by Lisa Armano

Created on: October 12, 2008   Last Updated: October 20, 2008

From a walk through Wal-Mart to TV Info-mercials, we are constantly being bombarded with the latest and greatest piece of fitness equipment - all of which are guaranteed to give you six-pack abs, a firmer rear, or a bikini body in nothing short of 30 days! With all this hype, how can one ever really know what works?

As a personal trainer, I often get asked what equipment I use at home. While I have tried everything from the "Ab Roller" to the mini home stepper over the years, it always comes down to the same five "gadgets" that I swear by to get a good over-all full-body work out.

Stability (Swiss) Ball

The stability ball is an inflatable ball that is large enough to sit on. Stability balls can be used to improve balance, core stability, and as a weight bench for many dumbbell exercises. There are exercises designed for use with the ball that work out every muscle in your body. They are also great for doing daily stretching and can be used as a chair when sitting at the computer or watching television. Physical Therapists have been using these for years, and any gym that has a good personal training staff has its supply of stability balls. (These come in different sizes to accommodate different heights.)

Resistance Fitness Bands

These bands consist of rubber tubing and generally have handles attached to the ends. They come in a variety of strengths to fit anyone's fitness level. They can be used for both upper and lower body exercises, and they provide a good alternative to free weights for strength training. One of the best things about the band is that it fits nicely in a suitcase if you are a frequent traveler!

Kettlebells

A kettlebell is a cast iron ball with a handle on the top and come in a variety of weights. Kettlebell workouts can be used to increase strength and endurance, as well as for agility and balance training as they challenge both the muscular and cardiovascular systems with dynamic and total-body movements.

Fitness Sculpting Bar

Fitness sculpting bars are one of my favorite fitness accessories. The bars are a metal rod/pipe surrounded by a thick layer of rubber, plain and simple. They come in weights ranging from approximately nine pounds to over 30 pounds. They are a simple replacement for the barbell and are comfortable to use on your back for barbell squats without a squat pad. These are also great for chest presses or any other barbell-associated exercise.

Bosu Balance Trainer

The Bosu is a trade marked item and like the stability ball, is a tool that aids in core stability and strength. It is known as a stability ball cut in half as it is a half-round inflated ball with a flat bottom. It can be used on either side (hence the name BOSU Both Sides Used). It is a handy stepper for aerobic warm-ups and can be stood upon for balance training and core stabilization.

All of these items can be found at your local sporting goods store, or can be ordered on line from www.performbetter.com. Keep in mind that these gadgets only work as good as the operator. In other words, you must be consistent in your fitness routine in order to see the results you desire. Be patient and diligent, and you will have that hard body in no time!

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