Using Everyday Items to Support Your Exercise
Keeping up a consistent workout habit at home is vital for making progress (my clients know this very well – I make sure of it!), and you do not need loads of fancy kit to help make that happen. In fact, some of the best little fitness helpers are probably already around your house right now.
If you have ever looked around your home and thought, “I could probably work out with that,” you are absolutely right. Here are a few everyday items that can easily be turned into simple exercise tools – great for keeping things practical and low-cost, and for adding a bit more fun to your workout!
Tins, bottles, books and backpacks
For strength exercises, pretty much any everyday item can work really well as a replacement for weights. Tinned food is perfect for lighter exercises like bicep curls, front raises or shoulder presses. Bottles filled part-way with water are another easy option, and you can make them a little heavier by filling them more.
Books can also be useful if you want something a bit sturdier to hold. And if you fancy adding more load, a backpack packed with books, bottles or tins can be used for squats, marches or even walking around the room for a bit of extra resistance. It is a simple way to make your workout feel more challenging without spending out on actual weights.
Try a towel, belt or broom handle
If you have ever used a yoga strap or resistance band in class, you will know how handy they can be for stretching. But if you do not have one at home, a towel, belt or broom pole can do the job nicely too.
These are great for shoulder mobility and hamstring stretches. For example, you could lie on your back and use a towel or belt around your foot to gently stretch the back of the leg, or hold a broom pole overhead to help open up the shoulders. Just remember to move slowly and keep everything comfortable – there is no need to force anything, and you should never “push through” any sharp pain.
Cushion? Folded blanket? Perfect
These are really useful for balance work. You should try to challenge your balance very day, and standing on a softer, less stable surface gives your body a bit more of that challenge and helps you work a little harder on your stability and core control.
You can also use a cushion to make floor exercises more comfortable, or to give yourself a bit of support during seated movements. It is a small thing, but it can make a big difference.
Sofa or bench workouts
Your sofa, chair or a sturdy bench can be used for seated exercises like sit-ups or knee lifts, or for stronger moves such as reverse planks and triceps dips.
These exercises are a great way to work your core, arms and glutes using just what you already have at home. As always, make sure whatever you are using is stable and secure before you start.
Don’t forget the stairs
The bottom step is another brilliant option. It can be used for calf stretches, step-ups and even quick cardio drills like stepping on and off the step in a steady rhythm.
This is a really simple way to get your heart rate up, especially if you want a short burst of movement during the day. You do not need to do anything complicated, and even a few minutes can help you feel more energised.
Just simple ways to stay active
The best thing about using everyday items for exercise is how easy it makes everything feel. You do not need to buy lots of equipment or set aside loads of space. You can just make use of what is already there.
A few tins, a towel, a cushion or a step can go a long way. It is all about keeping movement simple, flexible and realistic, and that makes it much easier to stick with, and dare I say it, something you even look forward to doing!
Contact us to explore how we can support you.