7 Household Items That Are Fitness Equipment in Disguise
Let’s be honest: between the clothes, gadgets and gym membership, working out can get seriously expensive. Luckily, you don’t really need any of those things to start leading a more active life. In fact, your home is filled with free fitness equipment—if you know where to look and how to use them.
How to Use Ordinary Household Items as Fitness Equipment
A towel
One person’s towel is another person’s resistance band! Use a towel to help with stretching or for a killer arm workout. Looking for a leg challenge? On a smooth floor, assume the plank position with a small towel under each of your feet. Then, in a very slow and controlled manner, try gliding your legs apart and then back together again. Feel the burn!
A wall
You won’t find a home without at least four of these! Walls provide stability when you’re practicing some stretching, or working your quads and glutes by doing some wall-sits.
Stairs
Why invest in a StairMaster when you’ve got a perfectly good staircase at home? Walking or running the stairs is a great way to get your heart pumping and glutes burning—without spending a cent.
Soup cans, water bottles or laundry detergent jugs
Treat any of these household items like hand weights or dumbbells. Give your arms a major workout by doing some front raises, tricep kickbacks or overhead presses.
A broom
Besides sweeping, a broom can also give your core, hips and glutes a workout. Next time you’re sweeping the floor, shake things up by adding some hip hinges or oblique twists to your usual routine.
A chair
A sturdy chair (without wheels) can make an excellent addition to your workout routine, whether you’re trying to perfect your squats or practice some leg raises. Throw a second chair into the mix and practice some tricep dips. For an even greater challenge, check out this 5-5-5 Chair Workout that incorporates strength, cardio, and flexibility.
A countertop
Strengthen your arms and chest by practicing several sets of countertop push-ups. These are a great activity to sneak in while you’re waiting for water to boil or the oven to pre-heat.
