Sport at home: 15 space-saving pieces of equipment
Do you dream of a fitness corner at home, but your living room already looks like a life-size Tetris? Good news: there’s a host of compact fitness equipment available, perfect for small spaces and big ambitions!
Do you dream of a fitness corner at home, but your living room already looks like a life-size Tetris? Good news: there's a host of compact fitness equipment available, perfect for small spaces and big ambitions! According to Statistics Canada, nearly 60% of Canadians would like to move around more, but lack of space is still a barrier. There's no need to turn your living room into a gym: a few well-chosen accessories are all you need to burn calories, strengthen your muscles and boost your morale. Ready to discover the 15 pieces of equipment that can transform any corner into a sports area, without sacrificing your decor or your comfort? Here's a selection that'll get your whole house moving, from basement to balcony!
1. Foldable yoga mat
The folding yoga mat is a must-have for stretching, meditating or strengthening muscles. It slips under the bed or behind a door in the blink of an eye. What's more, it's shock-absorbing to protect your joints. To boost your motivation, consider following a personalized program with WeightWatchers: you'll combine well-being and fitness, without leaving home!
2. Resistance bands
Resistance bands fit in a pocket, but work the whole body! Ideal for squats, lunges or arm exercises, they easily replace bulky dumbbells. According to a McGill University study, practice with bands improves muscle strength by 20% in 8 weeks. Store them in a drawer and pull them out whenever you feel like getting moving.
3. Abdominal wheel
The abdominal wheel is the secret to concrete abs without a bulky machine. It fits in a cupboard and intensely trains the abdominal muscles. In just a few minutes a day, you'll feel the difference! For nutritional and sporting support, try Noom: motivation and results guaranteed, even in a small space.
4. Adjustable dumbbells
Adjustable dumbbells replace a whole rack of weights! A simple click, and you adapt the load to your exercise. Easy to store under furniture. According to Fitness Canada, dumbbell practice increases bone density and reduces the risk of injury. Perfect for toning arms, shoulders and back without taking over your living room.
5. Skipping rope
Jumping rope is cardio express! Ten minutes is enough to burn up to 130 calories. It fits in a drawer or bag, and can be used indoors or out. Ideal for awakening the heart and working on coordination, it brings back childhood memories while sculpting the silhouette.
6. Mini stepper
The mini stepper offers a cardio and leg-strengthening workout without taking up more space than a stool. It can be stored under a table or in a cupboard. According to the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, 20 minutes of stepper use a day improves endurance and circulation. Perfect for exercising in front of the TV or during a coffee break!
7. Compact kettlebell
The compact kettlebell is the perfect ally for dynamic practice. It lets you work on strength, cardio and balance in a single accessory. Its compact size makes it easy to store, even in an apartment. To keep track of your progress and stay motivated, try the Simple app: personalized advice and daily follow-up, without the hassle.
8. Glide discs
Glide discs turn any floor into a practice surface. Perfect for sheathing exercises, lunges or mountain climbers, they fit in your hand and can be stored anywhere. According to a study by Université Laval, gliding exercises use 30% more muscles than a traditional practice. A must if you're looking for variety!
9. Removable pull-up bar
The removable pull-up bar installs without drilling, on any door frame. It lets you work your back, arms and abs using your body weight. When the workout's over, it can be removed and stored in a flash. Practical for small spaces and tenants who want to avoid holes in the walls!
10. Swiss balloon
The Swiss ball is perfect for strengthening the core, improving posture and doing balance exercises. It deflates easily and can be stored in a drawer or under a bed. According to Health Canada, regular use of a Swiss ball reduces back pain by 40%. A versatile and discreet accessory!
11. Handle elastics
Rubber bands with handles offer progressive resistance to build up arms, back and legs. They can be attached to a door or piece of furniture, then stored in a shoebox. Their effectiveness is proven: a Université de Montréal study shows that they improve muscle strength and mobility in 85% of regular users.
12. Massage roller
The massage roller is the perfect tool for relaxing muscles after exercise. It helps prevent muscle soreness and promotes recovery. Compact, it fits under a sofa or in a basket. Used 10 minutes after practice, it reduces the feeling of fatigue by 25%, according to a study by the University of Sherbrooke.
13. Balance platform
The balance platform muscles the legs, improves coordination and enhances stability. It takes up less space than a cushion and is easy to store. Perfect for proprioception exercises, it also helps prevent injuries. To complete your routine, consider consulting WeightWatchers ' advice for a holistic approach to health and fitness.
14. Suspension straps
Suspension straps can be attached to a door or beam for bodyweight exercises. They can be stored in a bag and weigh less than a kilo. According to the American Council on Exercise, suspension practice involves 80% of the body's muscles in each session. A compact accessory for all-round results!
15. Home pedals
The home pedalboard can be placed under a table or in front of the sofa. It lets you cycle while sitting down, reading or watching TV. Easy to store, it helps improve circulation and burn calories effortlessly. For nutritional and sports follow-up, Noom offers advice adapted to your lifestyle.