Resolve to Exercise in 2021? What to Buy

Unless you’re a major fitness buff, you probably don’t have a full home gym setup in your house. And unless you’re a major fitness buff, you don’t really need a full home gym setup in your house. There are plenty of ways to get a full-body workout with minimal equipment. Something like walking or jogging, for example, only requires a decent pair of training shoes. If you prefer indoor exercise like yoga, even that only requires a few pieces of gear. If you’re at the beginning of your fitness journey, here’s some all-purpose equipment that can help you get started.

Resistance Loop Exercise Bands

Resistance bands aren’t just for strength training, although they’re a nice lightweight alternative to dumbbells. You can also use resistance bands to help you stretch, or as part of your yoga or Pilates practice. This set comes with a carrying bag, e-book, and videos that can help you make the most of your bands.

Seated Elliptical

For various reasons, a big elliptical or exercise bike won’t work for everyone. But you can still get the workout in with this smaller version, which is designed to be used with just about any and every chair. Adjustable and quiet, this minimalist machine is a great way to get exercise anywhere.

Yoga Mat

Yoga mats aren’t just for yoga. They can be used to cushion all varieties of floor exercises, from planks to Pilates. This set comes with a thick, nonslip mat, perfect for cushioning your joints, as well as a strap for stretching and blocks that can provide extra support when and where you need it.

Free Weights

Unless you’re really serious about strength training, most people don’t need large weights. This set comes with 3, 5, and 8-pound dumbbells, which should provide some challenge without being so heavy as to cause injury. Plus, the neoprene coating means they won’t be too slippery. If you need more weight, heavier sets are also available.

Balance Trainer

Balance trainers are exactly what they sound like. By combining bodyweight exercises with a balance trainer, you can improve your core muscles (and balance) over time. Plus, stronger core muscles usually mean less back pain. Just be careful of which one you buy—some balance boards are made specifically for skate and snowboarding, and can be dangerous for seniors.

Please note that while these are good, general pieces of equipment adaptable to many forms of exercise, it’s important to talk to your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine. It’s also important to understand how to use the equipment to lessen the risk of injury. For more specific recommendations, talk to a doctor or physical therapist before buying.