The Covid-19 pandemic has forced many to evaluate how they go about their daily lives. Many have been forced to work from home, study from home, and even workout from home to maintain self-isolation and decrease the risk of contracting the virus. But part of keeping one’s immune system healthy is getting enough exercise. While some gyms are opening back up across the country, some people still have trepidation over its safety to go back to working out at a public space. While social distancing is highly encouraged to slow down the spread of Covid-19, gyms are often spaces where one cannot simply stay at least 6 feet away, especially around shared gym equipment. Moreover, there are a lot of high touch surfaces in gyms, which can increase the risk of spreading the virus. (Read more: Precautions on going to the gym during the Covid-19 pandemic)
Is it finally safe to go to the gym?
There is no definite answer to this question at the moment. However, the Associated Press reports that it may be safe to go to the gym depending on how your state or city has controlled or managed the spread of Covid-19. Gyms are encouraged to help uphold the safety of members by limiting how many people can be inside the premises and working out in any given time. Regular cleaning of exercise machines and wiping down of equipment after use is also highly encouraged. But for those who want to forego their gym memberships and build their mini gyms at home instead, there are some great options. Space is one of the main concerns when building a home gym, but these constraints can be worked around. In this list of the best space saving home gym equipment and accessories, we explore some options that will fit right at home, whether you live in a house or an apartment.
Best Space Saving Home Gym Equipment and Accessories According to Those Who Use Them
1. Ikonfitness Pull Up Bar with Smart Larger Hooks Technology
Without the need for assembly, the Ikonfitness pull up bar is ready to use as soon as you receive it. All you need to do is hook it onto the doorframe. Designed for wide door frames with a maximum width of 36.22 inches and depth of 8.27 inches, this pull up offers maximum stability for your exercises at home. It features high quality construction and a heavy duty design that prevents movement of the bar during exercise. It even has a weight capacity of up to 440 lb (200 kg). It also features cushioned pads to prevent damage to your door frame and a soft foam grip to prevent blisters or calluses from forming on your hands. It simply hangs over your door for easy access and storage. This pull up bar effectively lets you target your chest, back, shoulders, arms, obliques, and legs in an at-home workout. This product has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “This is a well built heavy duty pull up bar. The 2 long uneven bar in the front with the double back hook provided stability with little movement when I pulled up. The way the bar was constructed provided a lot of workout options to hit different muscles, which is another option I really like. It’s a little pricey, but worth the purchase since I was able to use the bar and exercise in different ways.” Bao Long
2. Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Roller
Working on your abs at home has never been more convenient with the Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Roller, which features an ultra-wide width and a built-in resistance to help maximize your core workouts. It features an interior kinetic carbon steel spring that offers resistance on the rollout and assistance on the roll back so your abdominals and arms are activated every time. Its ultra-wide wheel tread provides stability for multidirectional exercises and makes it easy to personalize workouts from easy, medium, to hard. This roller measures 9 x 18 x 8 inches and weighs 4.6 pounds. This exercise equipment has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “This is a really nice ab roller, the wheel is very wide and sturdy and the spring provides a little resistance. Both my husband and I use it regularly as part of our daily warm up routine, and it still works as good as the day we bought it.” J. Havoc
3. Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Weights Kettlebell
One of the best space saving home gym equipment is the adjustable weights as it lets you have one weight with different resistances. The Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Weights offers resistance between 8, 12, 20, 25, 35 and 40 lbs with just one weight. You can switch from one exercise to the next and perform an array of full-body exercises with just one equipment. No need for 4-6 pieces of kettlebells when you have the space-efficient Bowflex, which also offers 24 trainer-led exercises including swings, rows, squats, twists, and more. Its ergonomic handle offers great grip, while its durable molding around metal plates ensures long lasting endurance. This product has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I bought this during COVID quarantine and it has been a perfect purchase. The small package is great. It has a range from 8 to 40 lbs in a small kettlebell form that doesn’t take up much space. The unit comes with a base where you set the weight before you make an adjustment. Just the click of the dial and you are set with a different weight. The convenience of switching weights is what has me doing more and more variety of exercises…Overall, I am extremely happy with this product and I am already seeing muscle gains from using the product. I think the price is very reasonable for the weight range and convenience it provides.” Rich Hicks
4. Arena Strength Fabric Resistance Bands for Legs and Butt, 3 Pack Set
Working out on your lower body at home is hassle-free with these handy resistance bands from Arena Strength. Developed with Crossfit coaches to determine the ideal side and resistance of each band, Arena Strength offers three levels (light, medium, hard) for personalized workouts. This set also includes a comprehensive Workout Program developed alongside expert Crossfit coaches, featuring warm up, detailed lower body exercises and full program for both gym and home workouts. These Arena Strength resistance bands have an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “While I am just starting to use the bands, I can already feel that they are taking my workouts to the next level. The product looks and feels well made and I am too early in their use to speak to their durability and wear, but I feel very comfortable with the product and am looking forward to incorporating them and the accompanying exercises into my work out rotations!” Shiba
5. DeskCycle Under Desk Cycle
If you’re looking to invest in some of the best space saving home gym equipment and accessories, make sure you get the DeskCycle, a high-quality portable under desk bike that lets you get your cardio in at home and without the bulkiness of a stationary bike. With a measurement of just 27 inches tall, this under desk bike offers a quiet, smooth operation that is great for joints. It offers up to 8 levels of cardio workout, from very easy to challenging. It is also equipped with a 5-function LCD display that shows speed, time, distance, calories and scan. The DeskCycle has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “This cycle is a life changer for me! Since I began using it I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my energy levels. Super simple to assemble. Took me about 10 minutes. It’s also very quiet. I couldn’t be more excited about this purchase!” MitchK
Highly Recommended Space Saving Home Gym Essentials
1. 321 STRONG Foam Roller Medium Density Deep Tissue Massager in Aurora
Measuring 12.75 inches x 5.25 inch diameter, this rugged solid core EVA massage roller from 321 Strong provides a unique kind of massage after your home workout. This medium density muscle roller is great for both beginners and those who regularly work out. It effectively heals damaged soft tissues, increases flexibility and range of motion, and reduces pain and soreness while increasing blood flow and circulation to your tired muscles. It features a patented technology and sturdy construction from high quality materials so you get the best massage out of the roller. It also features 3 unique massage zones: the thumb zone for intense massage, finger zone for tissue flushing, and palm zone for a gentler massage. Made of 100% EVA foam. This product has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “If you are active in sports, weight lifting, or just someone wanting to increase their flexibility, then this is the roller for you. This will work the tightest muscles and knots out smoothly, either before or after a workout. I prefer to use this prior to a workout, to loosen me up and avoid an injury. I stuff all my gym thing on the inside so it’s easy to carry. This one is very firm so you can hit the deepest of muscles.” Kristopher
2. AmazonBasics Medicine Ball
A weighted ball designed for upper and lower body exercises, this 10-pound medicine ball from AmazonBasics effectively helps develop your core strength, balance, and coordination right at home. It features a sturdy rubber construction that can bounce off hard surfaces. This medicine ball enables you to perform a wide range of both upper and lower body workouts at home alone or even with a partner. It features easy-grip resistance so you can make the most out of every sit up, twist, arm raise, squat, and other moves. It is made with sturdy rubber and comes with a textured finish. This product has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “Love this ball. Perfect for the exercises I needed it for. Small enough to be stored under the bed or in your closet.” ViShanda
3. TRX ALL-IN-ONE Suspension Training
Working out the entire body is hassle-free and requires little space with the best-selling TRX All-in-One Suspension Training straps. It’s great for use anywhere, as it comes with indoor/outdoor anchors, a 35-page workout guide and 2 bonus workouts, and a 30-day free trial of the TRX App. Harnessing the power of movement-based training, the TRX All-in-One Suspension Training enables you to practice, refine, and master as much as 7 simple foundational moves, including the push, pull, plank, squat, lunge, hinge, and rotate. It features a single anchor point for easy installation, a locking loop that secures your workout, and integrated handles and foot cradles that are built for comfort and durability and designed for standing and floor based exercises. This product has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “It works like a charm. Since I’m working from home, and all the gyms are closed. I figured that I’ll make my own personal workout area. This TRX works great and is totally accessible during any part of my day.” Audree Dela Cruz
4. The Step Original Aerobic Platform, Circuit Size
Made from durable, recyclable high-density polyethylene, the Step Original Aerobic Platform features grooved, non-slip top and four non-skid feet on each riser. Now you can achieve total body fitness in the comfort of home with this compact platform that can be stored in the closet or under the bed when not in use. It measures a 28.5” x 14.5” x 4” inches stepping surface that is grooved for your safety and a 14.5” x 9.5” x 2” risers with non-skid feet. It can support up to 275 pounds (or up to 400 lbs. with risers). This product is made in the U.S. from durable, recyclable high-density polyethylene. It has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “After purchasing three other aerobic steppers and returning them for various reasons (instability, poor quality, etc), I found and bought this one and am extremely satisfied! It feels sturdy, does not bow or ‘give’ when you stand on it and does not slide when using. Another bonus is that it is made in the US but that is not the reason I bought it. It fits under my couch when not in use and the extra risers come in handy for extra sweating. I totally would recommend this stepper to anyone considering purchasing it.” Wideopenseas
5. WWWW 4W Eco Friendly TPE Non Slip Yoga Mat
One of the most basic home gym accessories you need for a great workout is a non-slip yoga mat. The WWWW yoga mat is made of eco-friendly material that provides superior durability, cushioning, and stretchability. It features a non-slip texture on both sides and a higher density than regular yoga mats. It’s perfect for use at home on wooden, tile, cement floors and more. It measures 72 x 24 inches and provides enough space for your exercises. This product has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Promising review: “I got this a long time ago but never used it. I finally used it during the COVID19 outbreak and I have been using this mat everyday during the stay at home period. They are soft enough for me to do a lot of planks. Also they have pretty good resistance against the floor so not slippery at all. Relatively easy to clean.” SD33
Pro Tip: Make sure to clean your yoga mats regularly, as bacteria from sweat and the floor can fester on the mat after use. Read more: How to Clean a Yoga Mat via Tips Bulletin.
Keeping healthy while staying at home need not be difficult. Get some inspiration from the fitness and wellness stories from The Teelie Blog archive in the links below. To make sure you get the best deals every day, bookmark The Teelie Blog.
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