Life is busy— it’s true no matter how you spend your days. This is one of the major reasons so many of us struggle to make exercise a consistent part of our lives. We know that working out regularly will give us more energy, less stress, and a major boost of self-confidence. Yet making the trek to the gym, waiting for equipment (especially in January), and driving back home can be a real drag. Plus, most facilities have limited hours, and...

HEAVY BAG KIT If outdoor cardio isn’t your thing, this heavy punching bag is a great alternative for incinerating fat while building explosive power and speed. With the included gloves and wraps, you’ll be ready to rumble right away. TRX SUSPENSION TRAINING KIT There’s a reason half the gyms in America now stock some version of this suspension training system: It’s the ultimate body-weight workout. You’ll also save a ton of valuable floor space.  POWER REELS A cross between resistance...

If I were your coach, I would emphasize exercises and protocols using free weights and a variety of movement patterns. We would incorporate strength and conditioning training while also working on flexibility and core stabilization.  So, what tools do you need to accomplish this? To get started on a great home gym, you should invest in the following 10 items:  1. Dumbbells The exercises you can do with dumbbells are seemingly endless so they justify their purchase immediately. Look for hex-shaped dumbbells...