There are three basic ingredients to achieving a complete workout. Your home gym exercise routine should include each one of them. These three foundational aspects will include cardio exercises for your heart, flexibility to increase your blood flow, and strength training to strengthen bones and tone muscles. Your home gym will need equipment that will help you meet each one of these basic goals. A good reference book or two that will give you complete information on home gym exercises would be another great addition to your home fitness center. Try to find one with illustrations that you can refer to as you go through your workout.

A cardio workout program could be something as simple as an aerobic or walking DVD. Or it could be as complex and costly as the latest and greatest treadmill on the market. You should choose whatever will fit your needs, budget and enjoyment. You might want to invest in a pedometer and a heart rate monitor. These tools will help you to gauge the effectiveness of your home gym exercises.

Strength training equipment should include a weight bench, and barbells in several sizes. You could use a DVD instructional video to guide you in your home gym exercises. There are also a number of good books on the market that you can use as well. You can elevate the effects of your home workout for strength training with an exercise ball. A balance trainer or resistance bands will increase strength as well. A workout log will help you to keep track of your home gym exercises as well as your results.