The reality has finally set in. The entire world is on a lockdown, a pandemic has taken over, most places are closed. Reading clubs stick to kindles, so now you know the bookworms are no more in libraries. The music bands and school choirs have their own online concerts, so now you know the auditoriums are empty. The popular kids are busy ringing each other up so now you know you won’t face their bullying in the hallway. The jocks. though? Yes, the bulky rugby players, the flexible cheerleaders, they can’t possibly exercise virtually, can they? There’s absolutely nothing for them to do, or is it?
Well, according to Joseph Minetto, a fitness freak and gymming enthusiast, there is plenty. ‘And..’, he adds in, ‘there is absolutely no time to lose.’ ‘Fitness is a lifestyle and not a hobby. Keeping fit is a priority and not an aesthetic’, he says. We have long enough missed out on our fitness centered routines, staying back and doing absolutely nothing productive. Empty packets and boxes of snacks lie in a corner and soda cans roll out from behind the couch. And, our gym buddy, knows it full well.
So what can you do, in this time when every gymnasium is closed and sports fields have been abandoned? Joseph Minetto is here to find a solution and thus put a period to all your excuses.
If you’re one of the privileged ones who have a spare room ready to be converted into a fantastic space or a garage that could be dedicated to your passion, you have the opportunity to go all out with big equipment like treadmills, rowing machines or even a multigym. But even if not, Joseph can make it work even with a small empty space or bedroom as well.
Here is a list of equipment that could help you to build your dream home gym without going hard on your pocket, and glow up during this quarantine:
1. Medicine Ball
Generally used by trainers to get athletes back to their feet after injury, the medicine ball has now become popular for fitness and sports as well. These versatile balls range in weight from one to ten kilos, and are a great piece of kit for jump training exercises as well as core strength movements. When choosing a weight, pick a ball that’s heavy enough to slow the motion, slower than if you weren’t using any weight at all. Make sure it’s not so heavy that your control, accuracy, or range of motion (or the person next to you) takes a hit.
2. Plyometrics Box
Plyometrics, also known as “jump training”, are boxes that are used as a platform to jump on and off. It involves exercises where muscles exert maximum force in short intervals of time. It is absolutely great for building speed and explosive power. It increases stamina and core strength. They can be used for squats, bench dips as well as non jumping exercises.
3. Pull Up Bar
The pull-up is the finest upper-body bodyweight exercise there is. Even though beginners may find it tough to start with, it’s perfect for building muscle in arms, back and shoulders. It strengthens the core as well. You can also do a number of basic gymnastic exercises on a pull up bar to enhance your workout. Plus they can be hooked over or fitted inside any doorway and then easily stored.
4. Dumbbells
The number exercises that can be done with dumbbells are endless. Not that but also, they’re cheap and usually adjustable so you can change the weight to suit you. Usually, hex shaped dumbbells with black rubber coating last the longest and are comfortable to workout with. It’s a good idea to get a few different weights to accommodate the different exercises on your workout.
5. Kettlebell
A must-have piece of equipment for your home gym, the kettlebell is versatile, and gives amazing results. From squats to push-ups, a kettlebell workout can burn up to 20 calories per minute – about as much as running a 6-minute mile. It uses muscles in your body from head to toe, and it focuses a lot around your core and increases flexibility. A 2kg weight is perfect for beginners, and both men and women can use them as part of their workout routine. All that needs to be done is to choose a weight that works for you.
6. Skipping/Jumping Rope
If you haven’t used a skipping rope since your school days, then here’s a little surprise! There’s a reason boxers use skipping ropes in their training. It makes up a fantastic cardio and is great for coordination. Skipping can give you a full-body workout that uses your abs to stabilize the body, legs (calves, hamstrings, quadriceps) for jumping and upper body (forearms, deltoids) for turning the rope. They are low in cost and are a small piece of kit to store away. But they can have a big impact on your exercise routine.
Durable and lightweight ropes work best for beginners while weighted ropes are preferred for advanced level workouts.
And there you go, your dream home gym is done, all thanks to Joseph Minetto. Now that you are all set, make sure to not look back and work hard to achieve your fitness goals.
Joseph Minetto 