Why they're useful: They provide resistance training for strength and toning muscles. And they can help you target hard-to-hit muscles, like the rotator cuff in your shoulder.
Shopping tip: Opt for bands or tubes with different tension(they're often sold as sets), so you can vary the resistance.
Price: $8 and up
Exercise Mat
Why they're useful: The extra cushioning is helpful for exercise done on the floor, such as crunches, push-ups, stretches, or yoga.
Shopping tip: Choose one that's hypoallergenic, east to clean, and well padded.
Price: $20 or less
Free Weights
Why they're useful: They're a versatile tool for toning your muscles. You can work everything from your shoulders to your legs.
Shopping tip: Buy at least two sets--a lighter set for your arms and shoulders and heavier for your back, chest, and legs. You should be able to lift the weight 10-15 times.
Price: About $10 to $60 a pair.
Heart Rate Monitor
Why they're useful: It can help you track the intensity of your workout and make sure you don't go too far outside your target zone.
Shopping tip: The Timex Personal Trainer 5G971 and the Omron HR100C work well.
Price: $40 to $50
Jump Rope
Why it's useful: It's an instant cardio workout. Turn on your favorite TV show or music and see if you can jump rope for 15minutes, taking breaks as needed.
Shopping tip: Pick a jump rope with nonslip foam handles. Find the best length by stepping in the middle of it. The handles should reach between your armpits and shoulders.
Price: $6 and up.
Kettlebell
Why it's useful: When used properly, swinging this mini cannonball helps you burn calories and builds lean muscle, including your abs, arms, glutes, legs, and shouldersShopping tip: Start lighter if you're new to this type of workout. Women can start with a weight of 8 to 15 pounds; men with 15 to 25 pounds.
Price: About $20 and up
Stability Ball
Why it's useful: This inflatable ball can be used for exercises to improve your balance and help build up your core strength. It can also be used to tone your upper body, glutes, and legs.
Shopping tip: Try a 45-cm ball if your under 5 feet tall, a 55-cm if your 61 inches to 67 inches, and a 65-cm ball if you're taller.
Price: About $30
Another great thing about both of these products in general is in case you live in a small dwelling, you can in fact buy a "folding" elliptical or treadmill. These let you easily place the actual abdominal exercise machines in the corner or possibly under a bed for example.
ReplyDelete