Ladders and hurdles and bands, oh my!

If you’ve ever wondered how to incorporate new equipment into your routine, read on. We’ve taken intimidation out of the equation.

“Simply adding in new activation drills for 5–10 minutes could take your workout to the next level.” — Kyle Robertson, Personal Training Coordinator

Mini Bands

• Good for: Warm up, muscle activation

• To try: Glute Bridge, Squat, Kickbacks

Traditional Resistance Bands

• Good for: Warm up, upper body activation

• To try: Crossover Symmetry Drills  

Medicine Balls

• Good for: Core strength, balance, coordination 

• To try: Seated Medicine Ball Trunk Rotations, Standing Lift, Lunge with Overhead Press

Foam Roller

• Good for: Warm up, improving range of motion, decreasing muscle soreness

• To try: Calves, Back, Quads

Agility Ladder

• Good for: Strengthening joints/ligaments/tendons; speed, coordination, and agility (duh)

• To try: Linear Run Through, Lateral Shuffle, Squat Hop

Bosu Balls

• Good for: Core strength, balance

• To try: Everything and anything (here’s a full library of hundreds of Bosu exercises)

Mini Hurdles

• Good for: Form, speed, coordination, and agility

• To try: 2-Step, Hop, Side Step

Jump Rope

• Good for: Increasing heart rate, balance, coordination

• To try: Basic Jump, Alternate-Foot Jump, Combo Jump

Keep in mind that everyone is different, and what works for someone else might not work for you. Listen to your body and consider working with a personal trainer at The Rec for personalized instruction.

As always, 

Be well, Auburn.

Photography: Anna B. 

Fitness information from Kyle Robertson, Personal Training Coordinator