Owning fitness gear may seem costly and unnecessary if you already have a gym membership, but it may in fact help you more in your fitness journey over time. Your body will be grateful if you invest in extra protection and support when working out.
These fitness essentials will improve your gym performance, reduce your chance of injury, and help you perform better overall. In this blog, you will discover a variety of fitness equipment that will not only enhance your fitness level but also make your exercises more pleasurable and enjoyable.
1. Slam Balls
Slam balls, also known as medicine balls, are weighted balls with a shoulder width in diameter usually used in strength training. It is commonly made of leather, vinyl, plastic, or rubber. Medicine ball training can be aerobic/anaerobic, such as tossing the ball back and forth, or strength training, such as medicine ball crunches or push-ups.
Medicine balls are available in a variety of sizes, weights, and textures. This makes them perfect for strength training and balancing activities that require a solid grip. Considering how versatile they are, these can effectively work every region of your body. What is the best medicine ball you should get, if you may ask?
The ideal medicine ball is thick and robust, does not bounce, can take severe impacts, and lasts in regular use. It must also be textured, since a better grip is required to avoid injuries during a sweaty workout.
2. Wall Ball
A wall ball differs from a medicine ball in that it is smaller, harder, and not designed to be thrown against a wall. The first thing to consider when selecting the appropriate weight for wall balls is your core and upper body. The weight of the ball should be just right to make the workout challenging without endangering your level of fitness.
A wall ball has to absorb any impact no matter how many times it is thrown, which means it must be burst-proof and have multiple layers of stitching to guarantee the stuffing of the ball remains well balanced inside.
The side throw is an example of a wall ball exercise that focuses on your oblique muscles rather than your shoulder and leg muscles. The wall ball weight, repetitions, nutrition, and rest all have a role in whether you actually build and strengthen the muscles you train on.
3. Ankle/Wrist Weights
Wrist and ankle weights are weights that you can wear on your body while working out. To make these easy to wrap around your wrist or ankle, they are comprised of cloth, a filler, and Velcro. They are often used to increase extra resistance during low-intensity cardiovascular activity, such as walking. They offer a small amount of weight to help enhance your workout routine.
Tips for using ankle/wrist:
- Choose an ankle weight that is between 1% and 2% of your body weight.
- Wear the ankle weights at least three times each week for at least 20 minutes per session.
- Consider adding ankle weights to slower walks to improve movement quality.
- Wear ankle weights only for short periods of time to avoid overuse injuries and imbalances.
- Ankle weights should not exceed 3% of your total weight.
- Increase the weight gradually to avoid overusing injuries.
Instead of running with a pair of them on, you can use ankle weights for workouts like glute bridges or wrist weights for lateral raises. These gears enhance the stress near the joints where they were put. Wearable weights happen to be a convenient alternative for adding strength training to your program. Simply put them on and go about your usual workout, and that's it.
4. Weightlifting Shoes
Weightlifters, powerlifters, cross fitters, and casual gym goers, whether beginning or professional lifters, all need weightlifting shoes. When you squat or move, weightlifting shoes will not only provide support but will also keep your feet solid and strong.
Weightlifting shoes are a tool for improving mobility and form during free-weight movements such as squats, presses, cleans, and snatches. Weightlifting shoes are designed to help you stay in correct technique and form during weightlifting activities.
They also provide stability and balance, allowing lifters to maintain good posture and biomechanics when lifting large weights. These shoes have an elevated heel, which enhances ankle flexibility and range of motion.
5. Wrist Wraps
Wrist wraps serve as helpful pieces of supporting strength equipment for when you need extra wrist support while working out. Usually, wrist wraps are worn to relieve pressure on the wrists during extended workouts or when executing big lifts.
Wrist wraps are used to provide support and stability to the wrist, minimizing hyperextension and guaranteeing good wrist placement beneath the bar. If you want extra solid foundations, wrist wraps are an ideal investment. If you consider yourself an active person or are training for a major event, you are certain to benefit from wrist wraps.
The following are the advantages of using wrist wraps for lifting:
- Offers joint stability.
- Allows you to push past your exhaustion threshold.
- Allows you to return to lifting sooner after an injury.
- It makes you grab more weight.
- It makes the weight in your hand feel lighter.
6. Compression Sleeves
Compression sleeves are also wearable fitness accessories that are specifically meant to compress a body part such as your bicep, forearm, thighs, knees, or hands. As the name implies, it works to compress parts of your body to help relieve muscular tiredness during prolonged sitting or standing, minimize pain during exercise, and enhance blood circulation for extra energy.
When to wear compression sleeve
Here’s a quick guide for when you need to wear one:
- Post surgery. Wearing a compression sleeve after surgery can help speed up healing, reduce swelling, and reduce the risk of bleeding and bruising by keeping tissues compacted. A compression gear should provide modest (but not severe) pressure on the body.
- During workouts or sports. During events, athletes wear compression sleeves. When you exercise, wear compression sleeves to help stabilize your muscles and lessen the impact on your joints. This will keep you free of cramps and other injuries.
- Post workout. Compression sleeves also work to decrease soreness after workouts.
7. Battle Rope
A battle rope is essentially a heavy rope that serves as a free weight in fitness training. This exercise equipment is versatile and may be utilized in a variety of fitness regimens, ranging from body conditioning to general strength training. With an average diameter of 33mm and lengths ranging from 10m to 20m, it is the perfect addition to your home gym. These long, thick stretches of rope are the perfect workout equipment for high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
Battle rope workouts are ideal if you want a quick fat-burning workout and cardio while also strengthening your core muscles and upper body. You may use this gym gear anywhere that has sufficient space for the rope to move around, whether it is outside or at home!
Benefits of Workout Essential Gears
Regular exercise is essential for your entire health and mental wellness. But did you realize that what you wear during your workout is extremely important? Here are some of the reasons why wearing the right gear will help you effortlessly attain your fitness goals.
- Improved strength and power. Slam balls and wallballs are excellent for building speed, functional strength, and core stability. They let you work out various muscle groups at the same time, which promotes overall strength advancement.
- Enhanced lower body workouts. Ankle weights are an excellent way to add resistance to lower-body workouts like leg lifts and lunges. They help tone and sculpt your legs, allowing you to get more out of your workouts.
- Optimized grip and lifting form. When performing workouts involving heavy lifting, such as pull-ups and deadlifts, lifting straps help you develop stronger grips. This improves your ability to maintain appropriate form and avoid injuries.
- Joint and muscle support. Compression sleeves provide joint and muscular assistance. They serve to lower the chance of injury, improve stability, and reduce muscular soreness. Compression gear can also help with post-workout recovery by improving circulation.
- Achievement of goals. Using proper exercise gear can help you accomplish specific fitness goals, such as muscle building, weight loss, or better athletic performance.
Key Takeaway
It is common knowledge that leading an active lifestyle and getting regular exercise are necessary for living a healthy life, but it is essential not to overlook the right and safe approach to doing so.
Prioritize your safety by using fitness equipment and boosting your performance while allowing your body to move more freely. These fitness accessories are designed to help you optimize your fitness potential and reach your fitness goals.
FAQs
- What is the difference between a slamball and a wallball?
While slamballs are for high-impact exercises, wallballs are used for total-body workouts, combining cardio, strength, and agility training with wall throws.
- Can ankle weights help with leg toning and calorie burn?
Yes, ankle weights are effective for enhancing leg workouts by adding resistance to exercises like leg lifts and donkey kicks, which can help with leg toning and calorie burn.
- Are these fitness accessories suitable for beginners?
Yes, many of these accessories can be used by beginners. However, it's essential to start with appropriate weights and techniques to avoid injury.
- Do I need all of these accessories for an effective workout?
No, you don't need all of them. The choice of accessories depends on your fitness goals and personal preferences. Start with the ones that align with your objectives.
- Should I consult a fitness professional before using these accessories?
If you are new to using fitness accessories or if you have any specific health concerns, it's advisable to consult a fitness professional to ensure safe and effective usage.