As schedules get busier and time gets tighter, working out at home has become increasingly popular. Any home workout guru can tell you that there is no need to go out and create a full-fledged home gym, but there are a few budget-friendly tools that can help you make the most of your workout. Todd Duncan, lead trainer at Live Streaming Fitness – an educational, cause-based wellness company – has a few favorites that can help take your workout to the next level:
1. Dumbbells. These are a must. Duncan even suggests purchasing two to three sets that are five lbs. apart, giving you something to grow into as you become stronger. For the first set, make sure to select a weight you can handle. A good rule of thumb is to test out a few different weights and see which one feels good after five bicep curls or shoulder presses, but gets tough once you get up to ten.
2. Resistance Ball. Extremely versatile, this tool is great for core work as well as upper and lower body exercises. Make sure to get a ball that matches your height and lifts you high enough off of the floor. A good rule of thumb is that when you sit on the ball your hips and knees should rest at a right angle with the floor.
3. Medicine Ball. Good for core work, push ups and cross fit routines, the medicine ball is the perfect workhorse for any home workout area. Make sure to select a weight that is challenging, but doesn’t leave you feeling overwhelmed after five reps.
4. Foam roller. A true necessity when it comes to recovery and keeping your muscles fresh. For those just starting out, this can be a lifesaver when it comes to relieving sore muscles and leaving you ready to work out the following day.
Deal of the Day: Through January 31, Live Streaming Fitness will be donating one dollar of every new membership to PHA. As an added bonus, use the promo code ‘pha10’ for a free 10-day trial!
