5 essential products for your home gym

1. XYLsports Jump Rope ($7)

Who needs a treadmill? A jump rope is "simply great" for all types of cardio, "from warming up to high-intensity interval training." This "highly durable" rope has comfortable foam grips and can be shortened from 10 feet to any length you prefer. Buy it at Amazon.

2. Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells ($299)

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"An oft-recommended cult favorite," Bowflex's adjustable dumbbell set is like having 15 different pairs of weights. Turn the dial on the dumbbell's side to select the total weight of the plates you lift — from 5 to 52.5 pounds. Buy it at Amazon.

3. Prosource Exercise Puzzle Mat ($20)

Floor padding is a must, and these interlocking 2-foot-square foam tiles will do the job for floor-based workouts such as sit-ups, lunges, or Pilates. If you need padding under weights or heavy equipment, use rubber instead. Buy it at Amazon.

4. Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Pro ($40)

This clever pull-up bar won't damage your door frame, thanks to its unique rectangular supports. Rated for up to 300 pounds, it offers multiple grip options and can also be used on the floor to help with sit-ups, push-ups, and dips. Buy it at Amazon.

5. Fit Simplify Exercise Bands ($9)

Never worked out with resistance bands? Try Amazon's best-selling set. Each of the five latex loops represents a different resistance level, and they're useful for everything from gentle physical therapy to advanced strength training. Buy it at Amazon.

Editor's note: Every week The Week's editors survey product reviews and articles in websites, newspapers, and magazines, to find cool and useful new items we think you'll like. We're now making it easier to purchase these selections through affiliate partnerships with certain retailers. The Week may get a share of the revenue from these purchases.