Best home exercise and fitness products 2022, according to personal trainers
Former The Bachelor star and personal trainer Sam Wood says there’s one ‘versatile’ home fitness product that he can’t live without.
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Let’s face it, sometimes the thought of heading beyond the four walls of your home to exercise is about as unappealing as it gets.
The solution? Equipping yourself with some simple fitness products so you can workout from the comfort (and warmth) of your home.
Here to advise us on the best pieces of at-home exercise equipment are three incredible Australian personal trainers, including former Bachelor star Sam Wood.
The founder of online training and nutrition program 28 by Sam Wood says he ‘absolutely loves’ suspension trainers.
“Suspension trainers will allow you to train your back muscles in a myriad of ways, with the suspension trainer hooked over a door or in the garage,” Sam told news.com.au.
Here are the items Australian personal trainers are relying on to stay fit at home.
SAM WOOD, FOUNDER OF 28 BY SAM WOOD
SUSPENSION TRAINER
“This is a piece of home equipment that I absolutely love and it’s so versatile,” says Sam.
TheFitLife Exercise and Resistance Bands Set, Amazon, RRP: $56.96 on sale $31.16
Work all different muscle groups, including your shoulders, arms, legs, butt and more with TheFitLife Exercise and Resistance Bands Set. Incredibly easy to use, these anti-snap bands – made of natural latex that is stackable, odour-free and non-irritating – feature sweatproof handles so you can charge through your workout without glitches. Plus, you can shake up your routine by changing between the attachable soft handles, door anchor or ankle straps. Compact and lightweight, you can stow these away easily, or pack them in travel luggage seamlessly.
Work to condition your hips, legs and glutes with this versatile PTP agility band.
Its extra wide handles allow for a comfortable and secure grip.
DUMBBELLS
“So simple but you really can’t beat them.”
Meteor Anti-Slip Dumbbells, Amazon, $13.56
Created from Cast Iron Core these Meteor Anti-Slip Dumbbells ensure even weight distribution while you work your muscles. Have peace of mind every single time you workout thanks to their anti-slip thick vinyl coating that offers brilliant grip (and helps to prevent those pesky weight-lifting calluses) and be rest assured that the product is free of phthalates and anything unsafe. Never worry about your dumbbells making a run for it thanks to the flat bottom design and brighten up your home gym with the array of different colours.
Everfit 12 Kilogram Dumbbell Weights Set, $53.95
Complete your home gym set up with this 12kg dumbbell set.
Featuring three sets of one kilogram, two kilogram and three kilogram weights, the whole family can work out together.
SLIDERS
“Sliders are something I’ve used with my home workouts for years.”
SKLZ Sliderz from The Iconic, $49.95
You can use these sliders on most indoor surfaces to engage your core in an at-home workout.
They’re low friction and have a large surface area that works for all shapes and sizes.
ADALA BOLTO FOUNDER OF ZADI TRAINING
KETTLEBELLS
“I love using kettlebells for home workouts because of their versatility.”
Everfit Kettlebell 22kg Kettlebell Set, $56.95
If you’re keen to set up your home gym with an extensive kettlebell weight repertoire, this set will do the trick.
Featuring a total of 22 kilograms of dumbbells, you’ll be working up a sweat in no time.
Fortis 2-Pack 18 Kilogram Adjustable Kettlebells, $189
Save space with these kettlebells that allow you to build up to 18 kilograms.
They feature a clever powder-coated handle so you don’t need to stress about slip.
SKIPPING ROPE
“Skipping ropes don’t take up any room, are affordable and give you a full body workout.”
Big W Circuit Weighted Skipping Jump Rope, $15
Give yourself a killer cardio workout with this Circuit Weighted Jump Rope weighing 435g.
It’s 2.74 metres long and features a comfy grip.
RESISTANCE BANDS
“Resistance bands now have a new name ‘booty bands’ and have become an extremely popular staple piece of equipment for a wide range of exercises to target and shape glutes and thighs.”
PTP Microband Pack Light, Medium And Heavy Resistance, $47.97
Not only great for targeting your glutes, this PTP Microband Pack can work your legs, shoulders and hips too.
Created from natural rubber latex, compact and lightweight, these are the perfect items to use at home, then stow away discreetly.
Gaiam Performance Flat Band Mobility Movement, $14.95
Measuring 180 centimetres in length and 15 centimetres in width, this is a versatile band perfect for light resistance training.
It’s created from high-grade latex and includes a bonus online workout you can try.
Stylerunner Resistance Bands, $30
Beautifully colour coordinated, this pack offers a band for light, medium and heavy resistance training.
Use the bands alone or stack them together to really feel the burn.
BEN LUCAS, DIRECTOR OF FLOW ATHLETIC
FOAM ROLLER
“Being a runner, I am a huge fan of the foam roller. Not only is it a great tool for helping the muscles recover after a hard workout or run, but it is also great for releasing muscle tension from sitting around all day too.”
Gaiam Performance 80cm Roller And Strap, $69.95
Alleviate muscle tension with this foam roller created with high-density foam.
It’s incredibly lightweight so you can tote it with you wherever you go.
FITNESS WATCH
“I am a huge fan of fitness tech as it is a great way to keep track of your progress and see how much exercise you are actually doing.”
Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2, $422
Track your performance and movement the moment you pop on your Galaxy Watch Active2.
With the ability to track everything from swimming to running (and glean the real time advice of a running coach to boot) it’s the perfect exercise accessory.
Fitbit Charge 4 Fitness Tracker, $128
With a built-in GPS, this device allows you to to track your workouts whatever the location.
Plus, it comes with up to seven days of battery life and thanks to its water-resistance, it can be worn in the pool.
Ausfit Torsion Bars
“With Torsion Bars, you can literally do thousands of exercises and they are easy to store away in your home.”
Ausfit Tactical 10 Kilogram Torsion Bar, $179.90
A versatile buy, this 10kg bar is great for a range of different workouts. Use it for running, cardio and mobility exercise sessions.
What are the benefits of a suspension trainer?
Because a suspension trainer focuses heavily on your back and shoulders, it’s a simple option to have at home. “When training at home, the hardest part of your body to give a good workout is your back. This is because so many home movements are leg and push dominant,” says Sam.
Why are sliders great to use at home?
“The great thing about them is they’re lightweight and so versatile,” Sam says. “Whether you’re doing a controlled reverse lunge or a lower ab V-tuck, sliders are brilliant for core and leg workouts in particular.”
Are dumbbells a good at-home workout option?
“There are hundreds, if not thousands, of exercises to choose from, just make sure you’re performing the movements with good technique and you increase the weight when you’re ready,” says Sam.
Why are kettlebells great for an at-home workout?
“You can easily complete an entire workout with just one kettlebell,” says Adala. “Mix up some sets of explosive movements, such as kettlebell swings, to raise your heart rate. They are also interchangeable for a variety of upper body exercises that would normally be performed with dumbbells. They’re also great to add load to compound exercises like squats, lunges and dead lifts. You only have to invest in two weighted options, one heavier and one lighter.”
What are the benefits of using a skipping rope?
“Athletes and boxers incorporate skipping in their routine for overall fitness gains including, agility, co-ordination, stamina and endurance. Other benefits for us regular people are improved cardiovascular fitness and bone density,” says Adala.
Can resistance bands help to firm my bum?
“They really do create significant muscle fatigue and with regular correct use in squats, bridges and other booty exercises that we love at ZADI, you can start to see muscle development and a firmer butt and thighs in four to eight weeks,” says Adala.
Is a fitness watch worth the money?
"Fitness watches and fitness trackers are a great place to start as they will tell you how many steps you are taking, your heart rate, measure your workouts and your sleep,” says Ben. “I think a lot of us think we are doing more exercise than we actually are so I find them to be a helpful place to start. Better still, you can challenge your friends and try to better each other each day with steps.”
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