It’s freezing, and no one wants to go outside.
Sheltering under our coats and umbrellas as we to and fro from work can be enough in the winter months, and finding the energy to exercise can be difficult.
Thankfully, YouTube and online shopping have made exercise during winter a lot easier. You can now set up your home with everything you need to complete full workouts, and it will probably cost you less than a gym membership in the long run.
If you’re new to this, you might not want to go full steam ahead and purchase a treadmill. You can start with a decent mat, some resistance bands or ankle weights, and a free workout via YouTube. It’s really that simple.
Keep warm, stay active, and get those endorphins going with these equipment suggestions.
NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.
Smaller equipment
Kogan Fortis 5 Pieces Resistance Band Set
Get everything you need for a full-body workout in this resistance band set. The five bands represent increasing levels of resistance, which can be attached to the cushioned foam handles to work different parts of the body. The set also includes a door anchor, ankle straps, and a carry bag.
PROIRON Ankle Weights
Add extra difficulty to your walk or run by strapping these weights to your ankles or wrists. You can buy a set of 0.5kg weights to begin, or go up to 2kg (this set costs $38.99). Featuring a reflective trim to their exterior, these will be easily visible if you’re someone who likes to run outside after dark. However, you can also use them on the treadmill, or to enhance your home Pilates workout.
PROIRON Anti-Slip Neoprene Dumbbells
These colourful dumbbells come in a range of weights, so you can start at your comfort level, or buy the next kilogram up for a challenge. Their cost increases by a few dollars with each kilogram, but this 2kg pair are currently 20 per cent off.
Kogan 6-Piece Dumbbell Set with Rack
While the weight range leans light (0.5kg to 1.5kg), these dumbbells come with a rack, which is extra helpful for storing them at home. As you progress and get stronger, you can always increase your weights and leave those ones handy on the rack instead.
foldUP The Movement Mat
You need a mat for home exercises – wooden floors are too hard, and we doubt the carpet has the grip you need. This mat, while expensive, comes with my endorsement. I’ve had my black one for over a year now and it hasn’t flecked one bit of foam (and that’s after hours and hours of heated yoga). It folds into a neat square when not in use, which is much less cumbersome to store than a mat that rolls up. If you do a lot of mat workouts in your fitness routine, the Movement Mat is worth every dime, I promise.
If you’re new to yoga or Pilates and not quite ready to spend too much on a mat, take a look at this one. It’s just $33, and has markings that’ll help you learn how to align your body in certain poses.
iWorld Jade Yoga Cork Yoga Block
While foam blocks are usually cheaper, this avid yogi will always recommend a cork block. They’re sturdier, offer greater support, and are much more durable than foam designs. This $50 one will seem like an investment at first, but it will last you at least a year’s worth of weekly classes.
Gaiam Performance 45cm Roller & Strap
Don’t forget recovery! Foam rollers are known to reduce muscle pain and increase range of motion in the joints. It’s also a safe way to massage your muscles solo. Grab this 45cm model to start, and you can graduate to bigger (or even notched) ones in future.
And if you’re ready for more…
Everfit Electric Home Treadmill
This treadmill has everything you need to kick your cardio goals from home. With a speed allowance of up to 12km per hour, you can use it for steady endurance training, or adjust the pace more frequently to build up your fitness. It has three incline levels for an extra challenge, too. Measuring 133cm tall, 60cm wide, and with a belt that stretches back 136cm, it won’t take up too much space in the home.
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