Some days you just can’t make it to the gym. Whether it be due to COVID-19 or one of our Pure Michigan snowstorms, sometimes we just can’t make it out of the house. In these cases, there are plenty of options for at-home workouts that involve weights. If you don’t have dumbbells at home, you can easily substitute with objects found in your cupboard or around the house.
Here are some options on the days that you aren’t able to go out.
- 1Gallon of water. These weigh roughly eight pounds and can be used for lifting and squatting with ease because of their handles.
- 2Backpack or bag filled with books. Adding a bit of weight to your routine can intensify any workout and most people have these around their house.
- 3Soup can. For some lighter weight, another option is a soup can, which could be used for bicep curls or tricep extensions. A small can is typically around one pound and a large can is usually around two pounds.
- 4Heavy book. If you have old textbooks, dictionaries, or encyclopedias lying around, these can be used for lifting in workouts.
- 5Paint cans. Because of their handles, paint cans can be used for a variety of exercises. Plus, it gives you an excuse to keep that collection of paint that most people have in their garage!
- 6Bags of rice. With the option for different sized bags, this household object’s weight can be adjusted depending on what you have in your pantry.
- 7Body weight. There are plenty of workouts that only use body weight to exercise, like squats, lunges, or bridges for example. The internet has tons of options for bodyweight exercises that can be easily found.
Neil Sauer
Physical Therapist, Certified Health Coach and company owner Neil Sauer graduated from Saginaw Valley State University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science. During that time he played four years of collegiate soccer.
Neil earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Central Michigan University in 2006.
He has taken continuing education courses for Stanley Paris manual therapy techniques and a Gary Gray Functional Training course. He has also taken selective functional movement assessment courses with the North American Sports Medical Institute (NASMI).
Neil’s treatment philosophy goes beyond reducing pain and restoring motion/mobility. He has a passion for health and wellness and for improving the quality of life of his clients, and works holistically with them to ensure their injuries do not reoccur and that his clients enjoy optimal functionality. He strives to help his patients live more active, mobile and healthy lives knowing that they don’t have to rely on pain medications, injections or surgery.
In his personal life, he is married and has two sons. During spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, spending time outdoors and leading an active and healthy life. Neil also likes to read as much as possible when he finds/makes time. He primarily reads books on leadership, business and special forces.
An avid exercise enthusiast, he continually works to improve his own health and wellness.
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