The 5 Best Stay-At-Home Fitness Essentials

Chrissa Hardy — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 16:11:35 +0000

Since we can't currently visit our local gyms, participate in group fitness classes, or take in spectacular views on popular hiking or jogging trails, we have to get creative if we want to work up a sweat. And a big part of that is assembling a budget-friendly home gym that also doesn't take up too much space — which isn't always easy. You don't need a room full of bulky cardio machines to get fit at home, and most of us couldn't afford that anyway.

Just a few key items and versatile accessories will help you tone every muscle in your body, and will keep you safe and healthy during your time at home. Use any of the items below, throw on a fun playlist, and get your sweat on. (See also: The 5 Best Women's Cross Training Shoes)

Top 5 Stay-At-Home Fitness Essentials

Home-Complete 4 Resistance Exercise Loop Bands

As Amazon’s #1 best-seller in physical therapy arm exercisers, the Home-Complete 4 Resistance Exercise Loop Bands are ideal for your physical therapy needs and can increase your flexibility, balance, and strength quickly. This affordable set of four durable bands with varying resistance (Light-Green, Medium-Blue, Heavy-Red and XX-Heavy-Black) can help strengthen and tone your shoulders, hips, arms, and legs. The multifunctional loop bands can be used for ankle resistance, knee resistance, leg resistance, and on the thighs and wrists.

These bands offer a complete body toning workout, so you can tone and strengthen any affected areas. They are ideal for physical therapy rehabilitation, weight loss, Pilates, yoga, and stretching. They can also be effective in recovery from torn MCL, torn ACL, knee replacement, and patella and meniscus rehab. These bands also have over 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $9.99 at Amazon.com

Sivan Health and Fitness Extra Thick NBR Comfort Foam Mat

The Sivan Health and Fitness Extra Thick NBR Comfort Foam Mat is ideal for all your favorite exercises, including yoga and Pilates. It is also one of the thickest mats on the market, providing better impact absorption. The extra thick mat is made with specially designed memory foam, so it will optimally protect your knees and joints.

The mat has a ribbed surface on one side and a smooth surface on the other side, so it will grip the floor to improve your workout and prevent injuries. The durable, long-lasting material is moisture-resistant and easy to clean, so it will last you for years. It is available in different colors and comes with an integrated carry strap, so it is easy to transport. This mat also has over 6,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $38.99 at Amazon.com

Trideer Exercise Ball

The Trideer Exercise Ball is one of the highest density exercise balls on the market. It is 2,000 micrometers thick and can resist up to 2,200 lbs. It's also made of top quality materials, free of toxic PVC material, BPA, and heavy metals. This ball comes in a small box and includes a quick inflation foot pump. You can use this for physical therapy, yoga, Pilates, back and abdominal training, pregnancy exercises, and more. The Trideer Exercise Ball comes in five sizes and is also backed by more than 5,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $33.99 at Amazon.com

Fit Skuad Jump Rope

The Fit Skuad Jump Rope is the perfect addition to your home gym. It comes with a fully adjustable 10-foot long cable, and is fitted with extra-large screws that make it easy to adjust. It can be used by adults and kids, from beginners in fitness to swole elites. This jump rope has light and durable aluminum handles and a foam grip for better feel. The steel cable is coated with a PVC sleeve for protection and better durability.

You'll also receive a premium carrying bag so you can bring your rope wherever you go. It's also backed by over 800 five-star Amazon reviews.

Currently $19.99 at Amazon.com

Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike

The Marcy Recumbent Exercise Bike allows you to get in a stellar cardio workout without ever leaving your home. The bike uses a magnetic resistance mechanism with eight resistance levels. The tension knobs control the difficulty to simulate riding on different terrains and customize your workout according to your fitness level. It comes with a high-density foam cushioned seat, and an LCD computer screen that acts as an odometer and has a sharp panel display that shows time, speed, distance, and calories burned. This exercise bike currently has over 5,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.

Currently $159.99 at Amazon.com

And those are our recommendations for the best stay-at-home kitchen essentials. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

This article is from Chrissa Hardy of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: