Words: Jonathan Wells
As the coronavirus pandemic taught us, it’s just a sensible idea to have a well-equipped space in which to stream home gym classes by your favourite new Instagram fitness guru.
When it comes to fitting out your home with a private gym, however, there are a few essentials you should never be without. From a trusty multigym and some reliable free weights to the best in technical clothing, we’ve scouted out the most advanced kit to take your workout to the next level.
Variety is as important, however, as technology. The humble dumbbell and its swinging brother, the kettlebell, are good friends to the muscle-bound, and it’s important to ensure your water bottle and recovery tools set a firm foundation for your home gym. So, if you’re looking to upgrade your workout, here are the best products to beef up your exercise regime.
Buy one machine, but a machine that does it all
Forget spending money on a top-line treadmill, excellent exercise bike or rowing machine. The likelihood is that you won’t have room for all of them anyway. Instead, look to invest in a multigym that will combine many of your most important exercises into one cleverly constructed package.
Workout wizard Technogym has built the UNICA multifunctional bench for just this purpose, crafted from the same materials as professional gym equipment. Life Fitness, also, has delivered with its G7 — a machine with two dual weight stacks and 20 pulley adjustments per column for increasing intensity. Alternatively, look to Adidas’ home gym offering; a slightly cheaper but just as versatile set-up.
Never underestimate the importance of free weights
Your multigym is all well and good — but these big machines have their limitations. Free weights are versatile weapons in your workout arsenal, and will allow you to experiment and push the limits of your exercise regime. And, from barbells and dumbbells to kettlebells and wearable weights, they come in many shapes, weights and sizes.
First up, these hexagonal dumbbells from Domyos have been developed specifically for cross-training, and are perfect for a range of functional exercises. JaxJox’s KettlebellConnect is equally flexible – and a great space saver. The world’s first digital kettlebell, simply place it in its holder to add or drop weight as desired. And, from Gym Marine, these superyacht-specced weights are the only dumbbells on the mainstream market with nautical grade 316 stainless steel handles.
Pull on the best technical sportswear to push yourself
When it comes to home gyms, privacy is a problem. Not a lack of it, of course — you can huff, puff and grunt to your straining heart’s delight within the confines of your own home. But, because this is your own workout space, sequestered from anyone else, the temptation is to throw on an old t-shirt and tattered sneakers. Do not do this. Instead, invest in some better kit — technical, ergonomic threads that will push you to be your best.
And look no further than Petra. Pietro Boselli’s sportswear brand boasts the ‘T-shirt of the future’; a second microfibre skin that is both ultra breathable and lightweight. Pair this with Mission Workshop’s bike shorts if you’re going a stretch on the exercise cycle — and lace everything together with Nike Training’s Metcon 6 sneakers.
Don’t forget about your add-ons and accessories
It’s easy to get the kit, buy the weights and dive straight into your workout. But, in the 21st century, there is a multitude of extra equipment that will help you get the most out of your exercise regime. So don’t skimp on the accessories — because they may push you further than you ever thought possible.
Apple’s partnership with Nike brings us a sports watch to outstrip and outstrap all others. Set on a Nike Sport Loop, this timepiece features an ECG, multi-sport activity app and in-device music streaming. A good water bottle is important also, and Corkcicle’s colour block canteen will keep you hydrated in reliable style. Finally, to help maximise our fitness gains, we frequently turn to this massage gun by Hyperice. Used by world-renowned athletes, including footballer Erling Haaland, it features five different speeds of percussion, each of which rapidly thuds and moves gently across your body, alleviating muscles from any soreness, tension, knots and pain, providing you with a quicker-than-usual recovery time and allowing you to stay loose. The sleek, refined build; futuristic-style digital dial; and solid grip are just added benefits.
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