Basic Equipment and Technologies You Will Need For Bodyweight Training

The term “bodyweight training” generally implies that all you need is your bodyweight and you’ll be good to go.

While that is true to some extent, everyone is different, and you might consider getting some basic equipment and technologies for reasons of:

• safety,
• monitoring progress and
• to make your training a bit more comfortable.

Gym shoes

Proper footwear is especially important if you’re doing plyometric exercises like tuck jumps, box jumps, etc. The shoes will give your feet cushioning and support and reduce the impact on your joints.

You might choose to use cross-training shoes instead of running shoes. Different types of athletic shoes provide support in different areas of your soles, and it’s important to get a shoe that has the right construction to meet the demands placed upon it.

If you are doing low impact, low intensity exercises, then you can opt to go barefoot, wear non-slip socks in your gym shoes, or…

I guess what I am saying is take some time to do some research and find a pair of shoes that is right for your feet.

Door-mounted pull-up bar

This is one of the most basic and most necessary pieces of equipment you should own. Particularly as you will be developing your upper body.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for affixing the pull-up bar to your door frame so that you can do pull-up exercises.

If you can’t afford a pull-up bar, there are other exercises you can do to make up for it…

…still, it’s best to have one.

As with any training equipment, you MUST use the equipment as it was intended to be used by the manufacturer.

Timer

You’re ALWAYS working against the clock. This should be your mantra when doing bodyweight training at home, when you have all kinds of other things to be doing.

Like looking after family, for example.

Or if you’re busy in your home office.

Unlike weight training at the gym where people do one set for half a minute and spend the next 20 minutes posing in front of the mirror or socializing, with home workouts, you want them short and fairly intense.

Maybe the socializing bit is not so much now we have to socially distance!

And, mind you, watching athletes posing in front of the mirror can be inspiring.

Anyway, back to what we’re talking about…

Your workouts do not have to be long for them to be effective. In fact, even a 20-minute workout done 3 to 4 times a week with sufficient rest in between workouts is sufficient for achieving your goal.

Stay laser-focused during your training and use a timer to keep you on track.

If you are overweight, you might just be happy to know there is some research…

…which shows that doing one set of a full body workout is just as effective as doing three sets in raising your metabolic rate.

Water bottle

Yes, simple enough but often forgotten. Keep a bottle of water handy so that you stay hydrated before, during and after your workout. The water can be mixed with glucose for energy.

If you don’t have a water bottle, I would imagine you have access to water anyhow, say…

…the kitchen sink?

If you are diabetic, do follow the advice of your doctor before you take up exercise.

If you are a diabetic and training alone at home, do you have strategies in place?

To be on the safe side, you might wish to have someone present who

• understands that you are diabetic,
• knows your needs and
• is able to take action

…should anything go wrong.

Exercise mat

This mat doesn’t need to only be used for yoga or pilates, for example. There are many bodyweight exercises that feel more comfortable when done on a mat. One example would be “elbow plank” to push-up where your elbows repeatedly have to be placed on the ground and your body raised up off the floor.

An exercise mat will make it easier on your elbows and they’ll hurt less. The same applies to push-ups for people who place their knees on the ground. The mat can be used as-is or folded to create a thicker cushion for your knees.

If you cannot afford a posh yoga mat, you can also use your carpet. Just make sure it is clean of dust and any potential allergens. You might even spread an extra linen blanket over it.

Workout gloves

Doing pull-ups repeatedly can cause calluses on your palms, particularly if you have soft hands. If you wish to keep your palms soft and supple, wearing a pair of workout gloves will help to protect your palms during your exercises.

Additional technology for people with underlying conditions

For those of us who have underlying conditions, here are additional tools you may wish to acquire:

• weighing scale with BMI reading
• fitbit watch
• blood pressure monitor
• foam roller (for fascia muscle stretching)

Although you might follow the manufacturer’s instructions for these tools, they are not substitutes for your in-person visits to your doctor. They are merely supplementary tools to have on hand.

If you are working with a qualified professional coach, get their advice on any equipment you intend to purchase.

Besides the equipment mentioned here, there are many other accessories such as headbands, push-up stands, resistance bands, etc. that may help with your training.

Do your research and see which ones you need, and add them to your home gym.