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Exercise Accessories A Guide to Gloves, Mats, Belts and MoreIf you have ever stepped into a sports equipment store, you may be overwhelmed with the sheer volume of equipment that they have. You can find several different types of cardio equipment, weights in all shapes and styles, and of course all the items you need for every sport under the sun. If you are planning a new workout routine, you probably already know what you want in the way of big equipment. Maybe you are planning on getting a stair climber or a home gym or a boxful of aerobic tapes. Whatever you decide to do, you do not want to overlook some of the small stuff.
If you are planning strength training into your routine, one of the most important things you can add is a good pair of gloves. Gloves can keep your hands from slipping as well as help prevent unsightly calluses. To choose
the right size glove, measure the circumference of your hand around the first set of knuckles (at the top of the palm), not including your thumb. Weight training gloves should fit snugly, as they are designed to break in and stretch with use. If you prefer a looser glove you might consider going one size larger than what you need. There are several styles to choose from. Some have longer finger lengths, others have wrist support to prevent injury, and many are washable. Look for a material that allows your hands to breath and wicks perspiration away from your skin.
A must have for nearly every workout routine is an exercise mat. Mats help cushion underneath, provide a stable workout service, and help absorb impact to make exercises easier on your joints. Depending on your room size and work out style, there is a variety to choose from. Some mats can be permanently installed on the floor if you have a home gym area. Other mats fold up to a smaller size for easy storage. Yoga mats are lighter weight and roll so that they travel easier. Choose a mat that is large enough for you to do your entire workout routine on comfortably.
If you are serious about weight lifting and plan to lift weights extensively, or if you are new to weight lifting but are prone to back injuries, you will want to consider a weight-lifting belt. These belts offer lumbar support to help prevent a back injury when lifting. Belts are measured by your waist size and come in a variety of support strengths. Some even offer a wider front area to prevent abdominal hernias. Always make sure that your belt fits snugly and comfortably and is buckled securely.
Wrist and ankle weights are a good way to punch up your cardio routine. Ranging in size from two to 10 pounds each they help provide resistance to your upper and lower body respectively. This can help you get over weight loss plateaus and get you to your leaner, toned body more quickly. The weights are designed to strap onto your ankles or wrists, some varieties can be used in either place, and buckle securely, usually with Velcro. Start with a lighter weight and work your way up to prevent injury.
Another good addition to your workout equipment is a heart monitor. This way you can monitor your heart rate to ensure that you are reaching your target. Getting your heart rate up to the appropriate level helps ensure the most efficient workout and highest calorie burn. Some of the larger exercise equipment pieces include a heart rate monitor, but these are no help if you prefer to do cardio or do part of your workout outside. Portable monitors fit like a watch, and depending on the style you select come with a variety of functions. Some will let you know when you have reached your target heart rate, and others will keep a memory of your different laps. Most also have the added bonus of having traditional watch features like a stopwatch and the ability to use it to tell time.
This is just a basic list of some of the more popular exercise accessories. Talk to your doctor or fitness professional about any additional equipment that you might need. Remember to never start a new fitness routine without talking to your doctor first.
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