Home gym essentials: what to buy first on a small budget
The sensible order: mat, resistance bands, light dumbbells, jump rope, and what each one is for.
Do not buy a machine before you have a habit. These four small items, under about $20 in total in Vietnam, cover every plan on Keep.
1. Exercise mat
6–8mm thick and non-slip. It protects your spine when lying down and your knees when kneeling.
Exercise mat
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Ships within Vietnam via Shopee. Abroad? Tap TOMI MART for international stores.
2. Resistance bands
Get a set with several strengths. They replace rowing machines and work glutes and shoulders.
Resistance band
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Ships within Vietnam via Shopee. Abroad? Tap TOMI MART for international stores.
3. Light dumbbells
Most beginners start with a pair of 1–3kg (women) or 3–5kg (men). Until then, use 1.5-litre water bottles.
Dumbbells
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Ships within Vietnam via Shopee. Abroad? Tap TOMI MART for international stores.
4. Jump rope
Ten minutes of rope burns about as much as an easy run and fits in a drawer.
Questions
What dumbbell weight should a beginner buy?
A pair you can lift 12–15 times with the last rep feeling hard. For most beginners that is 1–3kg for women and 3–5kg for men.
Can bands replace weights?
For home training, bands cover most dumbbell exercises and are lighter and cheaper.