The best equipment for exercising at home

• Trying to find the best home workout equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic?
• I’ve picked three of best (cost effective) equipment you should invest in

Chances are you’re exercising at home.

In a previous post I explored the explosion in the personal fitness market, but with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic this trend has grown even further beyond anyone’s wildest dreams.

The indoor workout is now ubiquitous and everyone is doing it, but what equipment is best and actually cost effective?

If you’re stuck in the house wondering what products could help with a worthwhile workout, I’ve pulled together three of the best on the market to keep you in shape.

1. Skipping rope: Capebow adjustable skip rope

Did you know skipping can burn 100 calories in ten minutes? But research has also shown that it can actually accelerate calorie burning also, making that work out even better. Other added benefits are that it has less impact on knee joints than running while also improving coordination.

Skipping ropes are pretty inexpensive too making them a great option for exercising at home. However, having previously bought a cheap ($4) rope, paying just a bit extra can make a huge different. The cheaper rope I had was poorly made, the rope itself wouldn’t straighten out, meaning I kept messing up my skipping technique.

By contrast, Capebow’s skipping rope is straight the minute you take it out of the box and stays that way. In addition, it is really easy to adjust the length, all you do is screw off the bottom of the handle and go from there.

Also, there are super lightweight and even come with a small pouch, meaning you can take them out in style (once the pandemic is over). Exercising at home with a skipping rope is actually pretty easy too.

Verdict:

As mentioned, having previously used cheap skipping ropes and been disappointed, Cabepow has created a cheap, but high quality skipping rope. It is made from sturdy materials, really lightweight and the carrying pouch is a great touch too. Get skipping now at home.

2. Resistance: Tribe Resistance bands set

Unless you’re The Rock, you likely don’t have dumbbells lying around in your place – meaning you’re missing some critical ways to exercising at home. With gyms now shut, your weight lifting regime is pretty limited with home exercise without any equipment.

I splurged on the Tribe Resistance Bands 11 piece set because of this issue. To be totally honest, I’ve never used resistance bands in this way so this was an expensive jump into the unknown.

The bands range from 5lb to 35lb and at first, you definitely feel like they are going to snap and knock a few teeth out. Once you get over the weird feeling of using them though, while not exactly the same as lift weights, they do a really good job of working some key muscles.

However, the ankle straps really do make you feel like you’re at the gym working out, all you need to do is put them behind the leg of a couch or table and you’re good to go. The door anchor does put a fair bit of pressure on any surface you are using, so be careful when selecting to use this, but that is a pretty minor point.

Verdict:

While Tribe’s resistance bands set is pretty pricey, I love it. The main issue I would have is that once gyms are reopened, will you be using the bands? Likely not, as they just aren’t the same as real weight lifting for me. However, for a stop gap solution (and making sure you can still life some weights when you go back to the gym!) they are an excellent product in the meantime.

3. Abs: June Fox abs roller wheel

More people are probably aware of planking, but using an abs roller is, in effect, a “moving plank”. It really does improve your triceps, shoulders, lats, and overall core for a relatively cheap price too (most rollers are cost below $20+). Its huge impact on your body makes it perfect for exercising at home.

I decided to splash out on the June Fox Abs Roller Wheel (for $24.99) and give it a go. To be honest, the product feels a bit cheap and the main reason why I got it was due to it include a pad for your knees (which take a lot of pressure when using a roller).

However, the pad is quite flimsy and thin and doesn’t really do the job for your knees unfortunately.

Verdict:

This is one pricey piece of equipment but feels cheap. The knee pad is totally unusable (as you can see from the pictures I’ve even doubled up the pad and it isn’t enough). Given that much cheaper options are available, this product is a miss for me. I’d look for cheaper options online.