Choosing the right gear lays a solid foundation for a healthier lifestyle - you can work out effectively at home without spending too much or taking up space.

Embarking on a fitness journey from home can be invigorating and daunting, particularly for newbies. This might be one of the most overwhelming options regarding how to exercise. But a basic yet efficient home gym doesn't have to be expensive or take up a lot of room. Here's five must-have bits of kit that every newcomer should consider bringing to the table in order to maximize a home workout set-up.

1.Yoga Mats

One of the most basic but essential items for your home gym is a yoga mat. Whether you are performing body weight exercises, stretching, yoga or Pilates, a high quality mat cushions your joints and helps prevent slippage between you and the floor. It creates a workout spot and keeps floor exercises such as planks, pushups and core work comfortable. Many novices tend to disregard the value of a mat until they have to do sit-ups on a hard floor, rest assured that sitting on one while at rest feels a whole lot better. Look for a non-slip, medium-thickness mat that strikes a balance between support and portability.

2.Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are some of the most underrated but effective tools for beginners. These budget-friendly, lightweight bands come in different resistance levels, so you can work your way up in intensity as you get stronger. They're great for strength training, mobility work and even stretching. Resistance bands are compact and fit in a drawer as opposed to your standard clunky metal weights, so are also perfect for those with a tight amount of space to work out in. You can do squats, glute bridges, arm curls and even assisted pull-ups with them. Resistance bands are so versatile that they are an essential addition to the muscle building programme of anyone wishing to keep in shape without investing in bulky equipment.

3.Adjustable Dumbbells

Adjustable dumbbells are also an important piece of equipment. Although body weight exercises are excellent and are considered strength training exercises, using some light to moderate resistance can help speed up your strength gains. Adjustable dumbbells save space, and you don't have to waste time changing your weight plates. Beginners can begin with lower weights and progress to exercises such as bicep curls, shoulder presses and lunges, increasing the weight as their strength does. You only have to worry if you buy or prefer to work off weights that have big end that allow you to grow a big neck and that's with your table or floor, so dumbbells are also great for improving balance and coordination, which makes them a smart choice in a home that shouldn't run out of value anytime soon.

4.Jump Ropes

A jump rope is an essential part of any home gym. Commonly perceived as a child's pastime, jumping rope is in fact a kickass full-body cardio exercise that burns calories, enhances coordination, and increases endurance. It's a great replacement for going for a run, especially if you don't have much outdoor space to move in. Newcomers can begin with basic hops and add advanced techniques, double-unders or crisscrosses, as they improve. You just need a lightweight and adjustable jump rope to rev up your heart in a matter of minutes.

5.Stability Balls

At last, a stability ball (or Swiss ball) is an excellent device for core stability, balance training, and flexibility. Try sitting on a stability ball at work instead of a chair to work your core while at rest, or perform ball crunches, hamstring curls or back extensions to mix-it up during your workouts. Stability balls are available in various sizes, and by choosing one according to your height, you will be able to adopt correct technique and experience optimal results. They are also ideal for stretching post-workout to increase mobility.

It doesn't have to be complicated or break your bank to start a home gym. Here, the five things first-time exercisers should invest in for a total beginner's workout space that covers all the bases of strength, cardio, and flexibility training, a yoga mat, a set of resistance bands, adjustable dumbbells, a jump rope, and a stability ball. These tools grow with you, too, providing endless opportunity for challenge as you get fit.