These are the best household items to use as weights when you want an easy at-home workout.
This past year has forced so many of us formerly social beings into at-home workouts. We lay out our yoga mats, change into fitness clothes, play a workout video, and start working out as if we were in the gym. But sometimes you feel like you need the actual gym equipment to get a solid, quality workout. Don’t worry, though. We’ve got you covered, with the best household items to use as weights when you want an easy and fun at-home workout.
As businesses have opened these past few months, we’re hopeful we’ll be able to get back to the gym as we used to. I personally used to go to the gym two to three times a week, but now I love working out at home as well.
I get to have all the space to myself and have my own workout routine. Also, I save some time since I’m not driving to the gym. I’m not going to lie that I miss working out with my gym friends, where we would do intense weight training and feel fulfilled afterward. But things have changed, and this has become an adjustment to this new lifestyle.
Working out at home for the past few months, I discovered some great home essentials that could also be used as gym equipment, specifically for weights and resistance.
Water bottles, soup cans, and milk jugs
You can’t say you worked out without doing weights. Standard water bottles weigh about one-and-a-half pounds, and you can hold one in each hand. I like to use water bottles to do some arm workouts.
If you are a beginner and water bottles are too heavy for you, you can start with soup cans instead.
If you want to challenge yourself, grab a milk jar in each hand and start your lifting. It might feel easy at first, but it will get more intense, and you will start sweating.
Towels (for resistance and stretching)
Towels can be used for more than just wiping off your sweat. In fact, a towel can work as a resistance band.
And after intensive lifting, it’s important to stretch and ease your muscles. Stretching reduces muscle tension and enhances flexibility. I personally like to stretch my shoulders, chest, and hamstrings using a towel. A towel is a great tool to slowly but surely improve your flexibility.
Backpacks to increase your bodyweight
Why bother buying ankle weights when you have a backpack to increase the weight? I like to use my kid’s school backpack to put more weight on my body. I usually add some books and water bottles inside the backpack and do squats and lunges.
It works great because the weight is evenly distributed, and it’s not tilted to one side of my body (like those heavy bags we carry on the regular).
You can also do pushups and planks wearing a backpack.
Use the Stairs and Do Some Cardio
Last but not least, we must do some cardio. Cardio and weight training make the perfect workout routine pairing, allowing you to burn maximum calories and build that lean muscle mass.
Long stairways work great as a stair climber machine. If you don’t have stairways, you can go to buildings or parks. Cardio is a great way to start your workout because it warms up your body and prepares your body for weightlifting.
Tell us, what are your favorite household items to use for your at-home workouts? Tag us in your photos on Instagram and Facebook @luxymomofficial.