So you’ve been gliding through bodyweight-only moves, mastering your form, and going out of your comfort zone with new class types. Now, you’re ready to take on the next frontier: Our workout equipment classes.
From hand weights to resistance loops, extra gear can double the fun—and help improve your strength and stamina. Pro tip: You can always search for classes that use (or don’t use) specific items under the “Equipment” filter in our library.
Don’t have a set of dumbbells or sliders lying around? Don’t sweat it. Read on to hear obé instructors Sam G., Kat E., and Sarah G. weigh in on their go-to’s (and don’t-do’s) for at-home workout equipment swaps.
Just one note before you start getting creative: “Always make sure that what you’re using for workout equipment is something you can handle,” Sarah says. “It should amplify your workout and not require you to break proper form along the way.” (In other words, your furry companions may not be the most practical swap for a weighted squat.)
Hand Weights
They’re the perfect way to add more spice to your Sculpt class, or to train your muscles in a Strength or Power class—and our instructors often bring them out for a Level Up moment. If you’re ready to follow along, you’ll likely already have one of these easy household swaps.
1-3 Pounds
- Try: The obé instructor consensus? Grab a can of soup, which has a similar weight and gives you an easy grip. Or, if you’re short on canned goods, a 16-ounce water bottle can also work.
- Skip: Wine bottles provide a perfect 3-pound challenge, but they can also shatter.
5-8 Pounds
- Try: A gallon water jug, which gives you the ultimate control, says Sarah: “You can choose how full or heavy the jug is based on what you want to lift—plus, you can hydrate after you finish.” For those in close proximity to a beach, try filling it with sand for extra weight.
- Skip: Anything that can slip out of your grip and break.
8+ Pounds
- Try: A small suitcase, backpack, or tote bag is the go-to swap. Depending on the type of movement you’re doing, you can load it up, or keep it on the lighter side. If you’re feeling creative, try a paint can (1 gallon equals 15 pounds) or a cast iron pan.
- Skip: “A household pet. Yes, seriously!” emphasizes Sarah. (Besides, everyone knows they’re better distractions as yoga companions.)
Sliders
Does anything add more burn to a Pilates class than a set of sliders? A super effective (and sneaky) way to keep your muscles engaged nonstop, they help work up a serious sweat while bringing major attention to your glutes and core.
- Try: Paper plates—or, if you have a slick hardwood floor, a piece of cardboard, a towel, or even a pair of thick socks (Sam’s recommendation) can be effective.
- Skip: Plastic bags, or anything that sticks to the floor. And safe to say—carpet is not your friend (opt for hardwood or tile instead).
For the best level up, our obé sliders are designed for every surface and lightweight enough to pack with you wherever you go, vacations included.
Resistance Loops
Surprise: Heavy weights aren’t the only way to get strong AF. Resistance loops are the lightweight way to add a ton of intensity to your workouts—the kind that leaves you drenched in sweat while effectively working both your small and big muscle groups. Cue a whole new world of fitness possibilities.
- Try: A hand towel, robe tie, nylon tights, or a pair of suspenders (all to bring some fashion into the equation).
- Skip: Not a what, but a how… Make sure you don’t get all tied up.
Don’t want to DIY? Go for a sleek, reliable pair of obé resistance loops—guaranteed to leave you sore in all the right places.
Barre Ball
The secret weapon behind some of the most killer Barre moves, this little ball packs a big punch. Super versatile and a frequent visitor in Katherine M. and Michelle B.’s classes, it aids in maintaining stellar alignment and keeps your muscles awake with an added stability challenge.
- Try: A towel—roll it up tight for more support. A small pillow is also a handy swap to mimic the lower lumbar support a barre ball gives, says Sam. Plus, it can be used between your legs for glute bridges.
- Skip: Anything too firm, or too heavy (aka that basketball in your garage).
Fun experiments aside, nothing ups your barre game quite like the perfectly-sized, cushiony, no-pump necessary obé barre ball.
Foam Roller
Even if you haven’t tried foam rolling (yet), you probably already know it’s an amazing recovery tool. A delight to sore, achy muscles everywhere, foam rollers bring the good kind of hurt while increasing blood flow to your muscles to supercharge your recovery—especially when used daily.
- Try: A tennis or lacrosse ball. “It’s a soft way to release a bind in a muscle without creating any extra tension,” says Sarah. If you’re feeling creative, a frozen water bottle (three quarters of the way full) or rolling pin can also hit the spot.
- Skip: The golf balls (ouch).
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