Ten Must-Have Accessories To Enhance Your Workout
If you’ve ever stepped into a fitness store, you’ve probably been amazed by the sheer number of workout accessories out there.
From balls and bars to gear to help you grip better, there are endless ways to spend money on extra stuff to make your workout a little more interesting.
Want to invest in a few fitness accessories but aren’t sure where to start?
Here are a few of my favorites:
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Ab wheel
If you’ve already mastered crunches, planks, and sit-ups, an ab wheel might be just the tool to take your workout to the next level.
These little devices look deceptively easy, but adding an element of balance into the equation can make your ab workout exponentially harder.
Perfect Fitness Ab Carver ProGet More InfoValeo Ab Roller WheelGet More Info
Water bottle
It’s important to stay hydrated when you’re breaking a sweat.
A good, insulated water bottle is one of the best things you can bring along for your workout. Whether you like to hike, run or hit the gym, there are water bottles designed to be carried along without getting in the way of your workout.
Foam roller
When you’re suffering from tight, sore muscles, a foam roller can be just what you need to give yourself a little relief.
Foam rollers can speed up recovery and, when used early, can prevent soreness from setting in as intensely. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but if you’re just starting out, the standard cylinder foam roller is always a safe choice.
AmazonBasics High-Density Foam RollerGet More InfoFitness Kings Ultimate Foam Roller SetGet More Info
Resistance bands
Resistance bands are a great way to make your home workout a little tougher without breaking the bank.
Use them to add some intensity to your body weight exercises or to simply help you stretch your sore muscles when you’re finished.
Tribe 11PC Premium Resistance Bands SetGet More InfoWorkout Bands Stretch Bands Loop KitGet More Info
Kettlebell
Kettlebell exercises are great for mobility and core strength, and they’re fun! While you might not want to invest in a whole set of weights, you’ll find you can perform a surprising number of exercises with one kettlebell.
Yes4All Vinyl Coated Kettlebell 15 lbsGet More InfoTone Fitness Vinyl Kettlebell Set 30 lbsGet More Info
Balancing ball
If you’re looking to improve your balance and add resistance to your workout, a balancing ball can be a great addition to your accessory collection.
These are commonly incorporated into abdominal workouts, but a quick search on the Internet will show there are lots of ways to use these to enhance your full-body workout, too. Just make sure they’re properly inflated first!
Exercise Stability Ball 65CMGet More InfoExercise Ball Professional Grade 65 cmGet More Info
Jump rope
A fun throwback to elementary school for most, jumping rope can actually be a great cardio exercise. Use your jump rope to warm up or to add a few high-intensity cardio intervals into your workout circuit!
Bluetooth headphones
Most people listen to music when they exercise to find motivation, stay focused and have fun. However, getting tangled up in the cord from your headphones is always a hassle.
Eliminate this issue with a pair of well-fitting wireless headphones and rock your way through your workout.
Heart rate monitor
Not sure exactly how hard you’re working out? A heart rate monitor can help.
These little devices track how many times your heart beats per minute, which can be a great indicator of how intense your workout is. Target specific heart rate “zones” to achieve specific goals (like burning fat or boosting your lung capacity) during your workout.
Fitbit Charge 2 Heart Rate WatchGet More InfoFitbit Blaze Smart Fitness WatchGet More Info
Lifting belt
If you’re serious about your squats and deadlifts, a lifting belt can be incredibly helpful. These belts help to stabilize your back and core, encouraging you to perform high-weight exercises with better form.
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