Working out. You either love it or hate it. I personally am one of those people who love to work out (though I wasn't always like that) - it's definitely one of my favorite parts of my day. I love being at the gym. I love that me time. And I love pushing myself (though I wish a personal trainer fund was in the budget because I'd love to have one that would REALLY push me! I want just one gym session with Jillian Michaels - how freakin' awesome would that be?!) But in any case, I've come a long way since I joined the gym back in 2008. I didn't start out using the gym to it's full potential - in fact I still don't. But I have certainly come a long way and have learned a lot. I'm always looking for new work outs and moves (gotta love Pinterest!), watching other members, and most importantly watching the trainers when they are working with someone. I learn A TON just by doing that. So for today's edition of hump day faves, I thought I'd bring ya'll into the gym with me and I'd show you just a few of my favorite pieces of equipment. Bosu ball ~ Ahh - by far my favorite piece of equipment. I'm a wee bit obsessed with this and NEED one in our home gym (got that, Matt?! ha-ha) I do mostly ab/core work with it but also do quite a bit of arms and legs as well. It's great for stability too - basically it's an all around multi-functional piece of gym equipment that I highly recommend. Stability ball ~ another piece that you can do so many things with - abs, legs, glutes, core, etc. I used to use the stability ball A LOT more but once I found the bosu ball I find myself using that for more things. But the ball is definitely a must have and I use every single time I'm at the gym (it's also perfect for a home gym - you can get one relatively cheap at around $20-$40 versus about$100 for the bosu ball.) Weights ~ Game changer right here!! Ladies particularly - do NOT be afraid of these!! You will not bulk up like some crazy weight lifter (unless you want to of course which is a whole different subject...) We all want to be lean and toned, right?! Well these right here are where its at for that. You need to build muscle to achieve that lean, toned body we all crave(not to mention the more muscle you have the more calories your body burns naturally every day!) I was sooo intimidated by these when I first joined the gym...not gonna lie...and it's only been about 2 years or so that I have really embraced them. But once you start you'll never look back - I promise :)Right now I usually do 2 days of strength training though I'd like to increase that to 3 times a week. Start small and work your way up one day at a time...let's all get strong together!! I say...BRING.IT.ON. Weighted Medicine Ball & Body Bars ~ I don't use these as often as I'd like but I do love 'em. I'll switch between free weights and using the body bar - same concept just using a different piece of equipment thus working your body a bit differently. A body bar is another great thing to have in a home gym. Free weights can be pricey but body bars are cheaper and take up way less room - perfect if you don't have a ton of space(like me!!) I'd also like one of these for our home gym. I use the medicine ball for twists, planks, and squats. I'd love to learn some new moves that utilize the medicine ball - I certainly don't use as much as I'd like (but still do love using it for the exercises I do know!) So there ya have it - my fitness edition for hump day faves. Any questions please leave a comment or send me an email :) Happy Hump Day ya'll!
1 Comment
Love this post! And I'm SLOWLY starting to love working out. I used to dread it every single time, but now if I go 2 days without getting to the gym, I'm super anxious to get back and get a workout in! I'm definitely embracing lifting weights, and although I might not be lifting much, I'm loving the soreness! :)
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorHey ~ I'm Renée...just your ordinary, 30-something Accountant, new mommy, wife, runner, foodie, & Pinterest addict! Welcome to my newest adventure...stay awhile...look around...and keep comin' back! Archives
January 2018
|