Household items to level up your workouts!
No equipment, no worries! Don’t let the excuse of not having equipment hold you back. In fact, you probably have all the equipment necessary at home right now. Before you go out and spend money on new equipment, take a look at our list of household items that you can substitute for the real thing.
No dumbbells use cans from the kitchen
If you’re new to weighted workouts then canned food is a great way to start. One can of food is approximately 400g, one in each hand makes the perfect set of hand weights. Once you feel comfortable with this weight and the cans feel too easy then you can consider levelling up to something heavier (2 cans in one hand or full water bottles).
No pilates ball use a cushion
Some Pilates workouts use a ball for assistance or resistance. An exercise example would be, holding and squeezing the ball between your legs, working your inner thighs. We don’t all have a pilates ball at home but everyone has a pillow of some sort! A couch cushion or the pillow you sleep on are both great substitutes. Depending on the size and softness of the cushion, you might need to fold it over a couple of times to get the most out of the exercise.
No yoga block use books
Yoga blocks are used in workouts as an extension of the arms, but can also support your back, head and hips to settle into a pose. An easy substitute that we all have are books! Grab two even stacks of thick books to create two strong blocks then get your yoga on!
No gym box use a chair
A box will be incorporated into a workout to either increase or decrease the angle of the movement (often referred to as a progression or a regression). For example, adding a box to a vertical step up increases the height off the floor, making it more challenging. Alternatively, press ups onto a box takes the off the core, chest and shoulders, making it an easier movement (regression). Gym boxes are only found in gyms but you can use a chair for the same effect. Depending on the exercise you will need to find a chair that is the right height for you and one that doesn’t move. Other alternatives are the edge of a couch or dining room table.
It’s time to level up!
There are so many opportunities to take your workout to the next level! Take a moment to browse around the house and see what you can use for your next workout. You never know, you might be sitting on that piece of equipment right now.