Sports equipment for a small apartment
The floor space of apartments in large cities is often 30-40 square metres. How to fit equipment in such a small space? Where there’s a will, there’s a way. The basic equipment takes up little space and gives a lot of possibilities.
What choices do we have?
- Exercise mat
The basics! The mat will come in handy for almost any activity, and is guaranteed to keep you safe during the workout. With it, you minimize the risk of slipping, provide better traction and protect your joints. The comfort of home training will also increase significantly.
What kind of mat to choose? Certainly one that grips the ground well and is non-slip. If you plan to practice yoga or do a lot of kneeling exercises, the mat should be at least 4 mm thick.
- Dumbbells
Even a very extensive set of dumbbells will not take up much space in the apartment. It is worth providing yourself with several sets (2, 4, 5 kg and more, depending on your needs). If you plan to use dumbbells for simple aerobic exercises, this should be enough. However, if you want to get serious about strength training, get a large set with twisting weights. For this, barbells with different grips will also be useful. After unfolding the set, it is still easy to hide it in the closet or under the bed.
- Sensorimotor (balance) cushion
A very good substitute for a large Pilates ball. Such an inflatable (very durable) cushion allows you to perform many exercises, where the basis will be to maintain balance. Examples? Squats, strides, plank. You will wonderfully strengthen your muscles and joints and work on your body balance. The same, or even greater, possibilities are also provided by the bosu (looks like a “half-ball”) or the Pilates ball mentioned earlier.
- Exercise bands (rubber bands)
A set of rubber bands costs a few tens of zlotys and will significantly enrich your home workouts. It partially replaces dumbbells, allowing you to strengthen and stretch almost all parts of the body. Another great advantage of bands is that you can easily take them with you when on the go!
- Skipping rope
Seemingly a trivial matter, but the skipping rope offers a wealth of possibilities and benefits. Among other things, it supports weight loss, improves fitness, and benefits the heart, bone density and muscles.
Home gym – a bigger space
The above-mentioned equipment can be called a “handy” set that will allow you to do a fully-fledged workout at home. However, if you have more space, you can expand your private gym with more advanced equipment. You can successfully expand your private gym with more advanced equipment. Also in terms of dimensions. What to choose?
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Elliptical trainer
This equipment will enable a whole body workout! It is a great cardio option for people of all fitness levels. On this equipment you can perform gentle exercises, or give yourself a decent workout. You’ll burn a lot of calories (up to 270 kcal in 30 min), strengthen leg muscles, and improve endurance. It must be said that this is a very good alternative for runners who give up training outside during the autumn-winter season due to smog.
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Treadmill
An excellent option for those who want to run, but do not want to leave the house. By running on a treadmill, you can effectively work on your fitness, and at the same time give yourself extra pleasure, for example by watching a TV series. You will make a virtue of necessity!
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Treadmill for walking
A market hit and a new fad. Does it really work that brilliantly? Well, a treadmill for walking is an expense of 1,000 zlotys upwards. If you want to walk on it while working, you will additionally need a desk with a movable top. However, once you get used to moving while clicking on the keyboard, chances are you will cover several kilometres a day completely on the fly!
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Stationary bicycle
A simple cardio workout at home. A stationary bicycle offers many benefits: this universal device (all household members will benefit from it) allows you to burn a lot of calories, increase lung capacity and increase joint mobility.
What to look for when buying exercise equipment?
Elliptical trainer, treadmill, or stationary bicycle – this is a serious purchase that must be preceded with proper research. First of all – if you decide to purchase new equipment – don’t be afraid to invest in it. This type of device should cost a minimum of 2,000 zlotys, with the mid-range starting at 3,500 zlotys. It is worth spending such a sum (and more), because the cost incurred will quickly pay off, and the equipment will perform its role for many years.
Aim for well-known and established brands. What’s especially important: check whether, in case of failure, the manufacturer or the store offers service (ideally, have a service technician come to you. Carrying equipment of such dimensions is a challenge). In such cases, the warranty is priceless!
If your budget is limited, look for used equipment. Check the parameters and price of the new equipment beforehand so you have an idea of what you are spending your money on. Sometimes, for half the market price, you will manage to acquire a real gem in very good condition. Good luck!
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Sources:
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(1) The impact of weather on summer and winter exercise behaviors, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095254616300576