Exercise Tools You Need

exercise toolsI love buying workout tools and gear. I really realized this yesterday, when I made yet another trip out to Sports Authority to add to my fitness collection. Just a few weeks ago, I went out and got more air in my stability ball so I could sit on it at work instead of my regular padded chair. Last week, I went out and bought a new workout DVD to add more cardio workouts to my routine. Then just yesterday I went back there and bought my own kettleball, after writing an article about how great they are. Now, I am already thinking about what I want to by on my next trip out there. Just some on my list: a Pilates DVD, a sports bra, and a step so I can do step workouts while watching TV. Whew!

Shape.com released an article titled ‘7 Tools for Strength Training Routines.’ After reading, I have even more items to add to my fitness list! What to do, what to do? But the article was great, and I even learned about a few tools that I didn’t know existed. Here are the 7 that Shape recommends:

  1. Medicine ball
    price $15-$150, depending on weight
    description A weighted ball, ranging from 2-25 pounds in 2- to 5-pound increments
    how it works Hold in both hands to add resistance as you do strength moves or twisting exercises
  2. Body Bar
    price $23-$90, depending on weight
    description A 2- to 6-foot-long weighted bar with padding; comes in 4, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, 30 and 36 pounds
    how it works Use like a barbell in your strength training routines to do moves such as squats, upright rows and biceps curls.
  3. BodyWedge21
    price $119
    description A foam wedge that can be used as an incline bench, step or crunch board for variety and added resistance
    how it works Lie on ramp, or place one foot on top, to do moves like incline crunches, decline flies and lunges.
  4. SPRI Xerdisc
    price $25
    description A lightweight, air-filled disc that looks like an inflated Frisbee
    how it works Stand with one or both feet on the disc to challenge your balance.
  5. AIREX Balance Block
    price $50
    description A soft foam cushion; good balance tool for beginners
    how it works Stand with one or both feet on top to create instability.
  6. BOSU Balance Trainer
    price $130 (with pump, exercise manual and how-to video)
    description An inflated half-dome on a platform (looks like a stability ball cut in half)
    how it works Stand, sit, lie or kneel on the dome side, or flip over for an even bigger balance challenge.
  7. Reebok Core Board
    price $150 (with how-to video)
    description A board on an adjustable base that tilts, rocks and swivels
    how it works Do strength moves while balancing on top for a serious core workout.

 

Photo Credit: Shape.com