June 17, 2020 5 Must-Have Items For your Home Gym
Just because gyms and fitness centres are closed due to COVID-19 doesn’t mean you can’t stay active! Over the past two months, many fitness studios have started live broadcasting their classes and programs online using social media sites like Instagram and YouTube. Whether you enjoy yoga, HIIT workouts, strength training, or even meditation for some mental fitness, there’s truly a workout for everyone online.
But if you’re used to going to the gym, your home workout space may be lacking a few must-have items. If you’re looking to freshen up your home gym so you can create a space that motivates and inspires you to work out, this article has you covered! We’ll be walking you through the five essential items for your home gym and where you can get your hands on them.
YOGA MAT
Photo: © 2020, B YOGA INC. All rights reserved.
Whether or not you’re a yogini, the foundation of every good home gym is a yoga mat. No one likes working out on a cold, hard floor!
It’s important to invest in a high-quality yoga mat, one that offers a good grip so you don’t slip and slide as you try to get in a good workout. Other factors to look out for are durability and whether or not the mat is eco-friendly.
Where to buy: A fantastic option is the B Mat by the female-founded, Canadian brand B Yoga. Their B Mat has become a staple for yogi’s all over Canada and beyond, praised for its lightness and super-grippy texture. The mats come in a variety of colors, and are sustainable and responsibly produced.
MEDITATION CUSHION
Photo: © 2020 Halfmoon Canada. All rights reserved.
Exercising your mind is just as important as exercising your body! Meditation is a simple practice that works wonders to reduce stress while increasing focus and happiness. Creating a meditation corner in your home gym allows you to get into the right headspace for mindfulness. You’ll be able to more easily quiet your thoughts and tune into the present moment.
A meditation cushion can help you create the right posture for your practice and maintain a comfortable seated position for longer periods of time.
Where to buy: Halfmoon yoga offers a meditation sitting set made from natural, plant-derived fiber that is biodegradable, easy-to-clean, and breathable. The cushion comes with a removable cover and is handmade in Burnaby, British Columbia.
RESISTANCE BANDS
Photo: © 2020, B YOGA INC. All rights reserved.
Not a big fan of weights, or don’t have a ton of space in your home gym?
Resistance bands are a light-weight, simple gym essential that work to build muscle by providing resistance at different levels. You can choose from easy, medium to difficult resistance settings depending on how much of a challenge you desire!
If you’ve been missing the gym and weight machines, but don’t want to shell out the cash to buy your own set of weights or bench press, resistance bands are a convenient option that are easy for anyone to use, regardless of skill or experience.
Where to buy: In addition to yoga mats, B Yoga, mentioned above, sells resistance bands they like to call “The Build Bands”. Choose from two levels of resistance – either increase your reps on light or feel the burn on medium.
KETTLEBELLS
Photo: © 2019 COREFX. All rights reserved.
If you’re looking for a high-impact workout, you should consider working out with Kettlebells. Kettlebells are cast-iron weights ranging anywhere from 5 lbs to over 100 lbs, and their round shape makes for an easy grip. There are a variety of online Kettlebell workouts available, so having a few in your gym is going to allow you to diversify your workouts while increasing your strength!
In general, Kettlebell workouts tend to target your core, arms, legs, glutes, and back. They help build muscle strength as well as help improve your aerobic activity and flexibility.
Where to buy: Ontario-based company COREFX offers Kettlebells along with a variety of other strength-training tools to deck out your home gym. They carry a variety of weights that caters to beginners and experienced gym-goers alike!
SPORT COMPRESSION SOCKS
Think compression socks are only for those with medical conditions, like varicose veins or swollen ankles? Think again!
Many athletes use compression socks as an aid during training to improve athletic performance, endurance, and blood circulation.
Compression socks are also a must-have in your muscle recovery toolbox as they reduce muscle soreness and quicken recovery time. Check out our Supporo Sport compression socks and cuffs here.
We hope this handy-dandy guide has you well on your way to creating and perfecting your very own home gym! When we fill our space with the right equipment and essentials, it’s easier to feel excited about working out and moving our body. Whether you’re a regular gym-goer or you’re just starting out on your fitness journey, there are a variety of workouts that can be done from home no matter your skill level!
