Essential exercise equipment to stay fit from your living room
No gym? No problem. Here are the simple pieces of exercise equipment you need for an at-home workout.
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If not being able to get to the gym is your go-to excuse for skipping a working out, we have good (or bad) news.
There are plenty of ways to get a sweat-inducing, high-intensity workout at home and you don’t need lots of fancy machines or expensive weights to achieve results.
Here the super affordable pieces that will help take your fitness to the next level.
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1. RESISTANCE BANDS
A resistance band will automatically increase the intensity of almost any exercise you do. As the name might suggest, the stretch loops of latex and rubber add resistance to toning and strength-based exercises, which forces your muscles to work harder.
The bands are super portable and while most of us aren’t going travelling outside of Australia right now, they are a great way to a workout while you are away from home.
If you’ve never used a resistance band before, there are thousands of workout videos on YouTube. Just search ‘resistance band workout’ and find a video that suits your needs.
What to buy:
Elevans Resistance Loop Bands - 5pcs Set, Amazon Australia, $15.99
Constructed from pure, natural latex, Elevans resistance bands have been redesigned to be thicker and more durable than preceeding generations, ensuring safety of use during even your deepest squats. Choose from two sizess - 10-inch or 12-inch - and use clearly marked levels of resistance to increase the level of intensity as your fitness improves. Bonus? The brand is so confident of the quality of their products, that every purchase comes with a lifetime guarantee. Love your buy, no matter if it’s ten days or ten years from now, or get a replacement or refund.
Gaiam Performance Flatband Maximum Strength, The Iconic, $16.95
Famous for their premium and aesthetically-appealing yoga mats, Gaiam also produces high-grade latex bands, recommended for their maximum strength resistance levels. Best utilised for low repetitions of maximum loads (5kg-7kg), purchase comes with a bonus online workout to get you started.
METEOR Resistance Bands - 5pcs Set, Catch, $7.95
Created from single pieces of natural latex, the lack of seams in this six-pack of resistance bands ensure longevity of use. A generous six levels of resistance ensure that every exercise and level of fitness is provided for. One of the many five-star reviews for this set of resistance bands confides, “I had a fall and needed surgery on my ankle, had bolts and screws put in. I use the resistance bands for my stretches and exercise my foot, it’s easy and works, not to mention, greaat price. Thank you.”
2. SKIPPING ROPE
Don’t underestimate an old-fashioned skipping rope for a core-tightening and calf-toning workout that will have you puffed out in minutes. According to MyFitnessPal it can even burn up to 12 calories a minute, which makes it almost as effective as a jog around the block.
WORKOUT IDEAS:
￭ Set yourself a time limit using your phone’s timer app and skip until till the dial hits zero.
￭ You can do HIIT-like workouts too by alternating 30 seconds of high-intensity skipping with a 10 second break period. Repeat for five minutes and we guarantee your legs will feel like jelly after a few rounds.
￭ Create a simple, four-exercise circuit by combining skipping with mountain climbers, burpees and sumo squats. Spend two minutes at each station with a 30 second recovery session in between. Repeat twice and you’ve got yourself a full-body workout you can do from your living room.
What to buy:
ZODAE Jump Rope - 2 Pack, Amazon Australia, $9.99
Sitting on a 4.4 star customer rating with over 1,200 reviews, this soft-to-touch, foam handle jumping rope with plastic-covered, steel wire rope is just the thing to endure a lifetime of workouts. A ball bearing system avoids twisting during rotations, making lightening fast skipping possible for the dedicated fit among us. One five-star review remarked, “I was actually quite pleasantly surprised as o how light the jump rope feels. The handles and the rope itself are light as a feather. Lighter than the typical jump ropes I’m used to.”
Everlast Basic Jump Rope - Black, Catch, $9.90
Beloved sportswear and fitness brand, Everlast, has designed the perfect, no-fuss jumping rope. Featuring plastic, ball bearing handles for smooth rotation, hundreds of five-star ratings attest to its versatility, with one review affirming, “Great jump rope, good quality and cheap!”
3. YOGA MAT
For any kind of exercise you’re doing on the floor, a well-padded yoga mat will give your workouts extra stability while supporting your knees and joints. Just try doing a 10-minute yoga routine without a mat and you’ll understand why.
WORKOUT IDEAS:
￭ Three words: online workout videos. There are so many to choose from with plenty of free workouts on Instagram and Youtube.
￭ If you’re looking for a program with a bit more structure or an organisation to commit to long-term, lots of fitness studios have pivoted to video-casting their classes. Here are some online workouts you can do from your living room.
What to buy:
Yin Yoga Mats Watl Yoga Mat, The Iconic, $129
Crafted from onyx-toned, non-slip microfibre material, and dotted with a darling floral print, this premium yoga mat will add a level of serenity to your workout that your run-off-the-mill mat just can’t. A generous 3mm thickness ensures your joints are cushioned for the duration of exercise routines; and its sustainable tree rubber base is naturally anti-microbial and anti-fungal.
DAWAY Y8 Yoga Mat, Amazon Australia, $42.99 (RRP$69.99)
Sitting on just shy of a five-star rating with over 450 reviews, you can be assured of not regretting purchase of this professional yoga mat. Complete with body alignment lines to ensure accuracy of positions, this two-tone, non-slip mat is thoughtfully designed to elevate your morning yoga routine. Other aspects to love? The mat is made from an eco-friendly, moisture-resistant material that is easy to wipe clean; plus, comes with a one-year warranty (though we’re willing to bet you won’t need it).
4. GLIDING DISCS
They may look like innocent little discs but these bad boys will give you an epic workout. To use them, place a disc underneath your feet or hands and use gliding movements to activate your core.
WORKOUT IDEAS:
￭ Exercises like mountain climbers and push ups where you slide your feet in and out will take on a new level of intensity.
￭ Again, YouTube is your best source of workout inspiration with thousands of videos to choose from.
￭ If you want an easy full body workout, try doing a set of burpees while incorporating the discs as you slide into the push up position.
What to buy:
Liveup Sports Gliding Discs - 2 Pack, Catch, $16.99
Designed to all common household flooring, working out from home is easy to do with these gliding discs from Liveup Sports. Clad in an eye-catching orange, use the smooth, plastic side on carpet, and the textile side on hard floors.
Gliding Discs - 2 Pack, Decathalon, $19
Complete with bag for easy transport, these gliding discs have been designed by passionate weight trainerss for optimum results. As with all the best gliding discs, you can use one side on hard surfaces, the other on soft. One five-star review stated, “Useful for activating and targeting core muscless. Love the lightness and feel of it. Would definitely recommend it to others.”
Sfee Dual Sliding Discs, Amazon Australia - 2 Pack, $15.11
Earning itself over 300 five-star reviews on Amazon, this pack of gliding discs are a great option for those looking to start their new exercise regimen straight away, courtesy of Amazon’s infamously fast delivery. One five-star review called attention to the comfort and convenience of this set, saying, “It’s a really fun and easy-to-use tool to exercise [with]. One side is made out of non-slip fabric which is really comfortable for your hand[s] and great for hardwood floor. The other side is made out of ABS plastic which is solid and doesn’t mark floors...It looks and feel[s] storing and durable.”
5. A BASIC WEIGHT KIT
If you’re in the business of strength exercises or developing muscle mass, weights will help. Just make sure you gradually increase your load to prevent injury and muscle strain.
For beginners, we’d recommend you to try incorporating dumbbells, medicine balls and ankle weights into your squats, lunges and runs. If you're a dedicated weightlifter, however, it could be worth adding an adjustable weight set to your kit. While they are a sizeable investment, some can cost hundreds, it does mean you can adjust your weight load depending on the exercise and your skill level.
What to buy:
METEOR 2kg Anti-Slip Dumbbell Pair Cast Iron Weight, Catch,$26.50 (RRP$44.93)
Constructed from solid cast iron, these vinyl-covered dumbbells possess a higher density and even weight distribution from those crafted from scrap metal. Anti-slip and soft to the touch, train with your pair daily without concern of callusouses.
Adidas 1kg Adjustable Ankle Weights, $38.24 (RRP$44.99)
Iconic sports retailer, Adidas, has created the perfect weights accessory to add to any type of workout. Constructed from a durable, manmade material for longevity, this pack of adjustable ankle weights are filled with iron ore amounting to 1kg - assuring you reach your fitness goals faster.
6. FOAM ROLLER
Don’t forget about recovery. We’re all familiar with that next day ‘sore’ feeling after a tough workout and foam rolling is a great way to relax sore muscles. While there can be a little discomfort involved - similar to an intense deep tissue massage - in this case, the pain is worth the reward.
Different sized rollers will also have a different effect. Large foam rollers are great for massaging bigger areas of your body like your back and legs, while small ball-shaped rollers can be used in circular-motions to get rid of knots.
What to buy:
TriggerPoint GRID 1.0 Foam Roller, Catch, $34.99 (RRP$59.99)
Now available at a frction of its usual cost, the three-dimensional surface of this foam roller ensures that all knots and aches in muscle tissue are targeted, promoting the flow of blood and oxygen during recovery. Its thoughtfully designed, hard and hollow core is hand-wrapped in EVA foam, making it firmer than traditional models.
Activus Foam Roller & Acupressure Massage Balls, Catch,$19.99
For those looking to aid recovery both at home and away, there is this high density foam roller and two acupressure massage balls. Use the foam roller, with specially-designed zones for targeting all pressure points along the torso and limbs, after at-home regimens; then use the two roller balls - one textured and one smooth - when exercising on the go.
900 Vibrating Electronic Massage Foam Roller, Decathalon, $99
If you’re looking to take your post-workout recovery to the next level, this electronic massage roller is more than worth the investment. Three vibration levels - low intensity, medium intensity and high intensity - allow you to customise use according to need; while recharging is accomplished via USB - no need to stock up on batteries.
7. SUPPORTIVE RUNNERS
A pair of trainers designed specifically for running will make a huge difference.
They often come with extra cushioning on the soles, as well arch and ankle support which can help prevent injuries and improve your performance overall.
What to buy:
Puma Cell Vive, The Iconic, $120
Crafted from woven mesh and compression-moulded EVA; a generously cushioned midsole; and durable rubber outsole for grip, this pernnially chic black and gold runner is the perfect marriage of form and function. If you’re the kind to slip your shoes on rather than unlace them - and honestly, who isn’t? - you’ll love its elasticised panel opening for slip-on ease.
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2, The Iconic, $230
Building upon the popularity of the original Infinity Run Flyknit, this latest generation of runner from sportswear giant, Nike, has all the comfort of its predecessor and more. Featuring a breathable flyknit upper, supreme cushioning technology, cushioned collar and removable insole - customise your shoe to fit you - its of little wonder these runners have become fast favourites with professional and amateur athletes alike.
IS WALKING AN EFFECTIVE FORM OF EXERCISE?
Physical activity and population health expert, Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis, calls walking “the most accessible and feasible form of aerobic physical activity”. Currently a Professor of Physical Activity and Population Health at the University of Sydney, Prof Stamatakis has widely researched how walking can and should be used to keep us happier, living longer and prevent cardiovascular disease.
It almost sounds too good to be true but stay with us.
“Regular walking has all the standard benefits of aerobic exercise such as improvements in the heart and circulatory systems, better blood glucose control, normalisation of blood pressure, and reduction of anxiety and depression, to name a few,” says Prof Stamatakis,
“It is an easy and accessible activity for most people in the community, it is nothing more than putting one foot in front of the other in a rhythmical way and requires no special skills or equipment.”
WHY ARE WRIST OR ANKLE WEIGHTS A GREAT ADDITION TO A WALK?
“Resistance training is very important for your bone density, especially for later in life when the risk of brittle bones (osteoporosis) becomes more probable,” Ben Lucas, Director of Flow Athletic, tells news.com.au. “Light arm weights and ankle weights can be a good option - they can help to get your heart rate up higher and are great for toning - just make sure you keep good posture when using them.”
WHAT SHOES SHOULD WEAR WHEN WALKING?
“Shoes are so important, but it really is an individual thing as everyone is built differently,” says Ben. “Our feet may have higher or lower arches. Some ankles are less stable than others, that’s why everyone should be professionally fitted for shoes, especially if you walk or run a lot as safety is more important than the look. Don’t go for something just because it is popular.”
Still looking for your ideal pair of runners? Here’s the question you should ask before commiting to a pair.
Then make sure you’re getting the best deals on your purchases by visiting news.com.au Coupons. There you’ll find discount codes for the biggest names in the country, including Bonds, General Pants and Cotton On.
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