For those of us working out at home, we’ve had to invest in exercise equipment. And while there’s a lot to choose from, every home gym needs dumbbells, kettlebells, or resistance bands. So, which ones should you add to your workout equipment?
Dumbbells
Dumbbells are a smaller barbell that you can hold in one hand. For increasing intensity and load, dumbbells can be used for a variety of exercises including curls, rows, squats, and overhead presses.
Kettlebells
To get an intense workout, you just need one kettlebell. With these you can lift and swing, increasing your strength and endurance along the way. When using kettlebells, the weight is distributed to shift the load downward toward the floor faster, making them great for exercises with momentum. Some exercises you can perform with kettlebells are kettlebell swings and single-leg deadlifts.
Resistance Bands
For strength workouts, resistance bands provide tension and they test your range of motion. They’re also great for increasing flexibility and challenging tight muscles. Resistance bands work well with exercises like fire hydrants, seated clamshells, and side-leg lifts. Resistance bands are better than dumbells and kettlebells for those who aren’t as strong and it allows you to work at your own tempo while still completing the full movement.
