{"id":4155,"date":"2023-05-25T23:21:13","date_gmt":"2023-05-25T16:21:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/the-most-underrated-gym-equipment-per-a-trainer\/"},"modified":"2023-05-25T23:21:13","modified_gmt":"2023-05-25T16:21:13","slug":"the-most-underrated-gym-equipment-per-a-trainer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=4155","title":{"rendered":"The Most Underrated Gym Equipment, Per a Trainer"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p> <span class=\"drop-cap__first text-dropcap \">M<\/span>ost gyms are filled to the gills with different kinds of exercise equipment. Yet gym-goers typically gravitate to the same basic cardio machines and weights over and over.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhen people think of getting a good workout in, they typically think of the standard treadmill, spin bike, or elliptical,\u201d says Cat Kom, the founder and head trainer of fitness app <a href=\"https:\/\/www.studiosweatondemand.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.studiosweatondemand.com\/\">Studio SWEAT onDemand<\/a>. While she agrees that these are excellent machines, there are other options out there that \u201ccan take your workout from a good one to a <em>great<\/em> one,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>One reason certain pieces of equipment get overlooked? \u201cPeople have no idea how to even begin incorporating them into their routine!\u201d Kom says. And even advanced athletes can get stuck in a comfortable routine that brings them to the same corners of the gym day after day.<\/p>\n<p>Yet incorporating some new props can boost your fitness in new ways\u2014and keep things interesting. In particular, Kom says these five key pieces of fitness equipment are underutilized but deserve a place in your workout routine.<\/p>\n<h2>Plyo box<\/h2>\n<p>You may see people <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/how-to-do-a-box-jump\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/how-to-do-a-box-jump\/\">jumping<\/a> or stepping up onto these boxes of various heights\u2014particularly if you\u2019re watching a CrossFit workout. Kom says that these multifunctional boxes are perfect for lower-body workouts as well as for improving balance. \u201cPlus, you will get a cardio workout too!\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<h3>Try it: Box jumps<\/h3>\n<p>\u201cKeeping good form while jumping onto the box is key,\u201d says Kom. \u201cEngaging your core and leg muscles will help ensure you land firmly on the box.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>As a beginner, start with the lowest plyo box at your gym.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Facing the plyo box, take a step back and begin with your feet shoulder-width apart.<\/li>\n<li>Bend your knees, swing your arms back, and then propel yourself up onto the box.<\/li>\n<li>Jump back off the box and repeat.<\/li>\n<li>Try three sets of five jumps.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"iframe-container\">\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Box Jump\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/NBY9-kTuHEk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"related-content \" style=\"\" data-module-init=\"related-content\" data-module-immediate=\"\" v-cloak=\"\">\n<div class=\"related-content__wrapper \" v-cloak=\"\" :class=\"{'is-loaded':isLoaded}\">\n<p> <span class=\"inline pr-6 text-seafoam-dark\">Related Stories<\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <related-content class=\"related-content__links\" parent-article-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/underrated-gym-equipment\/\" current-title=\"These 5 Underrated Pieces of Gym Equipment Can Take Your Workout From \u2018Good\u2019 to \u2018Great,\u2019 According to a Trainer\" current-image=\"GettyImages-1253714297-425x285.jpg\" v-on:parsely-posts-loaded=\"onPostsLoaded\" start-date=\"2022-11-25\" tag=\"div\" inline-template=\"\" url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/underrated-gym-equipment\/\" secret=\"w5ztterVB03LGZJLfXS0hf3EvQBuFFIWew9hmVQxthU\" apikey=\"wellandgood.com\" limit=\"3\"> <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"related-content__card mb-[10px] sm:mb-[20px]\" :class=\"{'related-content__card--full':posts.length === 1}\" v-for=\"(post, key) in posts\"> <a v-on:click.prevent=\"trackLinkGA($event, key)\" :href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/underrated-gym-equipment\/post.url\" data-url-source=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content__link\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content__card--image bg-tan\" :style=\"{ backgroundImage: 'url(' + post.image_url + ')' }\"> <img :src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/underrated-gym-equipment\/post.image_url\" :alt=\"post.title\"\/> <\/div>\n<p> <\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/related-content> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Yoga blocks<\/h2>\n<p>These high-density foam or cork bricks are designed to support different yoga poses and assist in modifications, says Kom. \u201cYoga blocks can help make sure you don\u2019t injure yourself when trying out more advanced poses and stretches,\u201d she says. They can also be used to lift you off the ground (or bring the ground closer) in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/yoga-block-exercises\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/yoga-block-exercises\/\">bodyweight exercises<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Try it: Triceps push-up<\/h3>\n<p>By bringing your body up off the floor for a triceps push-up, the yoga blocks increase the range of motion available to you in this classic exercise.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cProper form is very important here,\u201d Kom says. \u201cKeeping your arms at your sides and focusing on engaging your core will help keep your back flat.\u201d<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Place two yoga blocks on the floor vertically, shoulder-width apart, so you can put one hand on each in your push-up.<\/li>\n<li>From a high plank position, bend your elbows to lower your body until your shoulders touch the blocks, keeping your arms close to your ribs.<\/li>\n<li>Press back up to return to the high plank position and repeat.<\/li>\n<li>Try three sets of five reps.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"iframe-container\">\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Do a Platform Push-Up | Chest Workout\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4oN1hd6pJW0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Prowler sled<\/h2>\n<p>Even though the large <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/sled-workout\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/sled-workout\/\">prowler sled<\/a> is likely the most intimidating piece of gym equipment on this list, Kom says that even beginners can benefit from using it. \u201cThe prowler sled is one of the best ways to get a killer lower-body workout while also getting an instant dose of cardio,\u201d notes Kom.<\/p>\n<h3>Try it: Push and pull<\/h3>\n<p>Kom says this is a <em>simple<\/em> exercise, but not <em>easy. <\/em>This movement works your calves, core, glutes, quadriceps, and hamstrings.<\/p>\n<p>Kom says that beginners should start out with no weights added to the sled. \u201cStarting out with too much weight could result in serious injury,\u201d she cautions.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Grab onto the handlebars of the sled and begin pushing it forward, keeping your back stable and your arms straight.<\/li>\n<li>Push the prowler sled as far forward as you can.<\/li>\n<li>To pull the sled back, put a rope on each side, then drag it back to the starting position.<\/li>\n<li>Try going back and forth twice. Build up to more sets as you get comfortable with it.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"iframe-container\">\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Prowler Sled: How to PUSH For More Power, Strength, And Speed\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-sCBIaDGSC4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Bosu ball<\/h2>\n<p>A Bosu Ball basically looks like a yoga ball cut in half, and can be used with the dome side up or down for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/bosu-ball-workout\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/bosu-ball-workout\/\">a variety of exercises<\/a>. Because it provides an unstable surface Kom points out that it can give you an \u201ceffective, full-body workout that also improves your balance.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>Try it: Bosu lunge<\/h3>\n<p>This exercise works the quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings, and can improve core, hip, and ankle stability.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Place the Bosu on the floor with the ball side up.<\/li>\n<li>Step back about two feet and place your front foot in the middle of the Bosu Ball.<\/li>\n<li>Keep your back foot planted on the floor like you would for a regular lunge. Lower your front leg down until your knee is bent to about 90 degrees, then stand back up<\/li>\n<li>Repeat three sets of 10 reps on each side.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"iframe-container\">\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How to Do a Basic Lunge | Bosu Ball Workout\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bPrTq0I3KCA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>TRX straps<\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/back-and-core-workout\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/back-and-core-workout\/\">elevate your core workouts<\/a>, TRX straps may be the missing piece of the puzzle. These suspension straps with handles are usually found hanging from the ceiling or an anchor point high on the wall.<\/p>\n<p>Kom explains that TRX (Total Resistance Exercise) straps are a unique and efficient way to train your rectus abdominis (the \u201csix-pack\u201d), transversus abdominis (deep core muscles), and your internal and external obliques (the muscles on the side of your torso). \u201cTRX straps are perfect for all fitness levels, so if you\u2019re new to working out, don&#8217;t let these scare you,\u201d says Kom.<\/p>\n<h3>Try it: Reverse mountain climber<\/h3>\n<p>Kom says that this total-body exercise works your triceps, core, hip flexors, and quadriceps.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Lie down on your back with your feet facing the straps.<\/li>\n<li>Lower the handles of the TRX to about mid-calf height and place your feet in the handle loops.<\/li>\n<li>Lift your body up into a bridge and bring one knee towards your chest, keeping your other leg straight.<\/li>\n<li>Straighten your leg back to the starting position and repeat with the opposite leg.<\/li>\n<li>Keep alternating legs for 30 to 60 seconds.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<div class=\"iframe-container\">\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"TRX: Reverse Mountain Climber\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ntu0gsnrALM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"disclaimers__after_content mb-[18px] mt-[16px] pt-[16px]\">\n<div class=\"outline-earmark relative mt-[8px] pt-[10px] pl-[20px]\">\n<p>\n            Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.          <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Most gyms are filled to the gills with different kinds of exercise equipment. Yet gym-goers typically gravitate to the same basic cardio machines and weights over and over. \u201cWhen people think of getting a good workout in, they typically think of the standard treadmill, spin bike, or elliptical,\u201d says Cat Kom, the founder and head &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4161,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4155","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4155","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4155"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4155\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4161"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4155"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4155"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4155"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}