IN-HOME STRENGTH TRAINING
Maximize results with Minimal equipment: The five basic strength training tools for a complete in home workout.
As a NYC Personal trainer with over ten years of experience in the fitness industry, I recognize the importance of a well-equipped home gym. Here are my top five picks of equipment for an efficient in home workout.
SWISS BALL
This versatile piece of equipment can be used as a flat bench, an incline bench or a chair. It improves balance, coordination, and strength by challenging the stabilizing muscles of the abdominals and back to work hard. Examples of exercises that can be performed on a Swiss ball are: dumbbell chest press, seated shoulder press, and abdominal crunches. When purchasing a Swiss ball, look for a ball that has anti-burst properties.
STEP
An adjustable step can be used as a station for multiple exercises. A step is essential for lower body strengthening exercises that develop quadriceps and hamstrings strength. It can be used as a step up platform, a plyometrics box, and as a platform for various upper body exercises such as triceps dips and decline push-ups.
DUMBBELLS
A set of dumbbells ranging from five to thirty pounds with a vertical dumbbell tree can be neatly tucked away in a corner of your workout room.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN PURCHASING DUMBBELLS
HANDLE
I recommend thick handles for two important reasons.
1.Dumbbells with thick handles distribute force evenly throughout your hand.
2.Thick handles improve your grip strength
Avoid dumbbells with barrel shaped handles and thin handles. They put excessive amounts of pressure on your hands and cause nerve compression over time.
TEXTURE
Rubber dumbbells can sustain the most damage and cause the least amount of damage to floors and surfaces. They are rust-proof and extremely durable.
