Stay fit while staying home: The best home gym equipment

March 18, 2020

The gym is closed. It’s still too cold to hit the park, beach, or local outdoor track (or you’d just rather stay at home). There are only so many times you can walk the dog. But your health and fitness–and sanity–depend on being able to get some exercise. This could be the best time to put that at-home workout plan into action–especially since exercise is one of the best ways to boost your immune system. Whether it’s a yoga practice, cardio, training for a race or building strength, let the list below inspire you to get moving, even if you’re in a small NYC apartment.

If classes are your jam, there are plenty of ways to get the structure of a guided fitness experience (without the crowd) via video in the privacy of your own home. Your gym or studio may even have an online program: Crunch Live offers a subscription program that allows non-members access to pre-recorded, instructor-led classes (it’s free for Crunch members). A ClassPass membership also lets you stream workouts at home. If spin is your thing, try Peloton (though you’ll need the bike). For more variety, Daily Burn, Fitness Blender (lots of free videos) and Booya have hundreds of workouts to choose from, from HIIT cardio to strength training to yoga. If you want to continue or begin a yoga practice–great for offsetting stress–Gaia and Glo are two of the many sites devoted to yoga, meditation and pilates, and Lizette Pompa‘s YouTube videos are a cult favorite, and free. But whatever you choose, you’ll still need some at-home workout equipment.

All of these products have been hand-selected by team 6sqft. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these affiliate links. All prices reflect those at the time of publishing.

THE BASICS

	Start with the foundation. Balance from GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat, in 7 colors; $12.99 at Amazon.
	When you need more space to stretch out–or room for the whole family. GXMMAT Extra Large Yoga Mat; $96.99 at Amazon.
	A little boost for tough poses. Gaiam Yoga Blocks; $8.99 each at Amazon.
	A necessary aid for post-workout stretching, this half-sized foam roller does its job but takes up very little space when you’re not using it. TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller (13-Inch); $35 at Amazon.

CARDIO GO-TOS

	Jumping rope is no kid stuff. It’s one of the best workouts you can get–and you can take it anywhere. Epitomie Fitness Ballistyx Speed Jump Rope; $28.86 at Amazon.
	Walk, jog, run, sprint, or all of the above, anytime, day or night. NordicTrack T Series Treadmill; $599 at Amazon.
	Lower impact, more compact. Schwinn compact elliptical machine; From $499 at Amazon.
	Concept2 Model D Indoor Rowing Machine; $945 at Amazon.
	Keep the cycle going at home. NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle; $1,999 at Amazon.

WEIGHTS + STRENGTH TRAINING

	CAP Barbell Coated Hex Dumbbell Weights 10 – 50 pounds; from $37.79 a pair at Amazon.
	Yes4All Vinyl Coated Kettlebells; from $17.99 each at Amazon
	Plyometric box jumps, step-ups, squats and more can cover a lot of workout ground if you’ve got a box. GYMAX Jumping Box, 3-in-1 Foam Plyometric Box; $139.99 at Amazon.
	URBNFit Exercise Ball (Multiple Sizes); from $20.97 at Amazon.
	URBNFit Balance Trainer Stability Half Ball; $79.97 at Amazon.
	Finally, master that elusive pull-up. Body Champ VKR1010 Fitness Multi-Function Power Tower/Multi-Station; $179.99 at Amazon.