Want to workout at home but don't know how without gym equipment? No problem!
"Our homes are full of everyday items that can double as makeshift gym equipment," says VU Sport Fitness Centre Supervisor, Brooke Olsen.
VU Sport run online classes and workouts. Check out the online membership for just $6 per week or join in via the VU Moves app on Apple or VU Moves for Android.
You don’t need dumbbells or kettlebells to do strength training at home. Some alternatives to weights include:
Top tip: tie a rubber band around any items that feel slippery – it’ll help you to get a firm grip.
"Going up and down the stairs is a great cardio workout," says Brooke, "and stairs can also be used for calf raises off the step, as well as step-ups."
For an intense upper body workout, lower steps are great for decline pushups.
You can get a great cardio workout by using the stairs in your house or apartment building.
Already climbing the walls? Adding a wall to some exercises is actually a really easy way to up the intensity. Walls can be used for:
Dining room tables and chairs are some of the most versatile pieces of equipment in the house.
Chairs are useful for:
A dining room table can double as a suspension training system or parallel bar for doing inverted rows – just check that your table is sturdy enough first.
Sturdy chairs are perfect for doing dips, among other exercises.
"The important thing to note," says Brooke, "is that when you are using alternative equipment, you are using it in a way that is not its main function – so be safe."
"Check that the equipment can handle what you plan to use it for."
