Everyday Items as Fitness Equipment

You probably feel the same as us: when it comes to your home workout, classic bodyweight exercises tend to get pretty boring in the long run. And not many of us are able to integrate massive gym equipment into our homes, either due to lack of space or how it disturbs your Feng Shui :-). But did you know that everyday objects can easily be converted into fitness equipment to support you during your exercises? All you need is a little creativity and you can take your workout to the next level!

So check out these 6 everyday items that will be a great addition to a home gym of any size!

1. Use water bottles as weights

Bicep curls, bench presses, and rowing are nothing without weights to really get your muscles burning. But don’t panic: you don’t need to go to the gym! All you have to do is reach for the bottle—namely, the water bottle. Alternatively, milk cartons are an ideal replacement for dumbbells.

In no time at all you can start your training with a 1 kg or 1.5 kg weights. For the more advanced among us or those who want to challenge themselves, water boxes or full shopping bags are also excellent!

2. Use a chair or step stool as an exercise box

You don’t have a workout box on hand right now, like those used in cross-training? Then just grab a chair or step stool as a substitute to do your box jumps. However, make sure that the chair won’t slip, as this would risk injury. 

3. Use a heavy book as a weight plate

Russian Twists also work without weights, but in the long-term they’re more effective with them. But there is a solution for that, too, hiding in your bookshelf! An encyclopedia, dictionary or a thousand-page novel can easily be used as a weight plate, so your lateral abs can feel the burn!

4. Use pillows for balance exercises

Sofa cushions are particularly suitable for balancing exercises, as they are usually a little firmer and thicker than pillows used for sleeping. If you stand on them and do squats, for example, your core stability is especially engaged. This also works your deep-set muscles.

Sore muscles are guaranteed here. Also, try out exercises such as lunges, push ups or yoga positions on the pillows. Your sense of balance will thank you for it!

5. Use the bathtub or the edge of a chair for dips

No idea how to work your triceps at home? Your bathtub or even the edge of a chair can easily replace a rope pull from the gym. Support yourself from behind with your hands on the edge of the bathtub or the edge of a chair. Now bend your arms to 90° parallel to the floor until your bottom almost touches the floor and then push yourself up again. The further away you stretch your legs from your body, the more you train your triceps. 

6. Use a towel as a slider

So you want to take your planking skills to a new level? Then just grab a towel and train on a floor where the towel can slide easily. Go into the plank position and pull your legs towards your hands by pushing your bottom up and back again. Your abdominal muscles will soon start burning! Alternatively, you can take a second towel and place one foot on each towel.

While in the plank position you can also move your feet apart and back together again or do the Mountain Climber. Experiment a bit to train every muscle of your belly.

Combine it how you like it! 

All these everyday objects can of course be combined with other exercises. How about a few minutes of wall sitting while you train your biceps with water bottles? Create your own workout: there’s no limit to how creative you can get! You’ll probably find other items in your home that are great for spicing up your training. 

Can you think of other exercises with everyday objects? Just write them in the comments and take part in the Urban Sports Club community! 

You can also participate in the many online courses offered by our partners to stay fit & healthy!