Y’all know me well by now, so you know that fitness is my life, but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t sick and TIRED of working out at home after 14 months. I really miss my gym, the equipment and of course the additional space. I could be wrong, but I am pretty sure I have some sympathetic ears out there in this department. We here at Team Sasha know there is light at the end of this tunnel and until we can skip to the gym, yoga, and spin studio again safely we will remain focused on fitness at home. In order to keep our spirits and motivation high, we have discovered some pretty dope at home accessories that have made us feel a teeny bit more gym-ish.

Bodyshop Cable System

The Body Shop Aesthetics Cable System is the world’s first cable system and one of the coolest things we have seen in fitness equipment/accessories for a long time. The one thing that I miss so much about gym workouts is having access to certain machines and equipment. Cable machines have long been apart of my upper body workouts, so this is the perfect system to replicate some of your favourite cable exercises at home.

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You can secure it to a window or your floors without damaging or leaving behind any marks. There are 3 resistance settings – 2.5-15 lbs, which gives you the option for a wide variety of exercises. This innovative piece is the first of its kind and will take your home workout to the next level.

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Dumbbells

Weight training has a lot of benefits and for women over the age of 35, it is important to incorporate a few days of strength training each week. During the pandemic, it’s been a bit of a challenge to obtain them, but that being said if you’re able to, they are a game changer for helping to develop and/or maintain muscle. The Northern Lights Rubber Hex Dumbbells are a fave amongst our team, but any brand of DB’s will do.

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I have a full rack of weights ranging from 5 to 35 lbs at home for my workouts, but usually when asked what I recommend for people if they can only obtain one set, would be to go with something moderate or mid range in weight like a set of 15 lbs dumbbells.

Bala Wearable Weights & Sliders

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Bala has become known for functional fitness accessories and equipment that is not only affordable, but aesthetically pleasing to the millennial set. I swear the Bala Bangles (wearable weights) have almost become a fashion statement for North American “Fitfluencers”. Why we love them? Coming in weight ranges between 0.5 – 2 lbs, the bangles are great to add a little “something” to your outdoor walks, pilates or yoga practice. They can be worn on wrists or ankles for training and recreational activities alike. So fold laundry, shred your biceps, go for a walk or train your core. The world just became your gym.

I absolutely adore sliders. I’ve been using them for years. A cheap and cheerful accessory that guarantees an amazing total body workout; any place, any time. They are double sided, allowing them to work on wood, tile, turf and carpet without damaging the flooring surface. From squats and lunges to limitless push up variations, The Bala 7″ sliders help engage your core and intensify your every move.

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Peloton

The folks at Peloton know exactly what they are doing. I was introduced to the brand several year ago during a trip to NYC where I got to experience a live class led by the one and only Robin Arzon. I was immediately hooked, but to my dismay when I returned to Canada, I realized that the bikes didn’t ship to Canada. Well, a lot has changed since 2017 and the brand not only ships to many countries, they also have a very vast online platform/app with strength workouts, bootcamp, yoga, pilates, dance, meditation, running, stretching and of course cycling. Not ready to invest in the bike just yet? You can have access to all the amazing workouts on the app without owning equipment. With 10+ workout types streaming on-demand, discover new ways to conquer your goals, on your time. Get the app for just $16.99/mth (and free for the first 30 days).

Skipping Rope

Arguably the most cost effective way to get in your cardio, at home or on the go. You can scoop up a basic rope or speed one for under $30. There are several benefits to jumping rope and it’s a super fun way to challenge yourself and work on your cardio:

• Improves heart health. Skipping rope is the best cardio exercise as it increases the heart rate
• Increases concentration
• Improves coordination
• Increases stamina and gets rid of fatigue
• Increases body flexibility
• Boosts mental health
• Decreases belly fat

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