With crazy traffic and long working hours, building a home gym can be the best answer for people who lack the time to drive to a gym.   While some may be intimidated with the idea, it’s best to remember that you can customize your gym according to your needs and budget. It can be as small as a little corner in your home study or as large as your garage. The key is to have the equipment that you’ll need the most. Here are the 5 essential equipment you’ll need for your home gym:

 

Dumbbells – You can do a variety of workouts using dumbells from dumbbell bench press for your chest, triceps, and shoulders to stationary lunges for quadriceps, glutes, and calves. Get different weights from 2 lbs. to 10 lbs. to use for the different exercises and also to allow for progression when you become stronger.

 

Mat – Do not underestimate the importance of the mat. The workout mat is perfect for stretching, core workouts such as planks, push ups, and crunches, and even yoga poses that you are comfortable performing at home.

 

Jumping rope – A jump rope isn’t just for kids! If you need a quick cardio workout or a warm up before your strengthening exercises, a few minutes using the jump rope can be a great inexpensive workout without having to even leave the house.

 

Medicine ball – Not many people know that a medicine ball can be used for a complete body workout. They are more versatile than dumbells because they can be thrown or caught depending on the workout. Make sure you get a weight that’s just right so you can do at least 12 to 15 reps for each workout.

 

Stability ball – Sure they’re bulky, but stability balls are worth the extra space they take up. These balls can be used to develop strength, cardio endurance, and balance. You can even sit on these balls while watching television or working on your laptop to increase your core strength.