For classes, camaraderie, and the latest equipment, you can’t beat the gym. But for those times when you don’t want to make the commute, have a packed schedule, or just want to get your session in without having to jockey for space by the dumbbell rack, you can get a full-body workout at home with just a few pieces of well-chosen strength training gear.
With a set of adjustable weights, resistance bands, and a raised platform, you can reap all the same benefits of a gym workout—improved cardiovascular health, increased muscle mass, and greater mobility—while enjoying a cleaner environment and zero wait times for your favorite piece of equipment.
How to Build a Strength Training Set-Up at Home
One key to building an effective home gym is determining how much space you have to work with. A jump rope, for example, will only be effective for building cardiovascular fitness if you have enough space to spin the rope without hitting the ceiling, walls, or a piece of furniture. You can get most of the benefits by doing the same jumping exercise without the rope itself.
A barbell and plates are fantastic…
