{"id":252619,"date":"2026-01-26T15:34:18","date_gmt":"2026-01-26T15:34:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/252619\/"},"modified":"2026-01-26T15:34:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T15:34:18","slug":"6-best-home-gym-essentials-according-to-a-physical-therapist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/252619\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Best Home Gym Essentials, According to a Physical Therapist"},"content":{"rendered":"

Achieving your fitness goals doesn’t require a monthly gym membership. From the comfort of your home, you can implement a few minutes of daily exercise<\/a> with just the right equipment<\/a>. <\/p>\n

To help jumpstart your New Year’s goals<\/a>, physical therapist Karena Wu recently revealed to the 3rd hour of TODAY some ways you can build a gym right at home. Whether you’re into high-intensity workouts or improving strength training, these budget-friendly picks can transform your living room into your own personalized fitness space.<\/p>\n

Ready to lace up your sneakers<\/a>? Keep reading to discover the best workout essentials<\/a> to achieve your at-home fitness goals, according to an expert.<\/p>\n

Best home gym essentials seen on TODAY<\/a>\"ProsourceFit<\/a><\/p>\n

Helps engage core muscles and assist with balance during exercise.<\/p>\n

Shades: 5+\u00a0| Dimensions: 14″ x 14″ x 3″<\/p>\n

This multi-purpose training disc offers stability during workouts, helps engage the core, and provides other benefits in a portable design that makes exercise feasible wherever you go. “It can also be used as a seat cushion to help with posture and balance,” adds Wu.<\/p>\n

\"Perform<\/a><\/p>\n

Travel-friendly resistance bands you can use anywhere. <\/p>\n

Comes with: A pack of 4\u00a0| Dimensions: 9″ x 2″<\/p>\n

From warming up to activating your muscles, resistance bands are a fitness essential<\/a> every home gym should have. The pick above comes in various resistance intensities to suit every skill level. <\/p>\n

\"Tangram<\/a><\/p>\n

A smart jump rope that keeps track of your jump count, fitness goals and more. <\/p>\n

Colors: 4\u00a0| Comes with: SmartRope Rookie, pouch, donut and battery<\/p>\n

“This is a smart jump rope with an app to track your jump counts<\/a>, calorie and duration,” explains Wu. “The donuts add weight to make it feel like a real rope, but it is cordless, so it doesn\u2019t scratch the ground. It is great for beginners and for in the home, so you don\u2019t scratch your floor or hit the ceiling.”<\/p>\n

\"Sunny<\/a>\"Sunny<\/a><\/p>\n

Color-coded so each weight is distinguishable during workouts.<\/p>\n

Dimensions: 5.5″ x 2.8″ x 5.8″ (for 5 lb weight)\u00a0| Weight range: 5 lb to 25 lb<\/p>\n

“Kettlebells<\/a> are great for adding weight and instability to challenge your core,” suggests Wu. This collection of kettlebells is each color-coded to easily distinguish each weight while you work out. Though each weight is sold separately, the kettlebells start at just under $15 to help kickstart your training.<\/p>\n

\"All<\/a><\/p>\n

Double-sided so you can use on carpet or hardwood flooring. <\/p>\n

Comes with: Set of two\u00a0| Dimensions: 7 Inches (H) x .26 Inches (W) x 7 Inches (D)<\/p>\n

“Sliding core discs are great for adding strengthening, dynamic movements and stability training,” suggests Wu. This set comes double-sided, so regardless of your home flooring, you can perform mountain climbers or push-ups anywhere in your home. <\/p>\n

\"Triggerpoint<\/a><\/p>\n

Relieve soreness, discomfort and more with this targeted massage ball. <\/p>\n

Material: Plastic\u00a0| Item height: 2 inches<\/p>\n

From relieving muscle tightness<\/a> to soothing muscle soreness post-workout, this tiny but mighty massage ball offers direct pressure on points. “This is a smaller ball, so it is meant for the hands and feet, but you could still use them elsewhere on the body,” notes Wu. “These are great to travel with, and don\u2019t take up much space.”<\/p>\n

\"\"\/More home gym essentials to shop<\/a>\"Sperax<\/a><\/p>\n

Achieve your step goals with this under desk walking pad.<\/p>\n

Dimensions: 39″ x 21″ x 3.5″<\/p>\n

If your goal<\/a> is to achieve 10,000 steps a day, a walking pad<\/a> is a practical way to get your steps in. Enjoy a quick five-minute workout while watching your favorite show or use the machine to keep your legs moving while working from home. <\/p>\n

\"Expert\"Bala<\/a><\/p>\n

This ball is non-weighted and can be used in a variety of different workouts. <\/p>\n

Dimensions: 8 inches\u00a0| Colors: 3<\/p>\n

You don’t have to book a reformer class<\/a> to take advantage of the benefits of pilates. With a pilates ball, including this option from Bala, it helps offer strength and support to build your core and beyond. <\/p>\n

Editor’s pick<\/p>\n

\"Bomba<\/a><\/p>\n

Gripper socks with a cushioned footbed and seamless toe for extra comfort. <\/p>\n

Sizes: S, M, L\u00a0| Colors: 5\u00a0| Fabric: Cotton, polyester, elastane<\/p>\n

On the topic of pilates, support every movement and prevent slips with these Bombas grippy socks. They also deliver arch support, a comfortable cushion, among other perks, for a better workout.<\/p>\n

\"WeGym<\/a><\/p>\n

Choose between 2- to 20-lb. weights dependent on your fitness goals. Each dumbbell is created for a more comfortable grip, opting for a coated exterior rather than a metal one. <\/p>\n

Weights: 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15 and 20-lb. options available \u00a0| Colors: 4\u00a0| Materials: Iron interior coated in a non-slip coating<\/p>\n

According to the brand, the WeGym SafeGrip Square Dumbbells are designed to feel more secure in your hands compared to metal dumbbells<\/a> for a comfortable grip with every lift. <\/p>\n

\"Expert\"Yes4All<\/a><\/p>\n

This foam roller is said to be 30% heavier and firmer than most standard options. <\/p>\n

Supports: Up to 250 lbs.\u00a0| Lengths: 12, 18, 24, 36 in.<\/p>\n

Use a foam roller to assist with recovery and prevent injury after an intense workout or strength training session.<\/p>\n

\"Lululemon<\/a>\"Lululemon<\/a><\/p>\n

With a built-in shelf bra and contoured fit, this tank will support you through your workouts.<\/p>\n

Colors: 4\u00a0| Sizes: 0-14\u00a0| Materials: Polyester, nylon, lycra elastane<\/p>\n

We’re constantly browsing Lululemon’s sale section<\/a>. So while we’re building our home gym, might as well build our fitness wardrobe, too, like the tank above, as we scroll. <\/p>\n

Editor’s pick<\/p>\n

\"Ranked\"\/\"New<\/a><\/p>\n

The latest version of New Balance’s Rebel sneaker is designed for daily running. <\/p>\n

Sizes: 5 – 12\u00a0| Colors: 9\u00a0| Styles: Standard, wide\u00a0| Weight: 6.3 oz.\u00a0| Heel-to-toe drop: 6 mm<\/p>\n

One Shop TODAY editor calls the New Balance FuelCell Rebel V5 one of her “favorite everyday running shoes” in her recent round-up of the ‘best sneakers of 2025<\/a>.’ From its breathable mesh to its supportive insole, there’s a lot to love about the shoe.<\/p>\n

\"Tone<\/a><\/p>\n

A non-slip exercise mat that is perfect for workouts like yoga and pilates.<\/p>\n

Colors: Nine\u00a0| Weight: 1.8 lbs\u00a0| Dimensions: 72.05″L x 24.02″W x 0.24″Th\u00a0| Materials: Thermoplastic elastomers\u00a0| Care: Hand wash only<\/p>\n

From yoga to pilates, this exercise mat can assist with stability and balance during your workout. <\/p>\n

\"PickPeak<\/a><\/p>\n

Weighted vests saw a search spike this year, reaching an all-time high. <\/p>\n

Weights: 5 – 30 lbs.\u00a0| Colors: 2\u00a0| Material: Neoprene<\/p>\n

Weighted vests<\/a> were a trending topic in 2025, and we don’t see them leaving in the new year. Whether you wear one on your runs or completing chores, weighted vests add a bit of intensity to any movement and workout. <\/p>\n

\"Wellness\"RitFit<\/a><\/p>\n

This versatile pilates ring can be used to help tone your arms, legs and abs \u2014 providing a great upper body workout. <\/p>\n

Size: 14 inches\u00a0| Colors: 4<\/p>\n

A pilates ring delivers more than meets the eye. Use it to strengthen the core, help tone your arms, among other benefits. <\/p>\n

\"On<\/a><\/p>\n

Made with On’s softest fabric yet, these leggings are stretchy, flexible and have pockets.<\/p>\n

Colors: 3\u00a0| Fabric: On SenseTec\u2122 \u2014 a combination of polyamide and elastane<\/p>\n

This new launch is made with the brand’s softest fabric yet, and a good pair of tights can upgrade any at-home workout. “These leggings have a second-skin feel and no front seams for extra comfort,” says commerce editor and producer, Julie Ricevuto<\/a>. “The waistband doesn’t roll or bunch during workouts, and the stretchy and flexible fabric make them super comfortable \u2014 they’re my new go-to leggings!”<\/p>\n

\"Hydrow<\/a>\"Hydrow<\/a><\/p>\n

Get a full-body workout with this at-home rowing machine that engages more than 86% of the body’s muscles during use.<\/p>\n

Metrics measured: Distance, time, calories burned, stroke count<\/p>\n

The ultimate splurge, this at-home rowing machine is worth it for those that want a full-body workout that engages more than 86% of the body’s muscles during use. It also provides immersive, on the water workouts led by expert athletes and olympians, along with personalized recommendations in order to help users get the most out of their at-home workout.<\/p>\n

Meet the expert<\/a><\/p>\n

Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest in trends, remarkable sale events and all things shopping across a variety of categories. Products were independently chosen by members of the Shop TODAY team, along with Karena Wu, to find the best fitness essentials to build a home gym.<\/p>\n

Karena Wu<\/a> is a physical therapist and the owner and Clinical Director of ActiveCare Physical Therapy.How we chose<\/a><\/p>\n

The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.<\/p>\n

As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com<\/a> readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.<\/p>\n

How do you add Shop TODAY as a Preferred Source on Google?<\/a><\/p>\n

Google\u2019s new Preferred Sources<\/a> feature allows users to manually select their favorite publishers and news outlets for a more customizable experience tailored directly to the reader. Once you\u2019ve opted to receive our content, you\u2019ll begin seeing more of our recent and trending articles displayed within your Top Stories news feed.<\/p>\n

The easiest way to add us as a preferred source is to click here<\/a> and type in \u201cTODAY.com<\/a>.\u201d Once the box is checked and you\u2019ve refreshed the page, Shop TODAY content will start appearing in your feed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Achieving your fitness goals doesn’t require a monthly gym membership. From the comfort of your home, you can…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":252620,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[565,134,111,139,69],"class_list":["post-252619","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-fitness","tag-fitness","tag-health","tag-new-zealand","tag-newzealand","tag-nz"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/252619","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=252619"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/252619\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/252620"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=252619"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=252619"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=252619"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}