Ditch the Treadmill for 5 other pieces of inexpensive workout equipment


The Friday 5 this week is all about Indoor Fitness. Since both of us are having problems with our legs, we've been doing lots of indoor activities lately.

When you don't feel like running outdoors ( or it's a little too cold or snowy), you automatically think of the dreaded treadmill. We both  have been physically unable to run for a while so the treadmill has not been an option for us lately.  We have found that we can still get in a good work out with these other simple pieces of equipment.

1. Fitness Ball: This is probably one of our favorite pieces of equipment to use but it can be dangerous if you don't use it properly. Balance is key. You can use it in a multitude of ways. Sit on it to do sit ups, strengthen you legs by using it for bridges, and lots of core and ab exercises. Since these moves are difficult to explain, we've linked to a page on Helpful ways to use the fitness ball for beginners.

2. The Xfinity Bands: The Xfinity bands take the plain old fitness band to a whole new level. I would suggest using them with a video first to learn some moves, and then you can do a few stretches and strengthening moves on your own whenever the mood strikes.
My sister actually did a post on the Xfinity band HERE, if you would like to learn more about it.

3. Another inexpensive item that is very is a therapy resistance band.  We got some from Physical therapy and my sister has been faithful in using hers. We actually looked up the actually name of these bands and it is Physical Therapy band, go figure. You can purchase them at Walmart, Target, or any sports retailer.  These are not the "tube bands".  They are like really thick rubber bands and they are great for strengthening up leg muscles. Our favorite move is putting them around your knees before doing clamshells or putting them around your ankles and doing lunges.

4. Don't forget about the plain old jump rope. Nothing fancy about this one. A jump rope is great cardio.

5.  Ankle weights are a joy. You can strap those on and do almost any activity. Here is an example of how you can build strength in your upper legs and help a tight IT band or Hamstring.

Seated IT band/Hamstring stretch: You can't tell in this picture but she has 3 pound weights strapped to her ankles ( You can use which ever weight feels right to you). You'll want to sit on a hard surfaced chair. Put a pillow under the leg you will be stretching. Arch your back as you grip the underneath part of the chair ( this is very important in feeling the resistance as you stretch). Lift the leg up until your knee is straight and then for a bit more stretch, flex your toes up. Do this 10X with each leg. Don't forget to move the pillow under the leg you are stretching.

 I do a lot of these exercises in the evenings while I am watching my shows.  I would normally want to reach for the snacks but instead, I'll do a set a bodyweight exercises during the commercial breaks. I do a set of squats, lunges, crunches, and push ups. By the time I am finished, the commercials are over and my show is back on. It really does pass the time. And who can complain of a few more calories burned?
 
What are some ways you workout inside ( without the treadmill)?   -L

38 comments:

  1. Nice list of indoor activities! The Xfinity band looks interesting! Also, the Seated IT band/Hamstring stretch is great! Thanks for sharing!

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  2. I currently got a resistance band from my PT to strengthen my ankles but I have been using it for so many other things too. I love them!

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  3. Great ideas! Since I don't have a treadmill at home I have been becoming more creative with at-home workouts as well.

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  4. Resistance bands and ankle weights are a great idea! Plus, it really would help pass the time during commercials.

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  5. I use my fitness ball a lot too. I don't have ankle weights but would like to get some. And this reminds me to look into that therapy resistance band!

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  6. Ankle weights definitely provide a great workout. While they are small and don't seem like they'll do much, they are much more powerful than they appear to be.

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    1. Yes they really do! I didn't think they would the first time I tried them. Boy was I wrong.

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  7. Oh, I'd never heard of the Xfinity Band before. It looks interesting. Thanks for sharing about it!

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  8. oh yes - sometimes we use a double tube around our legs while doing planks and such at pure barre and it is a KILLER. the jump rope is a great, underrated tool! i love this post!

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    1. Thanks. It's the simple things we don't always think about.

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  9. Great ideas! Everytime I went to a PT appt, they would give me a couple more bands. I kept them, all, I have a small container full of them. They are expensive to buy alone, so I figured I might as well stock up while I was paying for expensive PT, LOL. But I agree, they are great for several types of exercises!

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  10. I haven't seen that infinity band-looks like a good piece for my home gym. Thanks!

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  11. The jump rope is my favorite -- it's so effective for staying in shape at home. Any kind of band that I have to stretch I'm scared of using because I'm afraid it's going to snap haha

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    1. I used to think that too when I started using it for the first couple times. But you start to get used to it after awhile.

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  12. I'm actually in the market for ankle weights...I just haven't gotten around to getting them yet. I'm still doing leg lifts that my PT prescribed and wanted to add in the ankle weights for fun! The PT bands are great for so many things - I"m so glad I've got a collection. That infinity band looks fun too. I love anything that won't take up too much space!

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  13. These are great ideas and you can pack most of it to do hotel workouts if needed! Thanks for sharing. Happy Weekend to you!

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  14. I've never used ankle weights. But I do love resistance bands! Easy little things get it done!

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  15. That xfinity band looks awesome! Thanks for sharing your sister's post on it, too. Have a great weekend and thank you for sharing these ideas!

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  16. Ankle weights just went on my Amazon wish list. Thanks for sharing. These are all great tools.

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  17. The ankle weights are such a good idea-I will definitely need to look into getting some!

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  18. I love a resistance band. I started using them when I was recovering from a knee injury in high school and I bought one to use shortly afterwards. I use mine to help with hip and glute strength...to combat future knee issues! :) -C

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  19. My free weights for sure! And I agree on the jump rope. Great conditioning for running.

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  20. Great list. I'm definitely going to need to give some of these a try. I really want to mix things up and have some quick but inexpensive things to do at home.

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  21. Great list. I'm definitely going to need to give some of these a try. I really want to mix things up and have some quick but inexpensive things to do at home.

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  22. I love my stability ball - it makes a great desk chair! Never heard of the Xfinity bands before. They sound interesting!

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  23. I use resistance bands from my PT for some prescribed exercises he gave me. They are a really great tool! This post reminds me that I need a new stability ball... ours deflated for some unknown reason!

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  24. Jumping rope is fantastic cardio! Too bad I'm really terrible at it. :)
    I love using my resistance bands at home and I really need to get a new stability ball!

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  25. I don't have much equipment, but these are good ideas. I also often do pushups when commercials come on !

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  26. I've been doing clamshells with my band for the past few months - really makes it harder. I need to try that ITB stretch.

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  27. Ive never heard of Xfinity Bands before... thanks for sharing. I do enjoy using resistance bands.. so it sounds like a piece of equipment I would use.

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  28. Now now, don't be hard on Mr. Treddy, he's not all that bad ;) I love the resitstance bands and would love a bosu ball at home!

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  29. great ideas. I still love the treadmill though!

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  30. I have all but the Xfinity band - looks pretty cool!!! I will have to check into that for sure!

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  31. I need to do that seated hamstring stretch every day at work!

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  32. I love the resistance bands from PT for at home workouts. I have 2 - a dark blue theraband and one my PT made for me that's red and a lot more stretchy/less tension. The Xfinity band looks great too

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