You can have a great workout at home.
If you’re just starting out- you don’t need any weights.
Just use your bodyweight to get into it and focus on your form.
When you’ve nailed your squats,lunges, deadlifts, presses,curls & dips to name a few.
It’s time to progress a little and add in some weight and /or resistance.
And no you won’t get bulky.
And yes resistance training is great for getting that lean, sculpted muscle most of us are after (together with healthy eating of course).
But not only will it help you get sculpted, it’s great for fighting brittle bones as we get older (osteoporosis)
So which equipment is the ‘best’ when you’re starting to progress (without breaking the bank)?
Choose one or two of these;
1. Dumbells- you can do loads of exercises with a couple of pairs of these. Buy a set with lighter and heavier options. Or get a pair that you can vary the weight, that way they can grow with you as you get stronger.
Or get a kit where you can have dumbells & a barbell, which saves you buying loads of stuff.
2. Swiss/stability ball – great for working your core and can double up as a bench in some exercises to make it harder and make your core work more.
3. Resistance bands- Portable to take anywhere. Big ones are great for making some exercises like squats more challenging, whilst smaller ones can really work your legs and booty.
4. Kettlebell- Great for adding in resistance in loads of exercises and take up very little space.
5.Skipping rope- I love my mine and take it everywhere with me. Challenge yourself and put in 30 seconds of skipping inbetween your normal supersets, great for your fitness and burning calories.
6. Bench, step or box- adjustable, great to add variety and a challenge. I couldn’t be without my step at home- it’s great for leg exercises, jumps and you can lie on it as a ‘bench’. Make sure you get a sturdy, height adjustable one – you want 3 different heights ideally.
7. Foam roller- super cheap & effective for stretching & recovery (soothing those sore muscles).
Claire x
