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The Essential Fitness Equipment for Beginners
- PeakFitness
- 7 days ago
- 8 min read
As a beginner, you will be excited to begin your fitness journey and will just want to get out there and start without a clue about what you need.
However, knowing what fitness equipment to have for each of the different fitness styles (strength training, cardio, etc) will help a lot.
Also, knowing which of each equipment is the best will propel progress in your journey.
The equipment we discuss here can be found in pretty much any gym and can also be bought online.
So let's get straight into it.
Table of contents:
Strength Training Essentials
Strength training is an extremely popular workout style designed to build strength and muscle through resistance workouts, typically using weights or resistance bands.
While strength training can be done with no equipment, it is pretty difficult; having the proper resistance training equipment makes progress come a lot faster.
So what equipment should you include?
Dumbbells
Dumbbells are a versatile and accessible tool for beginners, making them crucial for strength training.
With dumbbells, you can complete exercises such as squats, presses, curls, rows and many other workouts (experiment a little bit).
If starting with dumbbells for the first time, don't choose dumbbells too heavy until you know what you're doing - master the form on exercises before moving onto a heavier weight.
When you know you're ready, get some heavier dumbbells. Just note that you will be able to do different weights with all exercises, so get yourself a large variety of dumbbell sizes.
I would suggest purchasing a set of dumbbells that have a good weight range, or get some adjustable dumbbells.
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are great for resistance training, warming up and rehabilitation exercises.
With resistance bands, you can carry out exercises like banded squats, pull aparts and assisted pull-ups.
Similarly to dumbbells, you should start off light with resistance bands as using those with too much resistance can cause injuries such as the band snapping back on you.
With trial and error, you will eventually find a band with a good level of resistance for each exercise.
There are two different types of resistance bands; loop bands and tube bands. Loop bands go in a loop, while tube bands don't and can have attachments equipped onto them.
Here are some good resistance bands that you should consider.
Kettlebells
Kettlebells are a great piece of equipment for building power and coordination in the muscles, and they are also extremely versatile.
With kettlebells, you can carry out workouts such as kettlebell swings, goblet squats, deadlifts, presses and Turkish get-ups.
This tool allows you to train functional strength by carrying out movements that mimic daily life activities.
Some may argue that dumbbells are better than kettlebells, however, this all depends on your fitness goals.
While dumbbells are better for building muscle mass, kettlebells can be better for building functional strength, so you need to experiment and find which is best for you.
Here are some great kettlebells that you could use.
Pull-Up Bars
Pull-up bars are one of the best ways to exercise the upper body muscles as they are excellent for muscle engagement, especially in the back and bicep muscles.
A lot of people struggle with completing one full pull-up, and if this is you, don't panic - you should do easier variations of the pull-up like band-assisted pull-ups to progressively build strength.
For building strength, include variations like wide-grip pull-ups, close-grip pull-ups and negative pull-ups.
All pull-up bars serve the same purpose, however, some are installed differently from others; some bars will hook onto your door frame while some will be drilled into the wall.
You could even get some that come with a power rack!
Here are some great pull-up bars for home.
Cardio Equipment
While cardio can be done with zero equipment, having the right tools can be very convenient and allows you to train your cardio more.
So what is some basic cardiovascular equipment you should own?
Jump Rope
The jump rope (also called a skipping rope) is an effective and enjoyable way to improve cardiovascular endurance, agility and coordination.
Additionally, jump ropes are very affordable, making it a worthy investment for you.
With a jump rope, you can complete HIIT routines, double unders, and endurance skipping.
If a beginner to the jump rope, start with small time intervals, focusing on technique before trying to gain speed.
Here are some high-quality jump ropes you could get.
Treadmill
Treadmills are by far the most popular cardio machine because they are super convenient for indoor cardiovascular workouts that improve endurance and stamina.
Owning your own treadmill also means you don't have to run outside, where it could be raining or icy, therefore making it easier to train.
On a treadmill, you can do things like running, walking on an inclined path, or doing interval sprints.
One tip I would give you on the treadmill is to alternate between low and high intensity to maximise fat loss and calorie burn without the risk of burning out.
Here are some excellent treadmills you could include in your home.
Rowing Machine
The rowing machine provides a full-body cardio workout while improving muscle strength and power, especially in the back, arms, legs and core.
Rowing machines are a popular go-to for a lot of people trying to burn calories.
With this tool, you can complete exercises like 500m sprints, endurance rows and interval training.
If new to the rowing machine, I would suggest focusing on the proper rowing form, which is where you bring the bar all the way forward and then pull it back as fast as possible until you're leaning back slightly.
Remember to drive with your legs and engage your core, always making sure the bar comes back to your stomach when pulling it.
Here are some great rowing machines that you could buy.
Bodyweight Training & Recovery Tools
Similarly to cardio, bodyweight training can be done with no equipment, however equipment can help.
The same goes for recovery—the right tools and methods can speed up muscle recovery quickly.
So what is some equipment you should have?
Yoga Mat
A yoga mat can be used for more than just yoga; a yoga mat is essential for comfort and grip during stretching and bodyweight exercises as well.
On a yoga mat, you can complete workouts like yoga poses, pilates, core workouts, push-ups and many more.
Choosing the right yoga mat is essential - you should select a non-slip mat with adequate cushioning for supporting your knees and back.
Here are some high-quality and affordable yoga mats.
Foam Roller
Foam rollers are a popular recovery tool because they are great at aiding in muscle repair and reducing muscle soreness.
They are also good for flexibility training.
Some things you could do with a foam roller involve post-workout recovery, loosening tight muscles and improving mobility.
Start with gentle rolling and avoid too much pressure on sensitive areas as this can hurt and will eventually do damage.
Here are some excellent foam rollers that you could purchase.
Stability Ball
Stability balls aren't as known as the rest of the equipment on this list, however, they are great for enhancing core engagement, posture and balance during exercise.
Some exercises you can do with stability balls are stability ball planks, wall squats and hamstring curls.
You should use a ball that is adequately sized for your height to help you maintain stability.
Here are some excellent stability balls you could have.
Home Gym Setup Basics
If looking at fitness equipment for a home gym, then you will need at least the essential pieces of equipment that every good gym at home has.
But what are these home gym exercise tools?
Adjustable Bench
An adjustable weight bench is essential for a home gym because it expands exercise variety, allowing you to workout in incline, decline and flat positions.
An adjustable bench can also be used to support you on some standing movements.
Some exercises that you could complete on an adjustable bench are dumbbell presses, seated shoulder presses, step-ups and dumbbell rows.
If new to weight benches, start with flat and incline positions before moving onto decline positions as this can be difficult for beginners.
Here are some amazing adjustable exercise benches you could have.
Weighted Vest
A weighted vest is great for a home gym as it increases resistance in bodyweight exercises without needing any additional equipment.
Some bodyweight workouts you can do with a weighted vest are push-ups, pull-ups, squats and lunges.
You can even take a weighted vest running or hiking.
If using a weighted vest for the first time, you should start with a light weight (such as 5-10lbs) and gradually increase this resistance as your strength improves
Here are some good weighted vests you could have.
Safety & Convenience Equipment
While you may think all equipment is needed for specific exercises, some fitness tools are there to aid you in all of your workouts.
Some are even essential.
So what is some fitness equipment you should get to make workouts more convenient and safe?
Lifting Chalk
Chalk is vital in exercise to provide grip strength and help protect the hands during weightlifting.
Chalk should be used for movements like deadlifts, pull-ups, and kettlebell exercises.
However, while lifting chalk is useful, using it too much can result in decreased grip strength.
Don't use chalk unnecessarily - if you can easily manage a weight, don't use lifting chalk, but if the weight is heavy or hard to get a grip on, use lifting chalk.
Here are some great lifting chalks you could buy.
Lifting Straps
Lifting straps are essential for exercise because they provide wrist support and also make it easier to grip weights during heavy lifts.
You can use lifting straps on exercises such as deadlifts, rows, shrugs and overhead presses.
Similarly to lifting chalk, don't use lifting straps unnecessarily as this could affect your grip strength - focus on building your grip strength if using lifting straps so you can maintain it.
Here are some high-quality lifting straps you can purchase.
Water Bottle & Towel
Two things that are extremely important to have are a water bottle and a towel.
A water bottle is essential for staying hydrated during your workout, and a towel will keep you hygienic when you sweat.
When drinking water, it is best to take a sip in between each set to maintain hydration.
Here are some of the best water bottles you can get for the gym.
Summary of Fitness Equipment for Beginners
For beginners, having the right fitness equipment makes workouts more effective, enjoyable, and convenient.
Strength training tools like dumbbells, resistance bands, and kettlebells build muscle, while jump ropes, treadmills, and rowing machines improve cardiovascular endurance.
Bodyweight training tools, such as yoga mats and foam rollers, enhance flexibility and recovery.
Setting up a home gym with an adjustable bench, medicine ball, and stability ball provides variety in training.
Lastly, using safety gear like gloves, wrist wraps, and lifting straps ensures proper support.
Starting with the right equipment helps build a solid foundation for long-term fitness success.
If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us using the chat box.
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