Top Ten: pieces of equipment

Here is my top ten list for workout equipment.

10.  Bosu Ball-  Great for balance and stability training.  Really works the core and can be used for upper and lower body exercises.  http://bosu.com/

9.  Dumbbells-  Dumbbells to me are extremely good for eliminating muscle imbalance.  Dumbbells allow the user to make sure that both arms are doing equal work.  I love doing full body movements such as squat presses with dumbbells or one leg balance bent over rows.

8.  Smith rack with plates-  The smith rack is the second most expensive piece of equipment on my list.  I put it on here for safety.  If you are the type of person who works out at home and does not have a spotter or is timid asking someone to spot at a gym the smith rack can help keep you safe.  Not an inexpensive but you will be able to do some other nontraditional exercises besides the squat the bench such as body weight rows and push ups.

7.  Squat rack  with barbell and plates-  The most expensive piece of equipment on my list.  The traditional squat rack can be used to do so many muscle building and power exercises.  It is consistently used by high level athletes for cleaning, pressing, squatting and dead lifting.  For a cheaper alternative just purchase the barbell and the weights and do front squats.


5.  Foam rollers-  While not often used for exercises the foam roller is extremely important when used with recovery.  It can help eliminate minor joint pain and increase flexibility.  With the help of proper foam rolling injury risk decreases and recovery from workouts can increase.  I recommend power systems foam rollers for the price.  When shopping at certain stores feel the material.  I have purchased foam rollers that deform due to my body weight.  Make sure your purchase is sturdy.

4.  Medicine balls-  The medicine ball is an awesome piece of equipment for developing power.  If you are experienced you would probably not want to use a medicine ball in the traditional sense however newcomers to strength training can get a lot out of a traditional med ball squat press.  Medicine balls can also be used as a muscle roller.  I actually prefer them on certain parts of my anatomy such as my glutes and hip extensor.  Shop smart google and compare prices.  Look up reviews because not all med balls are created equal.


3.  Pull up bar/ dip combo.  Great piece of equipment.  Anybody that knows me knows that I love using body weight exercises.  An alternative that can sometimes be just as good would be the local playground monkey bars.


3.  Kettlebells-  Kettlebells  can really help improve muscular strength, power, flexibility, stability, and endurance.  Anyone that plays a sport where shoulder stability is critical should own one.   Kettlebells can be purchased at most sport retailers.  Use the amazon and dicks to compare prices.  I prefer the all metal traditional kettlebell.  

2.  TRX-  A piece of equipment that you can do multiple exercises on.  Fits in a small bag half the size of a shoebox.  The ability to do exercises that you would be unable to do with most any other piece of equipment.  Relatively cheap.  Compare to any home gym like bowflex and soloflex and you will see how much better it is.  Train faster, engage your core more consistently and save money.  www.trxtraining.com

1.  Your own body!  The cheapest piece of equipment you can use.  Weather you want to work out for muscular endurance, power, or weight loss using body weight movements can be highly effective and extremely inexpensive.  As mentioned above you can utilize local playgrounds for body weight activities.  For power plyometrics such as clap push ups and jumping are very useful.  Finally, everyone knows that sun light is great for your mental well being and bone density.  So getting out and hiking and smelling that fresh air can really do wonders for your mind.  http://www.movnat.com/