I’m a bit later than usual, but this week is all about workout equipment. What do you need to build a routine at home?
“Like many of you, all I did in my apartment pre-corona was stretch. My equipment consisted of one fairly worn out yoga mat.”
Like many of you, all I did in my apartment pre-corona was stretch. My equipment consisted of one fairly worn out yoga mat. Months later, that is no longer the case! I’m excited to share some items I’ve been using personally, along with other creative things I’ve seen across the internet.
1. Sweet Sweat
I think one of the things I found myself missing the most is the intensity of my pre-corona workouts. To increase the sweat factor, I’ve thrown on the Sweet Sweat before lifting, running, or cycling. During my time working at Barry’s, my friend (and now Barry’s trainer) Joe Allen (@fit.to.conquer) introduced me to the Sweet Sweat. It quickly became an essential for me. He explained to me that when working out, your core is the last part of the body to heat up. Hence why we perspiration tends to happen on our arms and legs first, and why we tend to see results in those areas more quickly. I love the Sweet Sweat because it speeds the heating process up by insulating your core. I know I struggled with the love handle area early in my fitness journey, and Joe’s tip allowed me to level up. Just remember that the belt will NOT do the work for you— it’s an aid, not the source. You are.
In terms of other at home equipment, resistance bands have consistently been a staple in my routine. They’re easily accessible online and effective. Amazon is a great site for purchase as you can buy indiviudal bands (color-coded by strength) or a full set. My bands of choice (along with ab-roller and ankle weights) are pictured below. For squats, the blue velcro-cuffed resistance band is a must have!
3. Ab Roller & Ankle Weights
These two are fairly easy to come by on sites like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. I don’t use them on a daily basis, but once or twice a week I will incorporate them into a workout. It’s important to remember that you should keep your body guessing! Be consistent, but change up your routine and rotate the equipment you use for certain excercises. If you’re doing a workout video that calls for lunges, don’t be afraid to strap on the ankle weights for added intensity!
4. Jump Rope
An easy cardio-alternative. This jump rope is super easy to carry if you’re on the go, and fun to implement into your workout schedule. See my last post, Who Cares About the “Quarantine 15”, where I explained how I made jumping rope a staple in my routine.
4. Weights
A set or two of weights would be ideal at home, but they’re hard to come by and/or priced gouged (don’t even get me started) on sites like Amazon, Walmart, Dick’s, etc. After searching for weeks, I was able to find two sets (20lb & 30lb) from the Facebook market. Just be aware of the average price(s) for the set you’re looking to buy. So many people have been taking advantage of the weight shortage.
5. Mat
I spent the first few weeks of quarantine exercising on a thin yoga mat and I quickly knew I had to upgrade. My body started to feel the impacts of zero cushion and it was hindering my progress. After delving into reviews on Amazon, I settled on the mat linked above! I found it to make such a difference in my workouts. Now I’m sore solely from crunches–not the floor.
When running and cycling, I’ve been using the Zipster Lite running pouch from Nathan Sports. A few weeks ago, the straps on my old running belt fell apart mid-run (RIP). I did a bit of research and found that this belt had solid reviews in terms of durabilty and its a slip-on construction makes it less likely to fall apart when in use.
If your budget is tight and brand new equipment is out of reach, buy any of these items second-hand or use household items! I’ve seen so many trainers online using backpacks filled with books, wine bottles, and gallons of water in workouts. For used equipment, I’ve been scouring Facebook market and Craigslist—people are rapidly buying and selling items.
If you’re looking for workouts that incorporate at-home items, check out this one by Keoni Hudoba (@keonihudoba) using a kitchen pot!
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CCi2Z2HgOHj/?hl=en
Let’s get to it people. Feel free to comment any items you’ve been using in your own routines!
Treadmillennial 