It’s time to stop using your hectic schedule as an excuse for skipping the gym. Although it’s totally understandable that an everyday workout isn’t practical, fitting in a quick workout at home is.

To get the most of your at-home workout sessions, stock up on these essential workout equipment. We’re not talking about costly and massive elliptical and treadmill, though. These five pocket-friendly pieces needs almost zero space and can easily be stored anywhere to create your own functional home gym.

1. Resistance Band

A resistance band is a full body workout item that can fit in a handbag. It is great for loosing unwanted fat in targeted areas of the body, such as the love handles and inner thighs. This is also an effective tool for losing weight, toning muscles and even recovering from an injury since you can stretch out and strengthen muscles with it.

2. Jumping Rope

Jumping rope is one of the best cardio exercises that you can conveniently do at home. Your skipping rope won’t eat up any space, but can give you an intense workout that will surely get your heart pumping with just a few minutes of skipping and hopping.

3. Kettlebell

This is a trend that’s here to stay. This workout equipment may be compact, but it provides intense workout result. Not only these bad boys can provide you with some serious cardio, but they can also get you some strength without forming dense muscle. Purchase one kettlebell first with enough weight to challenge your muscles. There are many exercises you cn do with it, such as arm swings, squats and triceps rows.

4. Yoga Mat

For good cushioning to perform your floor exercises, a yoga mat comes in handy. It’s affordable and can easily be stored under the bed or in your closet. You can use this workout equipment to do a lot of workouts, such as Pilates and yoga or basic workouts like push-ups and sit-ups much more comfortably.

5. Workout DVDs

It is challenging to come-up with a workout routine if you have limited equipment. A workout DVD helps you learn a variety of workout types, and many of these such as Tae Bo and Zumba are fun and actually teach you additional skills like self-defence and dancing.

Keeping yourself healthy and fit is important and beneficial for many reasons. And since now that you know what to get to build yourself your own at-home gym, not having the time is no longer a valid excuse to skip moving.