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I’m a personal trainer and these are the three things I tell every new client to buy to build core strength and stability
When I’m asked what kind of home gym equipment is worth buying, I’ve got a top three list that I always recommend to my personal training clients.
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a decent set-up, and with Amazon Prime Day in its final hours, it’ll cost less than usual.
These three versatile pieces of equipment are perfect for strength training, especially for beginners, or if you’re returning to exercise after a break. Here’s what I recommend.
1. Dumbbells
Free weights work for a variety of exercises, including those that can target multiple muscle groups at the same time, and in my opinion the best type of free weights are dumbbells. In fortunate timing, CAP Barbell has reduced all the dumbbells it sells on Amazon.
I usually recommend that new clients buy a pair of 6lb dumbbells, like this pair.
Once you own a pair you can try workouts like this one.
Or you could opt for adjustable dumbbells. These tend to be more expensive upfront, but it does mean that you don’t have to buy more pairs as you get stronger, probably saving you money but definitely saving you space in the long run.
Dumbbells can be used to train your upper body with exercises such as chest and shoulder presses, bent-over rows, biceps curls and triceps extensions, and your legs with weighted squats and Romanian deadlifts. They can also be used for full-body movements such as thrusters or the clean and press.
2. Resistance bands
You can do many of the dumbbell exercises mentioned with resistance bands, too. A band costs less, and it’s lighter and smaller, meaning you can take it with you when traveling, or tuck it away in a drawer when not in use. Here’s how I suggest using them if you want a quick full-body blast.
They’re also great for stretching, balance and flexibility exercises, and seated workouts—which are ideal for senior clients.
Bands tend to come in a pack of different resistance levels, making it easy to move up as you get stronger.
3. Wobble board
(Image credit: Maddy Biddulph / Future)
Sometimes called a core or balance board, a wobble board has a flat, hard top that you can stand on during exercises, and a rounded bottom that makes the whole thing wobbly.
When you stand on the surface, the challenge is to keep your balance and not fall off. Doing this forces your core muscles to work hard in an effort to keep you upright, while also working multiple leg muscles and the glutes.
This is a really versatile, inexpensive piece of kit, and is a great way to get a stronger core while improving your balance. Some of my favorite wobble board exercises include planks, glute bridges and squats.
