Whether you’re new to home workouts or have been doing them for a while, you will at some point want to start using some equipment to make the workout more effective. There are some simple home swaps you can make for the equipment you’d find at the gym.
DUMBBELLS are a great piece of equipment that can add intensity to most exercises. When first starting to use weights, especially for a total beginner, you’ll need relatively light weights, 1 – 2 kg weights. These are easy to replicate at home. Grab yourself a couple of tins. Tinned food usually comes in 400g weights ideal for adding resistance for an arm workout. Try doing arm circles for 40 seconds holding tin cans — it will burn! Want to go heavier find a couple of empty water bottles and fill them with water (making sure you secure the lid before you start). The bigger the bottle, the heavier the weight.
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RESISTANCE BANDS are one of my go to pieces of equipment. They are a great way to introduce resistance and intensity to any type of workout. Whether you want use a small looped band or a straight band there is an at home alternative: TIGHTS. Yes, those opaque tights sitting in the bottom of your drawer make a fantastic resistance band. If you want a looped band, just tie the waist and feet together to form a loop. Remember — the smaller the loop, the greater the resistance. Tea Towels are another option. They produce fantastic resistance, though they are not elasticated.
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KETTLEBELLS are definitely a piece of equipment for those who have been working out for a while and are used to using weights. They can be replicated at home — grab a few books and a rucksack, the heavier the book the heavier the ‘kettlebell’. Place the books in the a bag and use just like you would a kettlebell. Ideally, the books should not be swinging around in the bag. Placed on your back the rucksack makes an ideal weighted vest.
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SLIDERS are little round discs used to increase the intensity of bodyweight and barre exercises. The discs are shiny plastic on one side (slides easily on carpets), and felt-like fabric on the opposite side (slides easily on wooden floors). These innocent-looking discs are used for deceptively hard workouts. If you have a carpeted room, try paper or plastic plates. For wooden floors, pop on a pair of fluffy socks.
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BENCHES are another piece of equipment that can enhance your workout — but there’s no reason to buy one! Your dining room chair can be a perfect replacement. Ideal for sit squats, tricep dips or even step ups. Just ensure that it is stable and will not move too much when you use it. You can place the chair against a wall for added stability.
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