The Best Men’s Workout Equipment

Working out is a great way to boost your confidence and counteract some of the effects of aging. But there are health benefits that go beyond being able to lift heavy boxes without straining. Regular strength training can improve your mental health, boost your metabolism, toughen your bones and improve balance and flexibility.

The good news is, you don’t have to become a gym rat to get the results you need. You can work out in the comfort of your home, and you don’t even need equipment to do it. Crunches, pushups, jumping jacks and leg lifts can help you build and strengthen muscle, using your own body for resistance.

But a few tools can boost your workout and keep things interesting. You don’t even have to dedicate a portion of your precious square footage to a home gym. You can buy items that will tuck safely away when you’re not using them. These options are often portable, which means you can pack up your workout equipment and take it with you when you travel.

If you’re setting up a workout routine, that’s exactly what it should be: a routine. Come up with a schedule you can maintain and stick to it, no matter what. Many people find it’s best to work out first thing in the morning. As the day progresses, there are simply too many things pulling your attention away, which will always give you an excuse to skip the workout.

Don’t feel like you have to work out every day. Personal trainers recommend resting your muscles one to two days a week. This is known as the recovery period, and it’s essential for giving your muscles time to strengthen. To adhere to this schedule, some choose to only work out three to four days a week, while others split workout time. You might do chest, shoulders and arms one day, then focus on abs and legs the next. Whatever workout routine you choose, make sure it’s one you can sustain over time.

• Storage is an important feature in workout equipment, especially if you’re limited on space. Look for smaller items that can be tucked away in a closet. Resistance bands, wheel rollers and hand weights are great for that.
• If you’d like to be able to maintain your workout routine on the go, look for portable equipment you can take with you. Also consider where you’ll work out. You might choose resistance bands you can attach to a door or your ankles, for instance. Lastly, invest in a bag to store everything in when you hit the road.
• Look at the weight capacity of any piece of workout equipment that you’ll be relying on to hold your full weight. If it’s a weight bench, keep in mind your weight plus any weight you’ll be lifting or setting down on the bench while you’re on it.
• Keep your own comfort in mind while working out. Kneepads and gloves might prevent chafing as your body makes contact with the floor or handheld weights. You can also buy grips for your weights that will make the process more strenuous, potentially providing faster benefits.
• As always, check with your doctor before tackling any new exercise program, especially if you’re using tools that promise to make you put in extra effort for quicker results.
• If you’re mounting your equipment to a surface, carefully check for stability before use. Accidents can happen if equipment isn’t properly secured.
• If you’re working out on the go, check to make sure your equipment won’t damage anything in your hotel room or vacation rental property. Your workout can get expensive if you end up having to pay hundreds of dollars for property damage after you check out.