Finally, you have decided to wave goodbye to your flabby tummy and say hello to 6-pack abs! You are even motivated enough to take classes with a personal trainer to help you shed your excess kilos and regain that slim and slender figure from your sunny summer volleyball days– not a bad idea at all!
Getting back into shape and toning both the upper body (pectoral, dorsal and abdominal muscles and biceps) and the lower body (thighs, glutes and calves) can be done by simply using one’s own body weight and everyday objects.
Nevertheless, depending on the area you want to target, investing in certain bodybuilding and fitness equipment is recommended. Rest assured, we are not talking about huge sums of money here, just essential exercise equipment to help optimise your weight loss and training program.
Whether you have an online personal trainer or search for a "personal trainer near me for home" (with their Certificate in Fitness Instructing - Gym, or Diploma in Health, Fitness, and Exercise Instruction to hand), it is sometimes necessary to purchase home fitness equipment to help with strength training.
The idea behind this is not to make you purchase all the exercise machines available in the weight room of your favourite gym, but to introduce a few essentials for a regular and quality workout (dumbbell weights, skipping rope, yoga mat, exercise bench, etc).
Key Takeaways
- Start simple: Tools like dumbbells, resistance bands, a yoga mat, and a basic ab machine are great to kickstart effective home workouts.
- Targeted muscle training: Dumbbells, pull-up bars, and ab benches help tone biceps, abs, glutes, and back.
- Balance cardio and strength: Kettlebells, exercise bikes, and Power Plate machines offer both cardio and strength benefits.
- Bodyweight exercises work: Household objects can improve fitness and muscle tone without extra equipment.
- Safety and technique: Warm-ups, maintaining proper form and careful use of equipment prevent injuries and improve results.
- Home gym space: Compact, foldable, or movable equipment suits small Singapore apartments.
- Consistency and diet: Regular workouts, proper hydration, and a balanced diet are key to achieving fitness goals.
Home Gym Equipment Essentials
If you want to get in shape and work on your abdominal muscles, a good private personal trainer in your own home will explain the following golden rule to you. When it comes to getting amazing, well-sculpted abs and reducing fatty mass around the stomach, it is not about the quantity or intensity of the abdominal home workout sessions that you do, but rather the regularity.
Of course, you have the opportunity to enhance your abs without any fitness equipment at all, just with a carpet or foam gym mat and perhaps a cushion to support your head as you do some sit-ups. However, with the right kind of fitness equipment, you have the peace of mind that you are working all the inner, upper and lower abdominal muscles and the oblique muscles.
This kind of training equipment will especially enable you to avoid injury and dorsal muscle pain by helping you to complete each movement properly, whether you use a rack, bench, bar, curl setup, pulley system, multi attachment, or simple weight tools for building strength. Before purchasing this sort of home exercise equipment, though, it is worth taking into consideration the following two questions:
- Are you a beginner or a well-established fitness enthusiast?
- Do you want to tone your deeper muscles or sculpt your abs?
If you are considering trading in your gym membership, you can also discover all there is to know about the fitness classes online and health and fitness apps on Superprof to complement your training home workout. In the meantime, start outfitting your home gym with some essential fitness equipment! Try some of these exercise machines and fitness equipment that can help build a stronger and fitter YOU.
1. Dumbbells & Gym Weights
Personal trainers and fitness equipment complement each other well. For instance, weight equipment, like dumbbells, allows you to tone and build upper-body muscles effectively. They also strengthen the pectorals, shoulders and biceps, while also engaging your thighs and glutes. Don’t forget that a nice bum can turn a lot of heads – true for men as much as it is for women!
Remember to spend no more than 45 minutes per session with dumbbells to avoid overworking your muscles and destroying muscle fibre, which will need to be rebuilt during recovery and rehabilitation. After around ten consistently spaced weight training sessions, you will naturally slim down and notice strong upper body muscles. Think about alternating muscle groups during a workout session or between sessions when using dumbbells or a barbell to ensure you don’t overwork a particular muscle.
2. Pull Up Bars
Remember the monkey bars you used to swing from on the school playground? Back then, you probably needed a ladder to climb up rather than lifting your entire body weight using only your arms at the time, but pull-up bars are essentially the grown-up version of the monkey bar (a chin-up bar), specially designed for fitness pros. While they may look simple, they actually require the user to be incredibly athletic, helping them develop a strong core and serious upper-body strength with long-term use.
Pull-up bars are an essential piece of strength equipment and a must-have for every home gym. If you want to splash your cash, there is a wide range of pull-up bars out there. High-end luxury models can cost as much as $1,000 boasting features such as sweat resistant protective grip (to avoid the need for gloves), multi-purpose fold-up bars (can be used for additional fitness exercises, such as, elevated push-ups), adjustable lengths and attachments (so that they can be used anywhere, any time) and reinforced builds to hold a variety of different body weights.
However, if you want a cost-effective approach or follow the Lafay Method, you could get creative and try pulling up on your bannisters or doing a chin-up or two in your doorway. Just make sure whatever you choose is strong enough to hold your body weight. Otherwise, you could end up in A&E instead of feeling like a WWE champion!
3. Abs Crunch Bench
The abs crunch bench is usually compact and flexible enough to fold up and easy to transport, making it a great addition to a home gym setup. It has an inclined surface that allows you to nestle your feet and bring your chest forward, effectively targeting the rectus abdominis muscle and the oblique muscles through controlled movements.
Thanks to the chest-pulling movement involved, the ab swing machine (crunch) enables the user to sculpt their abs (when working actively) and to tone the deeper muscles that support the viscera (when doing static muscular work).
With regular abdominal exercise sessions, you will be able to:
There are also several other ab exercise machines available, such as double abs roller wheels, abs balls, Abdo Gain devices or abs crunch machines.
However, for people with back pain or lordosis, kyphosis, or scoliosis, be very careful when working your abs to avoid putting excess pressure on the spine. Ideally, consult your personal trainer either in the gym or at home, so that they can guide you through proper techniques and help you develop good and safe exercise habits.
4. Power Plate Machine
A Power Plate machine is a great piece of gym equipment to work all the muscles in the body. If you want effective strength training, a full-body workout, and to re-sculpt your figure, all the while having plenty of fun, make these types of multi-gym fitness machines your go-to home gym fitness equipment.
- Choose not too heavy gym equipment, so that you can move on your own and without hurting yourself – with wheels would be best!
- Bendable, so that you can save space by placing them under something like a bed or wardrobe, keeping your home tidy and clutter-free.
- Opt for robust and well-known brands in the fitness world. This is important if you want to sell them on if you decide one day that you are bored with fitness and want to turn your hands to say, Scrabble! Well-known gym equipment like pull bar, leg curl, adjustable dumbbells, weight stack, lat pulldown, or even a barbell rack, compact bench, or pulley system maintains a regular price and even performs well during sale price or black Friday events.
However, note that it has a relatively high price tag, and it is also pretty hard to squeeze into your small studio apartment or 2-bed home in Singapore. So, whenever you visit a gym equipment shop, buy one that is compact and fits well into your home.
5. Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are another really great piece to add to your home gym equipment. Similar to a jump rope, they are ideal for home fitness because they won't break the bank and are easy to use. Unlike bulkier exercise equipment like treadmills, benches, rowing machines, racks, pulleys, cable crossover machines, and barbell weights, they can be tucked neatly away in a drawer somewhere.
While they won't give you a full body workout, they are the best fitness equipment to use if you want to ease into exercise or have been advised by your physio to do some low-impact activities following an ankle or knee injury. They are also the best gym equipment to use if you want to target different muscle groups at a price range that is accessible to everyone.
A resistance band will help to develop strong leg muscles through the action of pushing by working to counteract the 'pull' force created by your hands as you grasp the band. When compared to cable-based machines like a lat pulldown low station with pulley regular price, a cable crossover machine or a bench regular price add-ons, resistance bands offer a lightweight and cheap alternative to cable-based strength training.
They often come in a range of different (and usually bright) colours with a variety of grips and handles if you are a sucker for style! And they are readily available at most fitness stores or any online shop, many of which offer a wide range of resistance levels.
Many resistance sets even come as part of a home gym or multi-package bundle offered at a regular price sale, sale price save, or with attractive price low high or low high price discounts during a black Friday sale.
6. Static Exercise Bikes
An indoor cycling bike can be a good purchase if you want to burn calories, get your heart rate going, improve your cardio and thin down your hips and bum with a bit of indoor cycling. When picking up exercise bikes from the store, though, remember that it would be better to have two people there on the day of purchase to help transport the exercise bike and install it in your home.
You could also think about putting a rug down to absorb any excess water and so as not to stain your nice wooden flooring! Sporting activities in the gym like indoor cycling or RPM (group cycling classes where you spin the wheels of a stationary bicycle to pumping music), zumba, body attack or even body pump are really great ways to raise your pulse, get a good cardio workout and burn fat all whilst building strength and helping with the promotion of muscle endurance.
CrossFit is also an activity ideal for muscling up and conditioning the body, but you should absolutely be supervised by a competent sports coach to avoid injury!
Safety Advice for Using Gym Weights
- Keep your back straight and upright to ensure your vertebrae and spinal column are properly aligned when using gym equipment, especially when you perform upper body exercises like using a pull bar or performing lat pulldown moves on a multi-gym with weight plates or a weight stack.
- Support the weights during movements where you return the dumbbells to prevent joint injury when using adjustable dumbbells.
- Keep a well-wrapped abdominal belt on whilst exercising, and don’t forget to breathe too, more so when doing leg curls or working on the cable crossover machine!
You can take advantage of black friday deals to shop for free and save money on home gym equipment.
Be Careful when Using Kettlebells!
If you practice functional training – better known as CrossFit – you will probably already know about kettlebells. These free weights, essentially dumbbells with a handle, are used for lifting and dynamic exercises.
Used by the Russian military Special Forces for their routine physical training and by MMA fighters during circuit training, these dumbbell weights encourage the user to work on their muscles whilst doing aerobic exercise (cardio), improving strength, endurance, stamina and flexibility and allowing for a lot of fat to be burnt. That is, if one knows how to use them properly!!!
You should only complete American kettlebell swings if you have proper core stabilization at the top of the lift, as well as solid shoulder mobility. If done improperly, this can lead to back and shoulder injuries.
Collette Stohler, author of The Intuitive Athlete, and HuffPost blogger
In terms of fitness products, many home gym and bodybuilding websites specialise in increasing muscle mass through the use of free weights, such as dumbbells. If you are pretty fit and one of your fitness goals is to gain more muscle mass, a pair of dumbbell weights at 15kg will cost you about SGD 75. The heavier the weights are, the more expensive they get!
Domyos by Decathlon has several videos about muscle exercises for you to learn how to properly use your dumbbells.
These exercises for increasing strength cover different movements:
- Squats
- Butterfly
- Side Lunges
- Rotators
- Toning your biceps and glutes
- Strengthening your shoulders and back
- Strengthening your tricep muscles
Fitness Equipment vs Environmental Elements
There is really no need to invest thousands of dollars in sophisticated commercial fitness equipment to get a dream body. As we explained in previous paragraphs, for those not too keen on financing a career in bodybuilding through the nose, you can always decide to invest only a very limited amount of money in your home workout or physical fitness training.
Things You Need
- Weights (dumbbells, kettlebells) won’t break the bank
- Fitness gear - a breathable cloth outfit (or some stylish activewear if you prefer!)
- Basic abdo machines (crunch, bench, Swiss ball…)
- Exercise mat
Some methods of bodybuilding, like the Lafay Method, propose 110 exercises (muscle training, weight loss, fitness and physical training) without any gym equipment at all. All you need are everyday objects (a chair, a bed, a stool, etc.) for your upper body and body workout cardio sessions, even without adjustable dumbbells, a weight stack, weight plates, a rack attachment, or a multi-gym.
These exercises have proven their worth with recommendations from both beginners and well-established sportsmen who do not rely on a pull bar, lat pulldown, leg curl setup or strength storage systems.
In this case, the material investment is almost nothing, and all you need is motivation and a little bit of elbow grease! The method requires some innovation, but you can have quite a lot of fun turning your house into an all-purpose home gym, whether wall-mounted or improvised without spending a dime!
Combine Exercise Equipment with Diet
Generally speaking, you should remember to combine your workouts with a balanced diet and consult a qualified sports nutrition expert if you wish to gain muscle mass, lose weight or trim your figure. This will help you better select the necessary diet and meals during and after your body workout sessions, and follow good nutritional advice.
Stay hydrated during and after exercise to flush out toxins and support faster muscle recovery.
Perform stretching exercises to release muscular tension and improve flexibility.
Include a light cool-down at the end of your workout.
The Pros and Cons of Exercise and Fitness Equipment
When it comes to buying home gym equipment, you need to understand the advantages and potential drawbacks of the fitness equipment you purchase. This will ensure you get the most out of your workouts without extra costs or unnecessary clutter.
Pros of Home Fitness
- Targeted training on specific muscles strengthens your body and tones the muscles
- Saves commute time
- Have easy access to equipment
- Buying your own equipment saves you money in the long run
- Compact tools like ab machines, resistance bands, or adjustable dumbbells allow a variety of exercises in limited space.
Cons of Home Fitness
- Home gym equipment requires an initial investment, which can initially dent your finances
- Large and bulky home gym equipment can be difficult to accommodate in small and compact homes in Singapore
- You need a lot of discipline and dedication to stick to your fitness routine
- Some fitness equipment should be used under expert supervision only
Best Home Gym Equipment to Buy
Here is a look at some of the best home gym equipment in Singapore that you can buy, even when you are on a budget.
| Type of Equipment | Brand | Prros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hexagonal Dumbbells (2.5kg) | Everlast | Low cost, ideal for beginners Small, compact, and easily transportable Hexagonal shape prevents rolling Lightweight for high reps | Too light for serious strength training Only one weight included per purchase Rubber ends wear faster than metal Less sleek appearance than metal competitors |
| Chrome Dumbbell Set (5kg) | Adidas | High-quality and durable Sleek chrome design Suitable for beginners and experienced users Adjustable spin-lock collars | Expensive Metal handles may be uncomfortable without gloves |
| Kettlebell (8kg) | Domyos by Decathlon | Excellent value Ideal for CrossFit and cardio-style exercises Comfortable handle Improves grip strength | Not ideal for low reps Risk of injury if used incorrectly Small handle may limit movement Base may wear over time |
| Collapsible Abs (Crunch) Bench | We R Sports | Affordable Padded for comfort Foldable for storage Max user weight 100kg | Padding may wear down Leg support better for petite frames Still somewhat bulky |
| Abs Swing 6 in 1 Smart Machine | Aureole | Low cost Comes with workout DVD Easy assembly Compact and lightweight Adjustable spring settings Soft handles prevent blisters | Less sturdy than similar machines Plastic adjuster holder can break |
| Power Plate Machine (Pro-10: Tri plane Vibration Plate) | JTX | Extremely sturdy and high quality Adjustable settings High intensity vibrations Includes workout DVD | Very expensive Suited for dedicated users with serious investment in home gyms |
| Resistance Bands (Set of 3) | CKB | Great value - Variety of colors and thicknesses Ideal for low-impact and mobility exercises Compact and easy to store | Not suitable for heavy or frequent use May snap under intense workouts |
| Onyx Folding Exercise Bike | Viavito | Affordable Folds for easy storage 8 levels of magnetic resistance LCD console provides live feedback Smooth, friction-free flywheel | Magnetic resistance less durable than electric Small monitor display |
Discover more useful sports gadgets and check out the best fitness watches on the market.
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