Where Does He Get Those Toys From?

The following items are twelve of my favorite fitness toys. You can use them individually, or in combination with one another to get a full-body workout at a price that won't break your budget. These gadgets store easy, and don't take up a lot of space; they'll fit quite neatly in the corner of your closet. The majority of the items are light enough and small enough to pack into a suitcase, so that you can take your fitness program on the road. When I make home visits everything I need to train my clients fits into a backpack.

At first glance some of these props are quite simple but they're all effective training tools that provide a wide variety of drills. Off the top of my head, I can think of at least two dozen exercises that can be performed with each piece of equipment. When I'm training myself or clients at the gym I weave these alternative exercises into the routine of doing atypical free weight and machine exercises to combat boredom and passiveness.

Now, some of the cooler items you'll see won't be found in your local sports store, so don't waste your time running all over town looking for them. You can get everything you see and more from Perform Better, and Ringside. Hit my links to go straight to their web sites. If you have any questions about what to buy, I'll give you some suggestions based on your activity and needs; just leave me a comment. These companies sell a lot of slick fitness stuff; don't be wooed by all the possibilities or else you'll end up spending a small fortune. Get only what you need. Remember as your needs progress you can order additional items later.

Agility Cones

Cones are inexpensive and great for creating obstacle courses to perform agility drills.

Dyna-Disc

This air-filled pad stengthens dynamic stability of the knees, core, shoulders and ankles.

Flexiball

Multi-functional device for balance and stabilization training.

Exercise Tubings With Handles


Double bands with handles

Single band with portable detachable bar

Bands are my favorite training tools, because they go anywhere and do everything, literally. I can create exercises for any body part just using bands. In case you're wondering, the color of the band does make a difference. The color of the band correlates to its intensity or thickness.

Targets

Focus paddles are light-weight and portable, great for kicking and punching drills.

Verticle Jumper


Verticle Jumper unfastened

This is used to add resistance to plyometric drills. There are three detachable bands that run from your ankles to your waist.

Reaction Ball

It looks like a model of an atom, but it's called a z-ball. It is used for reaction training. The irregular shape makes it take unpredictable bounces. Great for teaching baseball players how to play the tricky ground ball.

Interval Timer - with adjustable interval, rest and work seconds

If you box or do martial arts, this is a must-have item.

Jump Rope

Great cardio exercise that's portable and inexpensive.


Push-Up Bars, Medicine Ball, Ab Wheel

These items can be used to strengthen the entire upper body.


Lateral Band

Three adjustable bands that attach to the ankles for strengthening the abductor and adductor muscles.