Favorite Exercise Accessories

E

elsie3

Cathlete
What exercise gizmos are you glad you have? I mean, beyond the basic equipment, i.e. steps, dumbbells, barbell, stability ball, etc.

Thanks to your great suggestions on this forum:

I love me my VersaGripps. I got them halfway through STS the first time around and I'm so glad I have them now. My leg workouts are so much more focused and effective.

I just used my IronWear 2lb ea. hand weights for the first time last week. They are so comfortable and secure. I really like how the weight is distributed around the palm and back of the hand. I had been using Cathe's 1lb gloves for Kickboxing. I tried Cathe's 2lb. gloves, but there was way too much movement.

I found a used Century Wavemaster in the local classifieds. The Heavy Bag Bonus is a lot of fun. Of course, that led to the purchase of bag gloves.

I got some Gaiam gliding discs on clearance at Target. They work quite well.

On the Wish List:

Power Tower -- using kitchen stools for the barbell is probably not the safest thing in the world.:eek:
 
I love my Cathe Turbo Tower! I used to have my DH spot me doing heavier chest presses, etc, and he never took the job seriously and I used to get sooooo mad! So with the tower I don't need him any more! (for barbell stuff, anyway...:D) I also use it for barre work, and I'm excited that Cathe's going to use it in a barre-type workout in one of her new DVD's. I also love it for chinups/pullups. One of my favorite fitness purchases!

I also love my Wavemaster and gloves. Cathe's Heavy Bag Bonus is so much fun.

On my wish list is a set of slanted step risers. With the slanted risers I'd feel much more secure doing incline stuff than the way I'm doing it now. I just can't figure out if the price is worth it since there are only a few exercises that require an incline....Decisions, decisions....:confused:
 
I like the slanted risers.
and I like my bodybars. I have about 4 of different weight sizes. I would grab one of these before I grab a barbell.

Also, the plate weights and pace weights are nice.


Saundra
 
I can't remember what they are called but the best fitness related purchase I have made were the quick release thingies for my barbell. It makes changing the weight so much quicker and easier.
The mini step was a great purchase too.
I am going to have to look for those 2 lb weighted gloves. I got Cathe's and am not happy with them. It is way too hard to get the weight in and then they just totally ripped after just a couple of uses :mad:

Pam
 
I ALREADY want to go shopping after reading other people's answers. :eek:

1. Power Blocks! We have the set that goes up to 90lbs per dumbbell. The grip is soft, they are relatively easy to change weights (although some pausing is required when Cathe moves super fast), and they have really cleared up a lot of space in our workout room. The weight adjusts in 2.5 pound increments, so we have to wear 1lb wrist weights when we need to use a different weight increment (doesn't bother me, though). I know dumbbells were supposed to be excluded, but these are "special" dumbbells and they were totally worth the price.

2. Firewalker bands! I could never get those dang knots out of my regular bands. These have been fantastic!

3. Cathe's Mini Mat for Step. My back and hips thank me every time I use this.

4. 20lb weighted vest for better heavy leg workouts.
 
Cool question. My adjustable weighted vest (12#-20#), my kettlebells, my Powerblocks, heart rate monitor, and I am completely grateful that I have a treadmill, especially during the cold winter mornings. Paper plates are my favorite though:D

I also have Cathe's 2# weighted gloves and the seem came apart. I was going to return them, but it would've cost me a bundle to do so. I was a little disappointed about that.
 
How timely,

Just as we were discussing Christmas, and was wondering what to do about dumbbells, now I'll have to check out the Powerblocks...:).....thought too a decent HRM that I don't have to nearly come to a complete stop to read...not to hijack, but could someone tell me a good one with basics, time in zone, and perhaps graphing software? (I think a good HRM is essential) Not particularly wild about the chest straps, are there any that work well without?

I have an old 2 lb. pair of Wilson ankle weights I really like & 15 lb. Reebok Bodybar that splits in two (7 1/2 lb.) has been versatile. I like the bodybars.

Linda
 
I love the 20lb adjustable weighted vest. It was money well spent!!!! It makes so much easier to increase the poundage for squats without lifting too much weight over my head.
 
112toGuru said:
How timely,

Just as we were discussing Christmas, and was wondering what to do about dumbbells, now I'll have to check out the Powerblocks...:).....thought too a decent HRM that I don't have to nearly come to a complete stop to read...not to hijack, but could someone tell me a good one with basics, time in zone, and perhaps graphing software? (I think a good HRM is essential) Not particularly wild about the chest straps, are there any that work well without?
Linda
Click to expand...

Hijack away! And nifty, "special" dumbbells definitely fit in this thread. I've just appreciated the recommendations on this site for things that have made my workouts better or easier; and I kind-of wondered what other "cool" stuff was out there. Of course, my pocketbook would be better off not knowing.:eek::p
 
I knew this would be a dangerous thread to open!

For running: besides my Garmin and pepper spray, I use an iFitness belt if I need to carry any items (thumbs up for that one: it's lightweight and no bounce, hardly notice it's there) and an armband to hold my iPhone. I like Sennheiser sport headphones because they stay in place.

Other than that, my HRM.

112toGuru said:
...not to hijack, but could someone tell me a good one with basics, time in zone, and perhaps graphing software? (I think a good HRM is essential) Not particularly wild about the chest straps, are there any that work well without?
Click to expand...

I have a Polar FT40. Large display. Easy-to-use. Instead of the ZonePointer I had with my previous model (the F6), this one has an EnergyPointer that tells you simply whether you are in fitness mode or fat-burning mode. It still records max heart rate and calories burned, but it's a little bit simpler, and for me, that works. It can store up 50 workout files. These can also be uploaded/graphed but the FlowLink device is extra. The chest strap is IMO much more comfortable than the one I had with my F6 as well as the HRM strap that came with my Garmin. As in, I forget it I have it on. Love it!

A great site for comparing different HRMS is: http://www.heartratemonitorsusa.com/heramo.html
 
Thanks for the link RunninTeach, I'll check it out.

I have the quick release too, Lock Jaw, they make weight changes so much quicker, I think they hold the plates on there better too.

pgeiger said:
I can't remember what they are called but the best fitness related purchase I have made were the quick release thingies for my barbell. It makes changing the weight so much quicker and easier.
The mini step was a great purchase too.
I am going to have to look for those 2 lb weighted gloves. I got Cathe's and am not happy with them. It is way too hard to get the weight in and then they just totally ripped after just a couple of uses :mad:

Pam
Click to expand...

One thing I don't have but looked at several times were Hand Irons.
 
I just put the Lock Jaw quick release clamps in my cart on Amazon! I've been going crazy having to pause/rewind the DVD while swearing at my spring clamps while changing weights...

Thanks for reminding me that I needed these! I'm no longer going to look at this thread because I'm afraid I might buy something else....:D
 
caseysmomgo said:
I just put the Lock Jaw quick release clamps in my cart on Amazon! I've been going crazy having to pause/rewind the DVD while swearing at my spring clamps while changing weights...

Thanks for reminding me that I needed these! I'm no longer going to look at this thread because I'm afraid I might buy something else....:D
Click to expand...

Ditto, boyfriend gave me the look this morning....oops!

You'll really like the clamps...:)
 
Love:
Power tower. love it and use it alot
Spin bike with spinervals: a cardio and leg workout
weighted cathe gloves

Love but use very little:rolleyes:

Gowear fit: I know its great, but just can't commit to its use
heart rate monitor; still can't figure out why i need it
kettlebells: on the other hand, no don't love them. they hurt my wrists
 
I have weighted gloves

The weighted gloves came from K mart, and they never fell apart, dumbbells from 3 to 25 pounds, the high step riser, and various steps. I have a barbell but my doctor told me never to put anything on my shoulders again, so I use the dumbbells.
 
workout gloves are my favorite thing now. I sweat a lot while working out, I don't even think about sweaty palms when lifting weights with those.
 
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