We have to admit that the Indian lifestyle is a busy lifestyle. Besides the work, there is a tiring commute, traffic and household responsibilities that have to be met every day. This makes it difficult to squeeze in time for a workout while managing everything and ensuring that you get enough sleep. This is the reason why small fitness gear is getting popular in metro cities where people are busy, stuck in traffic and have less time to go to the gym.
Short gym sessions are popular, but only if your travel time is not too much. Otherwise, people prefer to work out at home and save commute time for maintaining a healthy lifestyle balance. Here is everything you need to know about the popular workout tools that can help you start exercising in just 10-15 minutes for visible results towards weight loss and other fitness goals.
Why 10-minute workouts actually work?
Before you decide what tools to pick for your fitness journey and goals, it is important to understand why this workout style is getting popular in modern times. Here are some of the benefits of following 10-minute workouts:
- Micro workouts are easy to incorporate into the routine, as you might find it difficult to get 30-45 minutes at a stretch
- Easier to start and stay consistent. Once your routine is set with your 10-minute workout sessions, you may increase the time
- Less mental resistance is required for these workout sessions, and they can even be picked up at the end of the day
- Help in starting and building a healthy habit that is easier than showing up at the gym every morning or evening
- Easy to have or store this equipment at home, even if you are living in a shared space or a small apartment
Best Workout Tools for Quick 10-Minute Sessions
Cardio Boosters for Instant Energy Burn
As the name suggests, cardio workouts are said to be the best for your heart health and ensuring a healthy blood supply throughout your body. They are even said to be great for burning your energy and reducing your guilt after having a cheat meal. Most of these workouts can be done in a minimal space and help you start and stay consistent on your fitness journey, even on busy days. Here are the equipment pieces to consider for your cardio sessions:
Skipping ropes
This is one of the easiest ways to start your fitness journey and even continue it while you are travelling. If you skipped as a kid, you can easily make some time for it as an adult. Start with a light skipping rope and switch to a swifter one as you proceed.
Here are some of the best skipping ropes that you can pick:
Exercise steppers
For people willing to target the lower body and tone the muscles around thighs, hips and waistline, an exercise stepper can be a good workout tool for the start. This stepper can be used in multiple ways as per your fitness goals and will not occupy too much space in your room. Regular use of an exercise stepper can even improve your core strength and balance.
Check out the top picks in exercise steppers that you can consider for your cardio session:
Compact air bikes or exercise cycles
We agree that the larger ones occupy too much space in your home, but that does not mean that you cannot go for a pedal exercise machine or a mini exercise cycle. Cycling is one of the best ways to do a cardio session, and with a mini exercise cycle, you can easily work out for 10 minutes when you are sitting for a meeting at home.
Some options to consider:
Jump training boxes and stands
For the lower body muscle targeting and core strength training, you can go for jump boxes as a part of your 10-minute workout routine at home. Available in different sizes, you have the option to pick the ideal workout gear depending on the level of your training and the type of fitness goal you have.
Here are some of the best jump training options that you can consider:
Strength & Toning Tools That Deliver Fast Results
If your fitness goal is strength training and muscle building, cardio workout tools might not be able to help you out much. Strength training tools are designed in a way that they exert pressure on your muscles, training them to turn toned and stronger. And if you are picking the right tools, you might see visible results in just 10 minutes of workout every day. From dumbbells to resistance bands, there are plenty of workout tool options available for your strength training goals. Check out the strength training tools that are easy to incorporate into your busy lifestyle for your bicep or 6-pack goals:
Adjustable dumbbells
A single piece of equipment with multiple customisation options is always better for a small space than going for dumbbells in different weights. And this is the reason which makes it one of the most versatile strength training tools. From beginners to advanced fitness enthusiasts, an adjustable dumbbell can easily be included in anyone’s 10-minute workout session. Used just like that or in combination with other exercises, this efficient fitness gear is worth your investment.
Here are the top picks in adjustable dumbbells that you can check out:
Kettlebells
Just like dumbbells, kettlebells are another good strength training option and can be used for just 10-15 minutes every day to see visible improvements in your strength in a few weeks. Both adjustable and fixed options are available in kettlebells these days, ensuring that you save space and keep all the essential workout equipment at home conveniently.
Check out our top picks in kettlebells here:
Resistance bands
If you do not want to lift weights for strength training and just wish to tone your muscles a bit in your 10-minute workout sessions, you should go for resistance bands and loops. These stretchable tools allow you to stretch your muscles well and tone them with regular practice. Available with different levels of resistance, you can start and proceed to the next step easily. And since they are lightweight and do not occupy too much space, you can even carry this fitness gear wherever you go.
Here are some of the best resistance bands and loops that we found online:
Core Workout Essentials
You must have heard about the hype of improving core strength. But that is not just about improving strength. Regularly working out on the core reduces back pain, enhances your posture, offers better stability and balance, prevents injury and makes multiple everyday tasks easier. Besides this, with all the workouts of your upper body and your posture improving, regular core exercises even help in improving your breathing. With the right tools and a proper routine, doing a basic core workout at home is easy. Here are some tools that will help you get visible results with a routine:
Push-up bars
Normal push-ups are fine. But to get better results on your body in less time, you should start using push-up bars. After all, this will help you reverse all the damage that your busy lifestyle has caused to your core strength. Push-up bars offer stability and prevent injuries to an extent. So, your workout will be more efficient without any worries.
Here are some of the best push-up bars that you can consider buying:
Ab rollers
If your fitness goals include getting 6-pack abs and reducing the fat around your belly area, you should have ab rollers at home. These rollers allow you to stretch while focusing the pressure on your abdominal muscles. Available as both single and double wheel rollers, you can choose the right model as per your fitness level and the stability that you expect. Some of the ab rollers are even available with counters, elbow support, automatic rebound and other enhanced features for better and quicker results on your body.
Here are some of the top picks in ab rollers that you can consider:
Exercise balls and half stability balls
If you want to work out while attending meetings from home, you should have an exercise ball. This fitness tool makes your exercise area more fun and interesting and allows you to work on enhancing your core strength. Regular use of an exercise ball can even improve your posture, which often gets bad due to long sitting hours in front of the laptop.
Here are some of the best options in full and half exercise balls that you can consider:
Yoga, Mobility & Recovery Tools
Whether you are a yoga person or not, there are some yoga and recovery tools that you must keep at home when you are on your fitness journey. With a yoga mat or a massage roller, you can regularly work out or relax at the end of a tiring day. These tools help in improving your body flexibility and reducing the muscle stiffness that often happens at the end of your workday if you have a desk job. And, regularly using these mobility tools can even reduce your chances of injury. Here are some fitness tools that will help you on your journey:
Yoga or exercise mats
Whether you are doing yoga, meditation, pilates or some other type of workout regularly, you must have a durable and comfortable yoga mat. These mats have an anti-skid surface, which evenly distributes the pressure on your body and ensures that you have a comfortable workout experience. Available in different thicknesses and material options, there are plenty of options available for you for your fitness journey.
Here are our top choices in yoga mats:
Foam rollers
Usually considered as a recovery tool, foam rollers are great even for improving the flexibility of your body. These lightweight yet stable tools can easily be incorporated into your workout routine and can even be carried along for your short trips. Just a few stretches, keeping the roller under your back, and you will see your flexibility improving in a few weeks.
Here are some foam rollers that are worth your investment:
Who Should Try These Quick Workout Tools
While these tools can be used by almost everyone, they are considered to be the best suited for a particular group of people. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Working professionals
- New parents with limited free time, and those who cannot go to the gym leaving their child at home
- Beginners who are too afraid to join a gym
- Home-workout people who live in small or shared spaces
Things to Keep in Mind Before Picking Your New Fitness Gear
- Space availability in your home and in your workout area
- Your fitness level
- Your fitness goals
- Whether you have a single preference or you want to go for a combination of workout options
- Budget for exercise equipment
Conclusion: Your Fitness Journey is All About Consistency
The tools listed above are designed in a way to help you stay consistent with your fitness sessions. These tools will help you stick to your 10-minute workout routine, and the time can be increased on days when you have more spare time. So overall, a small investment and a routine can go a long way in helping you move closer to your fitness goals.