3 At-Home Items That Make Great Weights
By Genevieve Cunningham
You probably already know that lifting weights is important. You've probably heard that it helps tone the muscles and burn fat. But for some people, the thought of entering the weight room is absolutely dreadful. If this is you, don't lose hope. There may be some things that you can do in the comfort of your own home to help build muscle and strength. If you need to start lifting weights without leaving the house, take a look at these at-home items that make great transitions to a regular workout routine.
Water Jugs
Water jugs or even milk jugs that have been cleaned and filled with water make excellent weights. And since they have a natural handle, they're easy to hold. Hold one jug in each hand and use them to strengthen your arms. Hold one jug with both hands and use them for squats or lunges. This is a very easy way to build muscle without spending any extra money on weights.
Canned Goods
You may be able to find some natural weights right in your kitchen. Open up your cabinets and see if you have any canned goods available. If you do, grab a few and take them to your workout space. Even though they only way a few pounds a piece, they're great for anyone who is starting out in the lifting game. They'll mostly be used to strengthen the arms, but they're a great substitute for dumbbells and an easy way to transition to strength training.
Children
If all else fails, just grab your children. This is especially true if your children are very young. If you have a baby or toddler in the house, lift them up and do some lunges or squats. You'll quickly find that the added weight makes the lunge or squat incredibly difficult. And depending on the age of your child, it may add a significant amount of weight to your workout. If your kids are older, you may want to skip this step. But if it's an option, incorporating your kids can help you build strong muscles and teach them good habits at the same time.
You don't have to have access to a million-dollar weight room in order to lift. All you need is some creativity. Use these simple at-home items to help you get started. With some dedication and a little bit of improvisation, you can strengthen your muscles and tone your body without ever leaving the comfort of your own home.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Collierville, Tenn.