DIY Gym Gear

Last year I wrote an article on how to create your own Inexpensive Home Gym. For a minimal investment you can get just enough equipment to get you through most types of fitness exercises. If you’re not interested in getting a lot of equipment and don’t have the  time to shop around or really just need something for the odd days you can’t make it to the gym – then channel your inner MacGyver and use or create from some DIY gear from what you already have at home.

1. Exercise or Aerobic Step: Use the bottom step of your stairs – you won’t be able to do moves that go over the top or across but it’s enough to do a variety of foot drill to get a good cardio and work the legs.
2. Dumbbells: Look in your pantry for equal sized cans or bottles of juice. If you need something heavier, use empty water or laundry detergent jugs (with handles). You can fill these with water or if you have access to it – sand. Use your bathroom scale to ensure you get 2 of equal weight for each hand. You can create an entire array of weights using different sized bottles.
3. Heavy Weight: If you need something with a little more substance (maybe for squats or clean and presses etc) employ an old duffle bag or backpack. If you wear the backpack (as opposed to holding it with your hands) you can get away with putting books in it to weight it down. If you need a more pliable weight that you can move around, use the duffle bag (it has built in handles) or a backpack filled with bags of sand or flour or rice. If you don’t have an old bag to use – buy a LARGE sack of rice and reinforce any weak areas with duct tape.
4. Exercise Ball: Check your kids’ toys – they most likely will have the typical sized kids’ rubber ball (about the size of a soccer ball but more pliable) – this is great for ab exercises, squats, and pilates.
5.  Mat: Use an old towel or blanket.
6. Multi-purpose Exercise Bench: A basic kitchen or dining room chair (no arms) is very versatile. Use this for step-ups, tricep dips, plank and pushup modifications (declined – feet are on chair; inclined – hands or forearms on chair), a ballet barre, or prone pull-ups (place a broom over 2 chairs and lie underneath – pull your chest up to the broom).
7. Cardio & Agility Drill Equipment: Outline ladders and mark distances for drills. And of course use it to repair, reinforce and piece together any other equipment.