Make Your Home Workouts Fun With Giant Tiger Workout Equipment

One huge misconception about being a fitness instructor for a living, is that I get to be paid for doing my own workouts. This is sort of true when it comes to Zumba (though I’m still doing a lot more “work” while teaching than those who are participating!), but in yoga and strength classes especially – those classes are for my participants, so aside from my demo’s I spend more time coaching and adjusting than I do, doing. Even so I do get a little bit of training, so when it comes time to do my own workouts, I’m all about short, intense workouts to make sure I don’t overdo it and give my body time to recover between workouts/classes. For me that generally means body weight exercises, but it’s also fun to throw in some equipment now and again, which is why I’m taking a few minutes today to tell you how you can make your home workouts fun with Giant Tiger.

Last week I told you about some new fitness gear I picked up recently from Giant Tiger’s ACX line, and now today I’m back to tell you about some new additions to the ACX line that you won’t be wearing – fitness equipment!

A few weeks ago they sent me some of their new equipment to play with – a slam ball, resistance band and 2 kettle bells – a 5lb and a 10lb.

Ordinary hand weights are great, but let’s face it, they are a bit boring. Resistance bands are one of my favourite pieces of equipment because they are light and provide multi-directional resistance (meaning you are working in both directions instead of just on the way up). People often scoff at resistance bands until they’ve been destroyed by one, haha. These little babies pack a powerful punch!

Now, let’s talk a bit more about the a slam ball is a crazy fun piece of equipment. It’s a ball that is weighted with sand so it doesn’t bounce. The ACX Slam Ball weighs 5lbs and is amazing for strengthening your core! As with all weighted core exercises, you need to make sure you are contracting your core muscles and being very mindful of your spinal alignment so that you don’t injure yourself.

And finally we have the kettle bells. Online I only see the 5lb option, but they do have a 10lb bell as well. If you are a seasoned kettle bell-er, these are going to be too light for you, but for beginners, or those who only swing a bell once in a while, these are a great starter. Especially if you are new to exercise and aren’t sure if you’ll be sticking to a kettle bell workout long term, they are affordable and allow you the change to decide if you want to upgrade when you grow out of these.

I’m not a slam ball or kettle bell expert by any stretch of the imagination, so I didn’t feel comfortable recording a workout video using the equipment, instead I put together this video just showing you some of the things you can do with resistance bands, slam balls and kettle bells.

Be sure to up the player to 1080HD for better video quality!

When it comes to the kettle bells and the slam ball, please make sure to bend your knees and lift them using your knees – not your back. Many people injure themselves before they even start because they hinge at the hip instead of bending at the knees and injure their back. That’s why I highly suggest seeking out a kettle bell class or workshop should to pick up one (or both) bells so you can learn proper form and execution.

You can’t improve your fitness if you are in bed with a messed up back!

And since I know you’re dying to know – yes I am wearing ACX active wear in the video! I’m seen wearing these ACX Yoga Leggings and this ACX Tank with Bra (I’m also wearing the matching ACX Sport’s Bra for additional support).

Giant Tiger not only will keep you looking cute while working out, but will help you build some serious strength with these additions to their ACX line. Be sure to check them out!