Looking to work out at home without setting up a full gym? A few well-chosen accessories make it easy to create varied workouts in your living room, basement, or garage.
Resistance bands, dumbbells, kettlebells, jump rope: where to start? Here is how to choose your equipment based on your goals, space, and budget.
Resistance bands: an essential that is easy to store
Resistance bands take up very little space and allow you to add resistance to multiple exercises. They can be used for warm-ups, strength work, or assistance for certain movements, such as pull-ups.
Format makes a difference: short loop bands and long bands do not offer the same possibilities. Choose them based on the exercises you want to perform and the desired level of resistance.
A good choice for: completing your workouts with a compact accessory that you can also travel with.
Dumbbells: a versatile foundation
A pair of dumbbells allows you to work your legs, back, shoulders, arms, and chest. Squats, lunges, presses, and rows can all find a place in your home workouts.
Choose a load you can control for the intended movements. The right weight for a shoulder exercise will often be different from the one used for legs.
To begin with, it is best to select loads useful for your program, then gradually build out your set.
A good choice for: incorporating strength training at home with equipment that offers numerous possibilities.
The kettlebell: for varied movements
The kettlebell lends itself equally well to strength exercises and conditioning circuits. It can be used notably for squats, deadlifts, and loaded carries.
Certain more technical movements, such as the swing, require proper instruction. The choice of weight must therefore take into account your experience and the planned exercises.
A good choice for: adding variety with an individual piece of equipment that is easy to store.
The jump rope: cardio in a small format
Easy to transport, the jump rope can be integrated into a warm-up or an interval session.
Before starting, check the ceiling height, the space around you, and the surface being used. Also adjust the length of the rope to your height. If you are a beginner, favor short sequences to master the movement.
A good choice for: adding a compact cardio option when your space and physical condition allow for jumping.
The AbMat: for specific core exercises
The AbMat provides support under the lumbar region during floor core exercises. Compact, it easily stores away with other accessories.
It complements a selection of floor work equipment, depending on your comfort and program.
A good choice for: completing your training space with a targeted accessory.
What accessories should you choose for the gym or CrossFit?
If you already train at a facility, your needs will be different. You might primarily look for personal accessories to toss in your bag:
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Hand grips, depending on the barbell movements you perform.
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Wrist wraps, for exercises where you need extra support.
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A jump rope sized to your height, to keep your routine consistent every session.
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A lifting belt, for certain strength training efforts, depending on your routine.
Choose each accessory for a specific purpose. Size, fit, and comfort matter just as much as style.
How to get started without spending too much?
Base your purchases on your actual workouts rather than a long shopping list.
For strength training, resistance bands and a pair of dumbbells can serve as a starting point. For varied conditioning circuits, a kettlebell and jump rope can be worthwhile additions if they suit your intended movements.
Before placing your order, ask yourself three questions:
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What exercises will I perform with this accessory?
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Do the resistance, load, or size match my requirements?
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Do I have the necessary space to use it comfortably?
The best accessories are the ones you will use regularly. You can then expand your gear as your habits and goals evolve.
Find your training accessories at MURPH Fitness
Whether you are starting to work out at home or looking to complete your gym bag, MURPH Fitness offers accessories for various training styles.
Explore our resistance bands, dumbbells, kettlebells, jump ropes, and strength training accessories to find the essentials that match your workouts.
Have a question about a load, size, or model? Contact our team to help you choose.
MURPH Fitness — Built On Strength.
