By Montana Grenfell, Pharmacist & personal trainer
With summer around the corner and gyms and fitness studios slowly opening up, many of us are likely considering swapping our trackies for activewear as we attempt to get back into a regular workout routine – even if it is in our living rooms. But if, like the majority of Melburnians, you’re feeling a little lost or out of practice, it’s probably worth going back to basics. Here are my five favourite (and often forgotten) items to kick-start any at-home workout routine.
A portable speaker
Music is an absolute must for remaining focused and motivated during a workout. Whenever I’m training one of my clients, I always make sure I have a killer playlist to help them stay in the zone, and working out at home should be no different. Ditch the headphones and enjoy the freedom of blasting a speaker with your favourite motivational tracks. An affordable option is Kmart’s Bluetooth Portable Pro Mini Speaker, or if you’re looking for something a little more luxe and durable, check out Ultimate Ears BOOM 3 Portable Bluetooth Speaker. And if you’re sick of listening to the same old playlist, check out Sworkit’s Home Workout HIITS on Spotify, which is a round-up of exciting and fresh tunes to help get you through even the toughest of workouts.
Resistance bands
Resistance bands are a great addition to a home workout as they can benefit anyone regardless of your fitness level. These bands come in a range of different resistances or ‘difficulties’, so you can build up your balance, coordination and strength gradually over time. They’re also ideal for home use because they can be anchored to areas around the house like the leg of a couch, and because they’re so compact, they’re easily stored out of sight. Try PTP’s MircoBand + 3 Pack or even some of the products from Cheeky Peach, where they offer a range of resistance bands and free exercise library specifically designed to help shape your booty.
A good quality exercise mat
If you’ve ever tried to work out on a poor quality exercise mat only to have it bunching up, shifting or slipping around underneath you, you’ll know the right mat can make all the difference. Investing in a high-quality mat with enough cushioning, support and grip can help enhance your practice and prevent injury to your joints. A luxe option is Lululemon’s Reversible Mat, but you can also pick up this more budget-friendly one from Cotton On.
A protein-rich snack
I always make sure my clients know just how important it is to properly refuel after strenuous exercise. While it’s best to avoid eating a full meal straight after a workout, a healthy, protein-rich snack is a great idea, particularly when it comes to muscle recovery. When working out at home, make sure your pantry or fridge is stocked with protein-rich foods like salmon, steamed chicken, walnuts, trail mix or even just a simple can of tuna for post-workout munchies. You can also incorporate a protein powder into your post-workout routine like Keep It Cleaner’s Vanilla Protein Powder. Remember though, protein supplements should be consumed as part of a balanced diet and not as a meal replacement.
Anti-inflammatory gel
The only thing worse than sweaty socks or breaking a hair tie during a workout is injuring yourself – and if you’ve been out of practice for some time, the likelihood of an injury is even higher. In the unfortunate event that you do sustain an injury, you may be able to alleviate pain by keeping some anti-inflammatory gel on hand. Affordable options include APOHEALTH Anti-Inflammatory Pain Relief Gel or Chemists’ Own Anti-Inflammatory Pain Relief Gel, which provide relief from sprains, strains and other sports-related injuries. However, if you think you’ve sustained a serious injury, it’s important you consult your GP immediately.
Whether you exercise at home on the regular – or you’re counting down the days until gyms can re-open – having these items on hand will mean you’re well-equipped to get the most out of your workout whenever, and wherever, you choose to sweat.
