Dorm-Friendly Fitness Gear
Even if your school boasts a nice fitness center, is the motivation to get there before an eight o'clock class included? Didn't think so! Having ercise equipment on hand makes working out easy and convenient, meaning you're more likely to actually use it. And with just a few purchases, you can turn your dorm room into your own personal gym. Customize it to the kinds of workouts you prefer—it can be as involved or as simplified as you like. Can you get a full body workout in with free weights? Go for it! Do you need a little direction? A workout DVD may be more your style. So mix and match this small space-friendly gear and get your sweat on. You'll feel the burn just looking at these ten workout tools!
1/11This easy-to-use, simple-to-store selection of ercise essentials should definitely be on your back-to-school wish list.
Photo: courtesy of Dick's Sporting Goods2/11Clear a space in the middle of your room and jump away! To keep you motivated, try to see if you can continue bouncing all through a fast-paced song or through an entire commercial break of your favorite show.
Fitness Gear Speed Jump Rope, $13. DicksSportingGoods.com.
Photo: courtesy of Gaiam3/11Use this balance ball for crunches, weight training, or just sit on it in place of a desk chair to work your core while you study.
Gaiam Eco Total Body Balance Ball Kit, $25. Gaiam.com.
Photo: courtesy of Sports Authority4/11The vinyl covering on these dumbbells will prevent chaffing on your hands, and they come in a variety of sizes, so you can slowly work up to a higher weight.
Body Solid Tools Vinyl Six Pound Dumbbell Pair, $20. SportsAuthority.com.
Photo: courtesy of Sports Authority5/11Use this weighted ball for your own personal workouts, or toss it back and forth with your roommate for a buddy ercise that’s fun and functional.
BodyFit Four Pound Medicine Ball, $16. SportsAuthority.com.
Photo: courtesy of Target6/11Without machines that show you your progress, it’s hard to know how your workout is going. Wearing a heart rate monitor is an easy way to keep track of how you’re doing.
MIO Motiva Petite Heart Rate Monitor, $80. Target.com.
Photo: courtesy of Sports Authority7/11Disclaimer: Trampolines are best suited for rooms on a first floor, or for someone with a very understanding downstairs neighbors. Check who’s around before you buy one, but if you can get the go-ahead, this is the most fun way to get your fitness on. When you’re done, slide it under your bed or prop it up against a wall to store.
Pure Fun 38-inch Mini Trampoline, $55. SportsAuthority.com.
Photo: courtesy of Gaiam8/11This no-slip yoga mat is the perfect surface for any workout. Plus it rolls up tightly and stores easily under your bed or in your closet.
Gaiam Zen Garden Print Yoga Mat, $22. Gaiam.com.
Photo: courtesy of Physique 579/11Get a complete workout done in your dorm room in just 30 minutes by following along with this intense DVD. You can do it in the morning, between classes, or before bed.
Physique 57 Express 30 Minute Full Body Workout DVD, $25. Physique57.com.
Photo: courtesy of iTunes10/11Here’s a cool fitness tool you’re bound to love because it’s totally free. Just download the Nike Training Club app on your phone and you’re instantly given access to awesome workout plans, videos that show you exactly how to do each move, and tons of ercise ideas.
Nike Training Club App. Free. iTunes.com.
Photo: courtesy of Target11/11Kettle bells can be very dangerous if they aren’t used properly. This one comes with a DVD so you can work on your form before trying your own moves.
GoFit Kettle Bell with Core DVD, $60. Target.com.
