Since most gyms are close right now and as we move closer to the next phase of the economy opening, more and more people are forced to work out at home or outside.
I have been working out pretty regularly for years. I have done at home workout programs (i.e. Insanity), I’ve done traditional classes at my local gym and have even tried orange theory and was an active, regular member pre-pandemic.
Now that it’s summertime in Toronto and we have the ability to go outside for walks and play tennis, I have made an active effort to take walks regularly and have spent time outdoors biking, rollerblading and playing tennis. However on regular work days or days where it is raining, I am forced to do my workout at home. The gym in my condo is remains closed in light of the pandemic and therefore I have been exercising in my living room or on my balcony.
At the moment, my home workout routine consists of popsugar or blogilates videos that are available for free online and occasional weightlifting routines I find on instragram.
The following are the top 5 things I that I have used almost everytime I exercise at home.
1. An indoor/outdoor exercise mat
I have been using the same yoga/exercise mat for many years now. I purchased the one I have from Winners about 7 years ago and it is still going strong. I bought a nice thick one that can be used with shoes. The problem with regular yoga mats are, when you use them with shoes they tend to fall apart from the friction. I will use mine outside and inside and the bottom is a ridged non-slip surface that makes it extra durable.
2. weighted jump ropes
I have always been into jump roping and for years I used a speed rope. The problem was that I was replacing it often because it was thin and the rubber would wear down quickly exposing the internal frayed wire which could be pretty dangerous as it was quite sharp. I did some research as found Crossrope weighted jump ropes and they have truly changed my jump roping game. The ropes are a great quality, come in several sizes and weights and provide a great cardio challenge. It is better than running as I am able to do it on my balcony on rainy days. While these are pretty pricey, I haven’t been able to find anything similar on the market.
3. wireless headphones/earbuds
Headphones and ear buds are very personal because everyone has their preference and different shaped ears. I have really tiny ears and I do not like in-ear ear buds. I use a pair of wireless Bose headphones that are designed for working out. They come with different sized ear pieces and are super comfortable. I make sure to have these charged regularly so they’re ready to go.
4. resistance bands
These are a great way to elevate your workouts without purchasing something too expensive and bulky. I have a set of rubber resistance bands but if you intend on using these for a lot of lower body exercises, I would recommend getting high quality fabric ones as they don’t easily roll up like the rubber ones tend to do. However I think the regular rubber resistance band set is fairly versatile and great if you wan to begin integrating it into your workout as you can also use them for various upper body workouts as well.
5. free weights
If you are not able to go to the gym and are tired of doing the same at home videos, getting a good set of weights can really help challenge your strength and power. I think a set from 5lbs to 15lbs is a good start for cardio moves or strength training. Of course this is discretionary based on your size and fitness goals. I am only 5 feet and about 115 lbs so this is more than enough to challenge myself. If you don’t have lots of space but want to get into weight lifting I would highly suggest the Bowflex interchangeable weight set or something similar. If you are able to get these used that would likely be the best as they can be pretty pricey but definitely worth it.
