THE EVOLUTION OF HOME WORKOUTS

Exercise equipment for small spaces

Jonathan Taylor

For muscle restriction & tightness

SKLZ TARGETED MASSAGE BALL. This tool is highly effective in working on small, acute areas of the body that tend to be affected by prolonged sitting and/or less than ideal posture. Think of it as a self-massage tool for pinpoint accuracy. Areas such as the upper shoulders and neck, chest, hips, as well as the butt, can get chronically tight, causing aches, pain and even postural problems. Start addressing your common areas of tightness; and with time, witness the body’s self-healing power.

Find the targeted massage ball for $14.99 at SKLZ.com

GRID FOAM ROLLER. A ball for the smaller areas, a roller for the bigger ones! This roller is similar to the massage ball. The only difference is its ability to cover more of a large surface area. The quadriceps (front of legs), the hamstrings (back of legs), the upper back and more can receive much relief and even increased mobility by using this roller. It’s also a great way to warm up the body for an upcoming workout. Spend a minute or two on each major area.

This travel sized barrel roller is available for $34.99 triggerpoint.implus.com

In these times of increased challenge and stress, with our health being assaulted from seemingly every direction, one of the greatest things we can do to combat these risks is to stay vigilant of mind and to keep exercising. Staying active, working out and frequent bouts of moderate to vigorous exertion does the mind and body good.

Exercising several times a week reduces stress by positively affecting hormone levels, by decreasing inflammation and by supplying the body’s cells with a fresh burst of oxygen. Additionally, it helps with the removal of cellular toxins. But what if you are stuck at home and can’t get to the gym? Well, you’re in luck!

Many products on the market today can help you replicate gym-quality workouts at home, without taking up much space. These five, highly versatile exercise tools can supply limitless workout variations.

Full body workout at home

TRX HOME2 SYSTEM. Want a home gym that can fit into a small bag? Then check out the TRX Home2 System. This apparatus with two handles is incredibly versatile and can provide the user with over 100 exercise variations. The TRX is a form of suspension training that uses your body weight to create countless workouts. And every exercise requires you to use your core. Even better, right? Squatting, hinging, pushing and pulling can all be done with this one piece. Whether you are an avid gym rat, or just a beginner, the TRX offers something for everyone!

For pricing and more information, visit trxtraining.com

ROGUE KETTLEBELLS. What can a cast iron ball with a handle do for your health? Only provide you with some of the most beneficial exercises you can find, along with helping the body burn calories for hours on end! It might look intimidating at first, but learning how to use a kettlebell will expand your exercise horizons exponentially. Although seemingly limitless exercises can be learned with a kettlebell, it is most known for the “Swing,” in which the body utilizes all your backside muscles to thrust the kettlebell through the legs via the hips. This strengthens key posterior muscles, including your butt, which can help prevent or alleviate low back pain.

Price varies by size at roguefitness.com/rogue-kettlebells

ROGUE MEDICINE BALLS. Medicine balls can offer much needed exercise variations, as well as provide numerous cardiovascular benefits. These medicine balls can be slammed, thrown, held and placed overhead. Also, when used to increase heart rate, such as in a slam-and-catch in place, you can receive the same benefit as you would running around the block. Try mixing it up and have a ball doing it!

Price varies by size at roguefitness.com/rogue-medicine-balls

Always consult your doctor before beginning a new exercise program. Be sure to follow manufacturer safety guidelines and visit manufacturers’ websites for instructional information on proper form.