The Ultimate Guide to Gym Accessories - Everything You Need to Know
Whether you’re a seasoned gym-goer or considering taking your Sweat workouts into the weights section, certain pieces of equipment can seem intimidating to those who are new to the fitness game. Luckily, some of the simplest gym accessories can be used by anyone to enhance their strength, coordination, and balance.
Stability Ball
Stability balls -- also called Swiss, yoga, or balance balls -- are an essential piece of equipment for home and professional fitness settings. These bouncy workout tools help improve balance and provide support during bodyweight exercises that work a range of muscles throughout the core, arms, and shoulders.
To get the most from a stability ball, it must be properly inflated. A true rule of thumb is to apply a tape degree across the center to decide its diameter. A correctly inflated ball should give slightly when you sit on it, but still feel firm and bouncy.
The best stability balls are constructed of durable materials that can withstand a variety of workouts and environments. They may feature anti-burst technology that protects the integrity of the product when it's subjected to excessive pressure or stress. Some also have a smooth, dimpled surface that reduces discomfort as you roll your body against it. They're usually sold in black, have a range of size options and come with hand or foot pumps for easy inflation.
The RGGD&RGGL exercise ball is made of thicker vinyl that's less likely to puncture than many competitors. It's durable enough to be used with weighted workouts, too, which is helpful for home gym owners who want to try their hand at lifting dumbbells while using a stability ball. It's available in a handful of color choices and features an easy-to-read diameter indicator, which makes it simple to select the right size for your height. It also includes a dual-action pump, which inflates quickly and is easy to control. It's available in two diameters and sold individually. It's burst resistant to up to 2000 pounds.
There are a variety of budget-friendly gym accessories and equipment that you can purchase using Health & Beauty Discount Codes. Some examples include resistance bands, yoga mats, dumbbells, jump ropes, and foam rollers. Look for deals and discounts on reputable fitness websites or through your health insurance provider. Remember to prioritize safety and quality when selecting gym equipment.
Foam Roller
One of the least intimidating pieces of gym equipment, a foam roller is a cylindrical piece of flexible, dense foam that helps you target knotted muscle tissue and roll them out. The process, called self-myofascial release (SMR), increases flexibility and decreases soreness by breaking down rigid muscles. Foam rollers are also great for increasing the range of motion and improving body mechanics for both pre-workout warm-up and post-workout active recovery.
There are a few different types of foam rollers, ranging from soft to medium to hard, but all are designed to give you a deep massage and improve your flexibility. Softer rollers made from polyethylene tend to be the cheapest, but are less durable and may distort over time. Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam is a more durable material and provides a more consistent feel. Expanded polypropylene (EPP) is the densest material and looks like little foam beads fused. Rollers made from this material are often used in professional settings by physical therapists and in gyms and Pilates studios.
While foam rollers typically come circular, this model from Brazyn Performance takes the traditional look and twists it. The design is both sturdy and compact, allowing it to fit neatly into the space of your gym bag or suitcase. The surface texture is also an excellent middle ground between super bumpy and completely smooth, making it easy to pinpoint specific muscle groups. We particularly appreciate that it comes with a guide that shows you different foam rolling techniques if you’re new to the practice. It also features a handle that makes it easier to carry and maneuver around your body. Its only drawback is that it’s slightly more expensive than other models on this list.
Pull-Up Bar
The pull-up bar is a staple piece of equipment for building upper body strength. If you're serious about your home gym setup, a quality pull-up bar is one of the best investments you can make.
But not all pull-up bars are created equal. To find the right one for your space and skill level, consider factors such as weight capacity, height adjustment, and mounting options. Also, be sure to read reviews carefully to make sure the product you're considering is sturdy and doesn't cause damage to your doorframe or walls.
If you're not comfortable drilling holes in your wall or ceiling, a free-standing bar is an option. However, these bars can be more difficult to use than a mounted bar because you have to pull yourself up by your arms and shoulders. Also, they're more likely to wobble and can be dangerous if you haven't developed the strength to handle them.
Another option is a wall- or ceiling-mounted bar, which is sturdier than a free-standing model and usually bolted into place. These bars are ideal for those who have the space and high enough ceilings to install them, and they're a great choice for Crossfitters or other athletes who do kipping pull-ups.
There are a variety of budget-friendly gym accessories available online that you can purchase using a Gym Plus Coupon Code for additional savings. Some popular options include resistance bands, yoga mats, jump ropes, foam rollers, and push-up bars. Be sure to check out online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target for affordable options.
A top pick is the Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar, which provides you with a space to do multiple exercises for the entire upper body including chin-ups and dips. It has foam grips to reduce slipping and can be adjusted to accommodate different users. This bar is also easy to install without any tools and doesn't require a door frame that's wider than 36 inches. Another top-rated option is the Gronk Fitness Power Tower, which can support up to 500 pounds and looks sleek enough for any home gym or fitness studio.
Exercise Mat
If you're a bona fide yogi, barre aficionado, pilates stan, HIIT devotee, or simply a CrossFit fanatic (or someone who dabbles with all of the above), an exercise mat is an essential addition to your workout equipment. The ideal model will depend on what type of exercises you're planning to do—look for options with nonslip surfaces for HIIT moves, and those that add grip as you sweat for floor workouts like plank jacks.
For a workout mat that can go anywhere, look for models that fold up into a compact size and feature handles for easy transport. This portable exercise mat from Gaiam is an excellent choice, as it can easily fit into a gym bag or backpack and is 2 millimeters thick for stability and support. Another option to consider is this yoga mat from Therabody, which uses a natural cork for cushioning and a durable base that resists punctures and dents.
Some of the best exercise mats are also suitable for a variety of other types of exercises, such as the BalanceFrom Go Cloud, which is made of high-density, 1-inch-thick plush foam that minimizes pressure on the knees, elbows, and spine. Its grippy surface is a breeze to clean, and the lightweight, breathable TPE material is resilient against wear and tear.
Another great exercise mat to consider is the Stamina Fold-to-Fit Equipment Mat, which features ridges for traction and a nonslip surface for safe use on floors. The closed-cell foam is waterproof and antimicrobial to resist odors and bacteria, and it's designed to be tear-resistant. However, buyers note that the mat can develop indentations with constant movement over time and may not offer enough cushioning for poses that require a lot of knee support.
Jump Rope
Jumping rope isn’t just for kids or boxers; it’s a highly effective form of cardio that can boost lower-body power, improve agility and cardiovascular endurance, and burn calories. That’s probably why it’s such a popular exercise among many athletes and even recreational jumpers. Jumping rope is a low-impact exercise that doesn’t strain joints and can be adjusted to different skill levels.
There are a wide variety of jump ropes available, from classic beaded models to premium smart options, and it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. Look for a rope made of metal, rubber, or PVC plastic and a cable that’s either solid or segmented (instead of a single continuous length).
The best jumping ropes have handles that are comfortable and easy to grip. Some are weighted, so you can feel the added resistance with each jump. Others have ball bearings that help the rope rotate smoothly and reduce friction against your hands. Look for handles that come to your armpits or shoulders. If you’re new to jumping rope, start with a lighter model and work up to a heavier option once you become more proficient at it.
The SmartRope is a high-tech option that tracks your jumps, time, and calories and displays them on an LCD backlit display in the handle. However, Haft says the technology isn’t worth the premium price tag — especially when you can get the same basic functionality with a traditional jump rope for less than $10.
Conclusion
One of the least intimidating pieces of gym equipment, a foam roller is a cylindrical piece of flexible, dense foam that helps you target knotted muscle tissue and roll them out. A top pick is the iron gym total upper body workout bar, which provides you with a space to do multiple exercises for the entire upper body including chin-ups and dips. Exercise Mat If you’re a bona fide yogi, barre aficionado, pilates stan, HIIT devotee, or simply a CrossFit fanatic (or someone who dabbles with all of the above), an exercise mat is an essential addition to your workout equipment.
