
A mid-range exercise ball will cost around $20.
Resistance band: A resistance band tones the upper and lower body by forcing users to pull it to increase resistance. It's enables all-round resistance training and is one of the most versatile exercise tools you can find.
A low-cost band is priced at around $15.
Yoga mat: You could make your own but manufactured yoga mats are non-slip, flexible and cushiony. They're used for floor exercises like sit-ups, pushups and stretching aside from yoga. They can also be used as lumbar support when sitting down to relax and can be carried anywhere, even outdoors.
Premium mats can cost over $50 but lower priced ones are pegged at around $20-$30.
