6 Household Things You Can Use For Exercising

Struggling to engage in effective workouts without access to gym equipment? Regardless of the limited equipment available at home, you can enhance your exercise routine by utilizing common household items. If a gym membership is not feasible for you, fret not, as you can achieve a satisfying workout without stepping outside your home. Recently, the demand for home workout equipment has surged online, causing shortages, but rest assured, you likely have suitable alternatives already in your possession. Explore these everyday household items that can serve as excellent exercise equipment.

# Dining Chair or Stool

Transform your dining chair or stool into a versatile exercise tool, extending its utility beyond seating or laundry duty. Incorporate simple exercises like tricep dips and push-ups to strengthen the muscles in your upper arms, enhancing overall flexibility. Regular practice promotes stability, flexibility, and increased range of motion in your shoulder and arm muscles, reducing the risk of injuries during workouts. Think of tricep dips as a reverse push-up, and aim for 5 sets of 20 repetitions.

# Filled Water Bottles

Optimize full water bottles as makeshift dumbbells for an effective at-home workout. Start with smaller 500ml bottles and progress to larger 1L or 1.5L bottles, or even repurpose soap bottles or juice cartons—ensuring cleanliness before use. Engage in three strength-building exercises: bicep curls, lunges, and squats.

# Rice/Flour Bags

Easily grip pre-packed rice bags for overhead weightlifting, squats, and planks. Larger rice bags, weighing up to 10 pounds (4.5 kg), provide a challenging workout. Utilize pet food packets (7kg) if available for an added challenge, focusing on squats and weightlifting exercises.

# Full Detergent Bottles

Lack kettlebells? Utilize a common household item with a handle—a full detergent bottle—for both cardio and muscle building. Beginners can start with lighter 1L bottles before progressing to larger 3L to 4L bottles, such as laundry detergent bottles.

# Door Frame

Maximize your door frame for an effective full-body workout with burpees—an exercise targeting both upper and lower body muscles while enhancing endurance. Starting with a push-up position, hop your feet towards your hands, then jump up with extended arms. Return to the push-up position by hopping backward and repeat.

# Vacuum Cleaner

Turn your household chores into a productive workout by incorporating lunges during vacuuming. Cleanse your floors while providing an excellent workout for your hips and legs. Extend this practice to other chores like carrying laundry, mopping, or taking out the trash. Maintain proper form by keeping your back straight, avoiding overextension of the knee, and preserving a 90-degree angle between your legs and thighs.