Regardless if your apartment building gym or commercial gym has reopened, having options to workout at home is always a good thing.  Home workouts mean no loud,  screechy music, no fluorescent lights, and no schlepping on the train/bus/cabs.

BOSU (BOth Sides Up) looks like a ball cut in half. It’s a great tool for planks, pushups, bridges, squats, split squats, lunges, and other strength moves, as well as improving balance.  The Next Gen Pro (about $180) is my fav model – the textured surface makes it way easier to use than the older models we’ve all seen in gyms.  However, the Next Gen Home is also good (around $140).

The Ballast Ball is a major upgrade of a stability ball (about $60).  Because it has sand at the bottom, it won’t roll away when you get up, and is stable enough to use instead of a bench when using light weights for a chest press, fly, or triceps. And because it’s weighted, you can use it for chops and other cardio moves.

Any med ball will work. The one from BOSU brand (called the soft fitness ball, around $15) is one of my faves because it, too, won’t roll away or bounce, making it great for small apartments.

Whether you have great equipment like a BOSU, a beat up mat that’s been sitting in your apartment for a decade, or no equipment at all, remember to include bodyweight strength training in your home workouts. Classic moves like walking lunges, squats, planks, side planks, and more never go out of style.

You can get your BOSU, Ballast Ball, and med ball all at the BOSU store.  Sign up for their newsletter, and they are usually running a promotion to give you 20% off your first order.  You can always unsubscribe later. I’m not part of their affiliate program and do not get paid if you purchase their products. They’re just items I’ve used for myself and for clients.

Next month, stay tuned for tips on yoga mats and props to round out your home gym!