Whether you want to get in a good workout without needing a gym membership or you just want an alternative for days when you can’t get yourself to the gym, a home gym can be a fantastic investment. Here are some of the top pieces of equipment that can really help you get a good workout at home.

Yoga Mat

Flat and easily stored away, a yoga mat is a basic and versatile piece of exercise equipment any home gym should have. You can use it, of course, for yoga, or even just for doing some daily stretches.

Jump Rope

Jumping rope has become a wildly popular exercise over the last few years, but this is one workout fad that has long been popular with boxers as a way to build endurance and stamina. It is a high-intensity exercise that burns calories more quickly and efficiently than jogging. Jumping rope also helps to improve your coordination and cardiovascular health.

Dumbbells

A good set of dumbbells that you can store against the wall will help you keep up with your strength training at home. You can use them both for joint-isolation exercises and full-body, multiplanar movements. Strength training is important for protecting your muscle mass and bone density as you get older. It also helps you reap greater rewards from cardiovascular exercises.

Resistance bands

Resistance bands are a great alternative to dumbbells and fantastic pieces of exercise equipment in their own right. They work your muscles in much the same way as weights do, adding resistance and forcing your muscles to contract. Using resistance bands can help you tone and strengthen not only your arms but your lower body as well.

Treadmill

If you have the space for it, a treadmill is always a solid choice for a home gym. It’s an easy and effective way to get in some daily exercise and it provides an excellent cardiovascular workout that will improve your heart health. Treadmills are available at a variety of different price points to suit your budget and your workout goals.

Rowing Machine

One of your best options for getting a complete body workout at home is with a rowing machine. The rowing motion engages every major muscle group in your body, working your arms, legs, and core all at once. Plus, it can easily be slid underneath large pieces of furniture for storage.

Heavy Bag

For a high-intensity, fat-burning cardio workout that also improves your coordination, stability, and endurance, consider using a heavy punching bag. It will help you build greater upper body strength and work your core at the same time. As they stand upright, heavy bags don’t have as large of a footprint as treadmills.

Don’t underestimate how much exercise you can get at home. Next time bad weather keeps you stuck indoors, make the most of it by hitting your very own private gym instead.