My Favourite Workout Tools
If you’re ready to up your workout game and expand the tools you’ve got in your toolbox, here are my favourites!
Dumbbells
Pros:
Can be used in pairs or individually - Hold one heavy weight at your chest to challenge your squat/deadlift/lunge or use two for bicep curls/shoulder raises/tricep kickbacks.
Versatile - they can be used for strength, mobility & cardio so you get a great bang for your buck!
They grow with you - increase your weights/change tempo or adjust your position to challenge new aspects of the same exercise.
Cons:
Grip can be challenging - If you’re dealing with arthritis, trigger finger or limited grip strength dumbbells can provide some frustration.
Require more coordination - When comparing dumbbells to machines, dumbbells have less structure and support when learning new movements. (Tip: Less weight is better at the beginning!)
Storage & Transport - Dumbbells are heavy and cumbersome. They’re easiest when used in one location.
Inflatable 9” Pilates / “Bender Ball”
Pros:
Easy to transport - These come with a small straw so they are super simple to blow up and deflate as you need. (Tip: they’re a great travel accessory! Deflate them part way, and use them as a back or neck support. Then when you get to your destination, you’ve got a workout tool! 10/10).
Double Duty - Speaking of versatility, these can used for core work and mobility. (One of my faves!)
Low impact and accessible - Very gentle on joints and great for beginners, rehab, or mobility-focused workouts.
Cons:
Limited resistance - The ball doesn’t provide much load, so it’s not ideal for building significant strength.
Can deflate or lose shape - They require occasional inflation and can wear out over time.
Resistance/Loop Bands
Pros:
Portable - These are great for travel! They’ll help you stick to your fitness goals and only take up a small corner of your suitcase.
Versatile - Can be used for warm up drills and strength training and come in many strengths & styles.
Joint-friendly strength training - The smooth resistance can feel easier on joints than some weights.
Cons:
Grip can be challenging - Similar to dumbbells, if you’ve got pain/inflammation in your hands, this can be tricky. However, resistance bands do have more options for how you hold them.
Resistance is harder to measure - Unlike weights, it’s difficult to know exactly how much resistance you’re using.
Setup can be tricky - Some movements require anchoring the band, which isn’t always convenient.
What’s your favourite tool to use to get stronger?