Best Equipment for Full Body Workouts: Top 5 Tools Under $50

Finding the right equipment for full body workouts can feel overwhelming, especially when you're balancing a busy schedule and tight budget. Fortunately, you don’t need a gym membership or expensive machines to achieve a great workout at home. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 5 pieces of equipment under $50 that can help you maximize your full body workouts efficiently.

Quick Stats Box

• Total Time: Varies by exercise
• Equipment Needed: Listed below
• Difficulty Level: Beginner to Intermediate
• Calories Burned: Approximately 150-300 calories depending on intensity

1. Resistance Bands

Price: $10-25
Best For: Versatility in strength training
Limitations: May not provide enough resistance for advanced users

Exercises:

• Squats: 15 reps, 3 sets, 45 seconds rest. Tip: Keep the band just above your knees and push against it as you squat.
• Chest Press: 12 reps, 3 sets, 45 seconds rest. Tip: Anchor the band behind you and press forward, squeezing your chest at the end.
• Bent-over Rows: 12 reps, 3 sets, 45 seconds rest. Tip: Keep your back straight and pull the band towards your waist.

2. Jump Rope

Price: $5-20
Best For: Cardio and coordination
Limitations: Requires space and ceiling height

Exercises:

• Basic Jump: 30 seconds, 3 sets, 30 seconds rest. Tip: Keep elbows close to your sides and rotate the rope with your wrists.
• High Knees: 30 seconds, 3 sets, 30 seconds rest. Tip: Drive your knees up high while maintaining a quick pace.
• Double Unders: 30 seconds, 3 sets, 30 seconds rest. Tip: Jump slightly higher and spin the rope faster for two rotations.

3. Stability Ball

Price: $15-30
Best For: Core stability and balance
Limitations: Requires space and proper inflation

Exercises:

• Wall Squats: 15 reps, 3 sets, 45 seconds rest. Tip: Place the ball between your back and the wall for support.
• Ball Pass: 10 reps, 3 sets, 45 seconds rest. Tip: Lie on your back, hold the ball between your feet and hands, and pass it back and forth.
• Plank Rollouts: 10 reps, 3 sets, 45 seconds rest. Tip: Start in a plank position with your hands on the ball and roll forward slowly.

4. Dumbbells

Price: $20-50 for a pair
Best For: Strength training and muscle building
Limitations: Limited weight options for advanced lifters

Exercises:

• Dumbbell Deadlifts: 12 reps, 3 sets, 45 seconds rest. Tip: Keep your back straight and hinge at the hips as you lower the weights.
• Shoulder Press: 12 reps, 3 sets, 45 seconds rest. Tip: Press directly overhead, keeping your core tight.
• Lateral Raises: 12 reps, 3 sets, 45 seconds rest. Tip: Raise weights to shoulder height, keeping a slight bend in your elbows.

5. Foam Roller

Price: $10-30
Best For: Recovery and flexibility
Limitations: Not a workout tool but essential for muscle recovery

Exercises:

• Back Roll: 1 minute, 2 sets, 30 seconds rest. Tip: Lie on your back and roll slowly to massage the spine.
• Quad Roll: 1 minute, 2 sets, 30 seconds rest. Tip: Position the roller under your thighs and roll back and forth.
• Calf Roll: 1 minute, 2 sets, 30 seconds rest. Tip: Place one leg on the roller and push down to target the calf.

Summary Table of Exercises

| Equipment | Exercise | Reps/Duration | Sets | Rest | |-------------------|-----------------------|---------------|------|-------------| | Resistance Bands | Squats | 15 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | | | Chest Press | 12 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | | | Bent-over Rows | 12 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | | Jump Rope | Basic Jump | 30 seconds | 3 | 30 seconds | | | High Knees | 30 seconds | 3 | 30 seconds | | | Double Unders | 30 seconds | 3 | 30 seconds | | Stability Ball | Wall Squats | 15 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | | | Ball Pass | 10 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | | | Plank Rollouts | 10 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | | Dumbbells | Dumbbell Deadlifts | 12 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | | | Shoulder Press | 12 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | | | Lateral Raises | 12 reps | 3 | 45 seconds | | Foam Roller | Back Roll | 1 minute | 2 | 30 seconds | | | Quad Roll | 1 minute | 2 | 30 seconds | | | Calf Roll | 1 minute | 2 | 30 seconds |

Cool-Down Section (3-5 Minutes)

• Child’s Pose: Hold for 1 minute. Tip: Sit back on your heels and stretch your arms forward.
• Seated Forward Bend: Hold for 1 minute. Tip: Reach towards your toes while keeping your back straight.
• Cat-Cow Stretch: 1 minute. Tip: Alternate arching and rounding your back while on all fours.

Complete in: 30-40 minutes

Conclusion

Incorporating these five pieces of equipment into your home workouts can help you create a well-rounded fitness routine without breaking the bank. Whether you’re just starting or looking to enhance your current regimen, these tools are versatile, effective, and easy to store.

For personalized coaching that includes real-time feedback and form correction, consider signing up for our sessions at HipTrain. With flexible scheduling and certified trainers, you can elevate your fitness journey today!