Home Gym? Use These Household Items!
Working out at home has plenty of perks: no commute, a bevy of online workouts to choose from, and a couch to throw yourself on after you sweat it out. Of course, there are some notable drawbacks, especially if you’re dealing with a makeshift home gym situation. Specifically, having access to all those smaller-scale gym accessories that can take your workout to the next level. Not all hope is lost, though. Consider these household items as easy workout equipment swaps the next time you’re in a pinch, according to trainers.
Weighted Vest: A Filled Backpack
A weighted vest adds a little extra weight to your body, which can get your heart rate up quicker, better engage your muscles, make you work harder, and generally maximize your workout. An easy at-home swap is a filled backpack worn on your back or on your front. “You can keep this on during your regular workouts as long as there is no pain or discomfort,” says elite trainer Jen Selter. “If you have stairs in your house or apartment building, I would also recommend using the backpack to work out the glutes and quads on the stairs. That way you’re also getting in a bit of cardio, as well.” Filling suggestions: water bottles or books.
Excerpted from Real Simple
