2013 - The Year of Fitness on the Go
Everyone’s busy nowadays, were lucky if we can find time to cook a healthy dinner for ourselves. Having an alternate plan for getting a great workout is vitally important to staying in great shape. Our busy lives sometimes pull us away from the important things in life like healthy food and time in the gym.
I have assembled the top 5 portable fitness equipment to keep you healthy in 2013 (and beyond):
#1: Strength Stack 52 ($16.97) - My top choice for portable fitness equipment is a brand new product called Strength Stack 52. Strength Stack 52 is a deck of bodyweight fitness cards where you can play fun games with your friends or even yourself. Each card has (among other features) a bodyweight exercise, a rep count, a number and a color. With those features, users can make up their own games or go to the website and learn games that others users play. With tons of different workout combinations and games, working out can be fun and competitive. This product is completely portable (weighs only 8 ounces) and can fit anyone’s budget. Designed by military fitness expert Michael Volkin, these cards are definitely one of those “why didn’t I think of that” inventions.
#2: Resistance Bands ($10-$50)– Lightweight and portable, resistance bands are an old favorite that continues to be popular year after year. With resistance bands you can target specific muscles or stabilize your core. Bands offer more variety than weights because you can create resistance in all directions. Whether you are a beginner or advanced fitness enthusiast, resistance bands should be incorporated in your workout.
#3 Nike Fuel Band ($149) – While not a piece of exercise equipment, the Nike Fuel Band is definitely a motivator. Simply place the Fuel Band on your wrist and become instantly aware of how active you are (or aren’t). The Fuel Band tracks your steps and your calories, but not your heart rate. You can even compare data with your friends online and establish a friendly rivalry. This band both helps and encourages you to reach your goals. You can even set goals with the software and track them along the way.
#4 Weighted jump rope ($25) – The weighted jump rope fits in any suitcase and is ideal for toning your whole body. If you want to strengthen your leg muscles and lose weight, this will be essential equipment for your workout program. Jumping rope can be a great workout or simply just a fun way to warm up. Be careful of using a jump rope if you have a history of shin splints.
#5: TRX Home Suspension ($200) – TRX is a portable suspension trainer that claims to improve functional strength, balance and flexibility. The product consists of two adjustable straps, a pulley system and stirrups/handles for the feet and hands. Along with the TRX system, the combination of your body weight and gravity can provide a host of different exercises designed to strengthen your core.