More and more people are ditching the gym and working out online, especially with the rise in online fitness programs that are specifically for women. If you are going to work out at home, you will definitely need the proper equipment.
While most online workout videos can be done without weights, having some easily accessible at-home equipment just helps to add a new layer to your workout. When adding weights or resistance you will be shocked at how quickly you can progress a move.
Other than these essentials for making working out at home fun and easy, don't forget to keep a water bottle close by to stay hydrated!
Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are all the rage for at-home workouts because they are easy to use, versatile in a workout and easy to transport for travel or taking your workout outside.
You can use a large resistance band for full-body workouts and workout out your arms from a standing position. Smaller bands can be put around your thighs for doing leg exercises and creating resistance. This is the most popular use for activating the gluts and leg muscles although every day the industry is thinking of creative new ways to incorporate this versatile tool into more moves.
Learn how to use the bands correctly by watching some fitness influencers and gain more inspiration on how to incorporate them.
Dumbbells
Dumbbells are the most classic at-home workout door and are also extremely versatile from getting in some deskercise in between meetings to adding them to your full-body workout.
Adding weight to a workout is an easy way to progress moves as well as get stronger. You can add weights, which does make the move a bit harder but slow it down or do fewer reps to get used to the extra weight.
With time you can work your way up to more intense sets. Add weights for workout out your legs, glutes, arms and abs, this is a super versatile at-home workout tool.
Sliders
Sliders are trending as a great at-home workout door for increasing your heart rate during a low-impact cardio workout. For example, if you are doing mountain climbers without lifting your legs, or from plank, you can use your core to push your legs out and back in. These are just a few examples of how to use sliders to create cardio, plus engage your core muscles.
This is a great tool for folks who love a low-impact cardio workout, you can use it for just about any workout style from HIIT to pilates.
Roller
A roller is less of a tool for working out, and better for recovery and muscle soreness. Many people neglect to stretch and properly help their muscles recover after a workout, if you are one of those people a roller is a great tool because it helps relieve deep muscle soreness.
Roll out your muscles to feel better and get more out of your workout tomorrow.
Workout Mat
A workout mat is essential for anyone who workouts from home. Some workouts are easier on a hard floor, but if you go down to the floor often the mat will make your life so much easier and more comfortable.
Especially any work that you do on your back, the mat will relieve tension and allow you to perform better. Mats can also create more resistance so you will be slipping around less, giving more focus to your core.
Make your life easier, especially if you love pilates or yoga, and buy a mat today.
Ankle Weights
Ankle weights are a busy woman's best friend for adding more fitness and dynamics to a day to day life and workout. If you are struggling to find the time to work out, wear ankle weights around the house to add something extra to your day, over time you will get stronger without much more effort to your day.
You can also wear them when you go out for walks to take your walk up a level. Although, many workout influencers are starting to use ankle weights as well in their workouts. Anything from low-impact cardio moves like high knees or crossbody lunges, to leg lifts and squats, these are great tools for taking your workout up a notch.
Kettle Ball
The kettlebell has become particularly trendy on social media for helping folks get some cardio without leaving the house. You can pretty much use it any way you would a dumbbell, but it also allows you to build some resistance for higher intensity moves such as swinging the ball back and forward or lumberjacks.
Whatever equipment you decide to use, choose tools that will enhance your at-home workout and that help make exercise more accessible to your routine.
