Weighted vest
Great for:
weight loss
Want to add another dimension to your
training session? Wearing a weighted vest during exercise will make your session
significantly harder because of the added resistance and weight. It’s also a
great technique to use to help you realize how much harder your sessions would
be if you were to gain a few extra pounds. The added intensity will help to
build your core strength and improve your posture, too.
“Weighted vests are great for weight loss
and improving your speed and performance,” says Ingleby. “Just make sure you
get the right size, so it’s comfortable to exercise with, and start using it
for short periods of time so you can get used to it. You’ll also need to keep
your posture strong while using it. Some people are inclined to lean too far
forwards, which could cause injuries.”
Try this: An
adjustable vest, that will add anything up to 10kg to your weight, while fitting
comfortably around your body. From $200; amazon.com
Skipping rope
Great for:
burning calories
Skipping is not just for kids. In fact,
it’s one of the most complete, overall workouts, and burns more calories per
minute than most other forms of exercise, including running: 10 minutes of
skipping has the same cardio benefits as a 30-minute run. It’s also cheap and
effective, and can be done just about anywhere, while boosting your metabolic
rate and all-over muscle tone.
“Skipping is great fun, and can even be
done with a friend,” says Ingleby. “Just get your partner to skip for 60
seconds, while you do a strength exercise such as squats or tricep dips. Swap
over every 60 seconds and continue until you’ve done six or seven resistance
moves. Just remember to keep your posture strong and wear a supportive sports
bra”
Try this:
This adjustable rope counts the number of jump you’ve completed, as well as the
calories you’ve burned during each session. $23; firebox.com. You can also use
a weighted rope for an extra challenge. $31; store.lonsdale.com
Fitdeck
Great for:
beginners
Designed by US Navy SEAL Phil Black,
FitDeck is a set of 56 cards with more than 50 different exercises, stretches
and moves, complete with instructions and guidelines. To use them, pull out a
card, follow the instructions, then pull out the next and continue for your
desired workout time. They are all bodyweight exercises, so no kit is required.
And you can also buy other packs specific to your goals or interests, for
example, stretching. TRX, kettlebell and pre- and post-natal, which is great if
you need some added inspiration.
“FitDeck will give you loads of different
combinations of exercises that work different muscles groups. It’s great for beginners
because the cards tell you what to do,” says Ingleby. The cards will certainly
get you stronger and fitter, especially if you combine them with some aerobic
training and mix up the exercises each week.”
Try this:
There is a huge variety to choose from. The Bodyweight pack includes exercises
for the upper, middle and lower body, along with whole-body moves. $26:
fitdeck.eu
Reaction ball
Great for:
speed and mental focus
This brightly coloured rubber ball has four
different bumps on it, and is designed to improve your reaction time and hand
to eye co-ordination. You throw it, watch it land, then unpredictably bounce.
Your goal is to respond to the bounce and catch it. The ball is small enough to
pack for a holiday or pop in your pocket until you reach an open space to play.
It’s amazing how a few minutes of playing with this will increase your heart
rate and hand-eye co-ordination. It’s great for group training and playing with
the kids, too.
“The ball is ideal for jazzing up your
usual cardio sessions,” says Ingleby. “Not only will it force your body to move
in a different way, while challenging new muscles, it’s also great for racquet
sport lovers, who need to improve their reaction time. It’s a cheap piece of
kit that has many benefits!”
Try this:
You can use the ball on a firm surface or wall. The small Reaction ball (7cm)
costs $7, while the larger ball (10cm) costs $10: fitness-mad.com
