DIY Home Exercise Equipment Ideas

IMG_5307It’s true, most of us weren’t exactly prepared when COVID-19 reared it’s ugly head–especially when it comes to our home exercise equipment.  The prospect of waiting months to receive online orders, while a little frustrating,  has encouraged us to get creative with what we already have around the house!  Here are some tips for ways to use everyday household items to replicate studio equipment so you can join us in our daily fitness and yoga classes:

BOLSTER

  • 2 pillows side by side on a towel.  Roll the towel into a cylinder and secure.
  • A blanket, folded longitudinally, rolled up, and tied with string
  • Old yoga mat rolled and tied works as well

YOGA BLOCK

  • Shoe box, rolls of paper towels, boxes of Kleenex, or tubs of Clorox wipes
  • For standing poses, an unbreakable jar or sturdy cardboard box

YOGA STRAP

  • Length of rope, surfboard or dog leash, belt, men’s tie, bathrobe tie, scarf, or a towel can work.

ANKLE WEIGHTS

  • There are a ton of DIY options online, depending on how much time you have on your hands and how crafty you are.  An easy version is a tube sock filled with something like sand, beans, or rice to add weight.  Close off the opening, tie ribbon around both ends, then secure around the ankle.  Check out a version on Pinterest here.  If you’re making a  pair be sure to match weights so you get an even workout!

DUMBBELLS

  • Milk jug or any plastic container with a handle filled with water, sand, or cement.
  • Canned goods
  • Filled reusable H2O bottles
  • Paint cans
  • Books
  • Bag of produce (apples or onions)
  • 5 gallon buckets filled with sand or rocks
  • Socks filled with pebbles.  Again, make sure to use a scale to match weights when making a pair!

GLIDER

  • Depending on your flooring: a paper plate, Tupperware lid, handkerchief, or even just wearing a sock can work.  It may take some experimenting to figure out which is best.

PILATES / BARRE BALL

  • Check your kids toy stash to see if they have a rubber ball approximately 6-8 inches in diameter.  The sturdier the better!

RESISTANCE BAND

  • Dig out an old pair of nylons or ballet tights and you can improvise your own resistance band.  Tie the ankles together to make a loop, and voila!

We look forward to seeing what you can create when you join us in our virtual studio!  

For non-monthly members we have a variety of VIRTUAL passes  (one even includes free rental of equipment!!) that bring prices as low as $3/class.

Remember, when setting up your home workout space set up the camera so we can see your full body!  Enabling your camera allows us to be able to offer corrections and modifications.  See you on screen soon!

Author: Om Maui

Om Maui is a wellness studio.