Are you completely bored with your workout? Or, maybe you are looking to try something new at the gym? Sometimes doing the same workout, on the same equipment, day in and day out leads to the workout “blahs.”
So, how do you keep fitness fresh and interesting? More importantly, how do you keep it fun? Luckily, there are many simple, new tools that can keep you challenged and engaged. These tools often garner better results than the old, tired Nautilus equipment.
I am going to share three of the best tools at the gym that you’re not using, but should be.
BOSU BALL: The BOSU ball is a training device invented in 1999 by David Weck. BOSU stands for “both sides up,” referring to the fact that you can use both sides of the BOSU ball for training purposes. I tend to use the BOSU ball for all basic weight-lifting exercises like bicep curls and triceps extensions. The added benefit of using a BOSU with regular exercise is that it adds a great level of instability that is excellent for your core! I am all for efficiency and getting the most out of the time I spend at the gym, and any exercise that includes a “core component” gives you more bang for your buck. There is no end to the variety of exercises that you can perform with the BOSU ball (i.e. agility training, balance, strength work, and rehabilitation of injuries).
Where Do I Get This Gem? BUY BOSU BALL
How Do I Use This Thing? VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2
RESISTANCE BANDS: You can travel anywhere, and never miss a workout with these little babies. Resistance bands come in different tensile strengths, indicated by color, and they are possibly the most versatile piece of training equipment I have ever encountered. In addition, you can perform upper and lower body exercises with them. The resistance created from both directions (during any exercise) can create explosive results.
Where Do I Get This Gem? BUY RESISTANCE BANDS
How Do I Use This Thing? VIDEO
AB STRAPS: I saved my favorite tool for last. These “little miracle workers” provide suspension training (more intense) for all of the different areas of your abdominal muscles. Six pack on your list? This tool is one of the fastest ways to accomplish your fitness goals.
Where Do I Get This Gem? BUY AB STRAPS
How Do I Use This Thing? VIDEO
It is fantastic that newer tools are constantly becoming available to meet the needs of the big kid inside of all of us. Have fun out there!
QUICK LINKS TO PURCHASE: BOSU BALL, Resistance Bands, AB Straps
Is it time to try something new in your workout? This week, incorporating something you have never tried before. Ask a trainer, or expert to help you if you are not sure what to do. The challenge on your body is going to give you greater results!
24 Responses
Thanks for posting this. I really need to get back to the gym. I need to find a gym that has a good daycare too.
That is always tough! There are lots of great “no-equipment” workouts you can do at home too! Check out the video I just posted from central park https://www.wellfitandfed.com/fit/quick-and-easy-workout-circuit-in-central-park/ , or the resistance band tubing video! https://www.wellfitandfed.com/fit/quick-and-easy-full-body-resistance-tubing-circuit-video/ THANKS FOR COMMENTING!
I love this! Such great ideas. I haven’t tried the ab straps before. I definitely need to try this out tonight when I’m at the gym. Such great ideas to improve my workouts!
Thanks Meagan! I really appreciate you reading through! I have another edition of this coming up soon! 🙂
I love this. I already regularly use the top two but I have never tried the ab straps. I’ll have to try them out. Thanks for sharing!
Talk about an efficient way to rip your abs. They are awesome !
I really, REALLY needed this today. Thank you! <3 The gym is always so intimidating to me, so any knowledge I can gain from it is extremely helpful 🙂
OMG. THAT IS SUCH A GOOD IDEA FOR A VIDEO SERIES! kind of a find your way around the gym! I love it! Thanks Kelsey !
I’m completely clueless when it comes to the gym, that’s why I always opt to take classes. Thank you for the ideas…I’m always looking for them!!
Definitely seeing a need for more info in this area based on comments. Thank You Alison!
Very helpful! I’ve not used many of these, so will try these the next time to mix it up!
Thanks, Faye. Love to hear how it goes.
I had no idea what BOSU stood for and I feel like knowing that has opened up a world of possibilities for me! I always thought it could only be used one way, which made it less useful. I can’t wait to try using it in new ways now!
Love it Rebekah! It is so challenging on both sides depending on what you are doing. Have fun out there.
This is good to know. I’m a runner so I usually just stick to the treadmill, but I really should branch out a little bit.
Becky…cross-training is key if you hope to avoid injury. These would be some great ideas for you to try! 🙂
I have never heard of ab straps. Most interesting!
Honestly, most effective AB work I have ever done. Hard as hell but big bang for the buck.
Thank you for these tips. I’ve seen the bosu ball before, but wasn’t sure how to use it. Now I have some ideas.
The couple of videos I posted should help too! Have fun!
Love it! When I worked out with a trainer years ago, we used the Bosu all. the. time. I loved it! I’ll have to stay on the lookout for it at my Y (or maybe buy my own)! Thanks for the good reminders!
Thanks, Patricia. I love Bosu! I would love to take a class in it sometime!
I would love a six pack! haha I will have to try this exercise next time I am in a gym!
You can do it LOGAN!!!!! Ab Straps are the bomb!