“Motivation is what gets you started, habit is what keeps you going.”
That’s the mantra for a lot of fitness junkies who make working out a lifestyle, and they must be doing something right.
If you’re looking to make a contribution to the home gym of a friend or family member, keep that quote in mind. A piece of fitness equipment that can easily become a habit is a piece of fitness equipment that doesn’t end up collecting dust in the corner of the basement.
There are three main areas to focus on when you shop for home gym additions.
Cardio: Cardiovascular exercise is essential in promoting heart health, overall conditioning and weight loss when done for longer than 20 minutes. Luckily, new products are never in short supply.
A significant part of the athlete’s workout comes from cardio endurance. Many of them live by double unders, a set of two quick rotations of a jump rope consecutively repeated. One of the products capable of the fastest speeds is the SR-1 Rogue Bearing Speed Rope ($21.95,
www.roguefitness.com). With four high-precision cartridge ball bearings and an adjustable 10-foot rubber coated speed cable, this high-tech jump rope is a great present for those looking to find home gym staples.
Strength: Not only do the workout buffs want to be thin, they also pride themselves on being strong. Muscle development increases functional mobility and body shaping, and reduces the risk of osteoporosis later on in life.
Building strength requires the most up-to-date methods in fitness culture, and one of the most efficient means to reach that goal is the kettlebell. An average weight of 25 pounds works well for most all fit athletes. The GoFit Kettlebell ($24.99-$109.99, www.gofit.net) is a good bet; it’s constructed out of cast iron and dipped in vinyl to protect floors from scuffing and provide a comfortable grip. This total body-toning item is another must-have for any home gym.
Flexibility: Not only is flexibility important in increasing muscle tone, it also reduces risk of injury by making it easier to use other pieces of equipment.
The Flex Stick ($42.50, www.thestick.com), a 26-inch bendable bar, is a great product to use to work out tight, sore muscles after an intense workout. It eliminates knots and trigger points, which results in more flexible muscle tissue and less pain – just what someone trying out a brand-new piece of equipment needs.
Olivia Tharp is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at tdufresne@cityscenemediagroup.com.
