A gym membership has its advantages. You can use a wide variety of equipment to get fit and target your problem areas. However, it isn't always possible to get to the gym regularly when you have a hectic lifestyle. You probably have time to squeeze in a workout at home though, and that's why it's good to have some of the following affordable equipment around that you can use for strength training.

Free Weights

Barbells, dumbbells, and kettlebells are all good choices for a home gym. They're small, so they're easy to slide under your bed if you don't have a dedicated weight room. Barbells can be bought in different weights, or you can add plates to them. The barbells you see on the weight rack at the gym are usually made of iron, but you can buy plastic ones for home use that are more affordable.

If you're a beginner, it's best to learn how to use free weights properly so you learn the right form to use to avoid injury and to get the strength training results you want. Look over the weight room equipment at your gym if you have a membership or can buy a day pass, and ask a trainer to show you how to use the pieces properly. You may need to pay for a training session, or the gym may offer a free session to beginners so you learn how to use their equipment safely. Good form and proper breathing are both important components of using free weights.

Weight Bench

A weight bench is a versatile piece of equipment you'll probably want for your home gym. You can position yourself in different ways for doing dumbbell workouts, or you can buy a bench with a rack for lifting the barbell. Some benches are flat, but others recline so you can do sit-ups and other exercises. Weight benches are also affordable and are useful when using strength training equipment.

Exercise Ball

An exercise ball is a nice substitute for a weight bench, or you may want both a ball and a bench. When you're not working out, you can use the ball as a seat when you're working on your computer so you can work on muscle control, posture, and balance. An exercise ball is also called a stability ball, and you can do a number of exercises on it. It's even good for kids to play and exercise on since it's a soft ball.

A home gym doesn't have to be expensive or sophisticated. You can develop muscles and build strength with just free weights if you use good technique. Working out on various exercise machines at the gym is a nice change of pace and fun, but don't overlook the benefits of having some pieces of weight room equipment at home for keeping yourself in good shape.