After a few months of workouts, I started to look into buy in a few things to kick up my work outs. As much as I wanted to run out and buy the nicest thing, I have made a ton of poor work out equipment investments. My new plan with any investment into my fitness is to research, try, and then invest. Just like anything else, you want to make sure you can use it and its not just a thing that will take up space (as I look over at my thigh master). I knew I wanted a yoga mat for many reasons. I have wood floors, so doing squats and lunges makes me slide all over and I can't get proper placement. Also, I wanted to get into yoga because I have really enjoyed the classes I have been too. After a little shopping around I decided to try out a few things from five and below, everything is 5 dollars and under, so this way if I get something and never use it I won't feel as bad. Also, I know not to invest in a ton of cash in a higher end version.
The yoga mat was five dollars. They come in a ton of cute colors and designs. For another four dollars you can get a strap for it, for an easy carry to class. I like straps for easy cleaning up and it makes it a little easier for me to store in the corner. The mat has a good grip on wooden floors, it doesn't slip around while I do my exercises and my yoga.
The downside is the mat is hard to clean, and because I chose a lighter color, they get marked up real easily. They also collect a fair amount of dirt, but from asking around that might just be a thing for all yoga mats. The mat is thin, and after a few months of moderate use (20 minutes a day), you need to swap it because it will flatten out. After using this for the last 6 months, I will probably upgrade to a nicer one once my next one wears out (they were on sale buy one get one free so I picked up two last time). This mat covers all of me when I lay down, but if you are taller you might want to consider getting a different brand. They offer three dollar interlocking foam panels, and you could try that.
The downside is the mat is hard to clean, and because I chose a lighter color, they get marked up real easily. They also collect a fair amount of dirt, but from asking around that might just be a thing for all yoga mats. The mat is thin, and after a few months of moderate use (20 minutes a day), you need to swap it because it will flatten out. After using this for the last 6 months, I will probably upgrade to a nicer one once my next one wears out (they were on sale buy one get one free so I picked up two last time). This mat covers all of me when I lay down, but if you are taller you might want to consider getting a different brand. They offer three dollar interlocking foam panels, and you could try that.
The fitness ball was four dollars. They also come in a ton of different colors. It inflated easily and holds up great. Cleaning is a breeze, you can just wipe it down. It is a little bit smaller than I would like it to be. I use this for desk work and for work outs. The desk work is fine because I use my coffee table as the office right now but once I move into an office and get a desk it would be nice to get a bigger fitness ball.
It is perfect for working out, I use it once a day with my yoga mat and have zero regrets purchasing the fitness ball. I inflated mine with a simple bike pump, it seems like you can use an automatic if you want too. I have to pump it up a little every 2 weeks or so.
If you are on the fence about a piece of equipment, this is a great way to go. Before I bought the fitness ball, I had never considered using it in my every day work outs, now I use it all the time (I am balancing on it as I type!). You get what you pay for, and some things are worth dropping the cash on, but make sure you find out what you really want before you take the plunge! Five and below has a ton of cool work out stuff. It might not be the best equipment in the world but its cheap and a good way to find out if you are going to need a better version. Have you tired Five and below work out equipment? Tell me about your experience in the comments section. Thanks for reading!
It is perfect for working out, I use it once a day with my yoga mat and have zero regrets purchasing the fitness ball. I inflated mine with a simple bike pump, it seems like you can use an automatic if you want too. I have to pump it up a little every 2 weeks or so.
If you are on the fence about a piece of equipment, this is a great way to go. Before I bought the fitness ball, I had never considered using it in my every day work outs, now I use it all the time (I am balancing on it as I type!). You get what you pay for, and some things are worth dropping the cash on, but make sure you find out what you really want before you take the plunge! Five and below has a ton of cool work out stuff. It might not be the best equipment in the world but its cheap and a good way to find out if you are going to need a better version. Have you tired Five and below work out equipment? Tell me about your experience in the comments section. Thanks for reading!