Build a home gym on a budget - dumbbells and a yoga mat is everthing you need

If you are new into this whole fitness lifestyle and you just want to try some kind of home training with weights or you just don't have the space for a rack then get yourself a pair of dumbbells and a yoga mat.

Why should one use dumbbells?

Dumbbells allow you a type of training that is independent of time and space. The sun is shining and you want to train outdoors? Grab your dumbbells and get out of the door.

There aren't only those to advantages to use dumbbells for your training. They have some serious physical advantages for you and your body.

• You can train unilateral. That means that each side, leg, arm or chest muscle for example is going to work by his own. This style allows you to target weak points and it prevents muscle imbalance.
• Your muscles have to stabilize more as if you would use machines or a barbell. As I mentioned before you train unilateral, this leads to that every arm (for example) has to handle the weight by his own. This will recruit many small muscles that help you to get that stability. Your whole training will profit from those better working muscles.

You don't believe me? Then stand up on one leg and try it by yourself. You will notice that you have to put more work in to stabilize your body.

What kind of dumbbells should you get?

There are many options that you could go. Like power blocks, a whole set of different dumbbells like in a gym or the simple adjustable dumbbell. It is up to you which one you will choose but in the case that you are a beginner and not have that much money I would recommend you the adjustable ones. Choose dumbbells with a thread and a rotating lock. These dumbbells provide the needed safety and variation of exercises.

Another thing you should mention before you buy some of them is the weight of each one. I recommend you to buy a heavy pair (30 kilos each one). They aren't that expensive (got mine for about $90 on amazon and the used ones might be cheaper). With those you are able to train a long time and you can even use them when you upgrade your home gym.
Always remember: if you buy cheap, you will buy twice.

Why should one get a yoga mat?

Imagine the following situation. It is a sunny day and you decided to train outside in your favorite park. You go down to do some push-ups and it got you. Some "leftovers of a dog" just met your shirt. Nice situation, isn't it?
To provide situations like this or just to have a clean ground on that you work out, get a cheap mat. It doesn't have to be an expensive one. A mat for a few bucks will do the job too.

It would be awesome if you share your thoughts on this and maybe you had an experience like my date with the poop 😁
Feel free to share it with us.

Stay strong and clean

Sven