We all have every intention most days of making it to the gym to put in that hard workout, taking us one step further towards our fitness goals and an overall healthy lifestyle. But like everything else in life, sometimes even the best of intentions slip away. Realistically, there are days when you can’t get to the gym and you are faced with adverse weather conditions outside. But because staying fit and active is a lifestyle instead of a fad, you know that moving in some way, shape or form each and every single day is not a compromise to be made.

You can stay at home, with barely any equipment and still make the most of your healthy lifestyle! You don’t need to invest thousands of dollars in at-home equipment. You have that at the gym. But while at home, take things around your house to use as workout props for those days when nothing but your “at home” will do!

Here are 8 things to use around the house as workout props (with a little help of some Facebook and Empire Avenue friends):

1.  Stairs: Most people have stairs at home. Walk up them forwards or sideways. Take one step at a time or two steps (or be daring and try three steps) or run them! No matter what you do, the stairs are a great “prop.”

2.  The Couch: “I use the bottom as support for my feet, and I do abs. I have for 20 years.” (Laura Bartz Pruden)

3.  Basement Support Beams: “My basement supports beams and posts with the stretchy Pilates bands. Wrap band around post and pull for great arm and leg resistance workout.” (Kim Gilmore)

4.  Kids: “The kiddos….airplane rides to work on arms and legs.” (Steph Bartlet) “I curl my kids. They sit on back for pushups. Military press the kids.” (John Winter)

5.  Milk Jugs & Yard Work: “Milk jugs full of water. Or turn yard work into exercise – lifting bags of mulch, pulling weeds with squat technique.” (Jamie Fellrath)

6.  Body Weight: Props? What props? Just use your body weight. Do push-ups, sit ups, squats, lunges, crunches and more with nothing but your body weight and floor.

7.  Towels: If you don’t have resistance bands, use a towel. Wrap a towel around something sturdy such as railing or post and pull yourself any which way you can. Or sit with your legs in front of you, wrap a towel around your feet and pull for a deep stretch.

8.  Canned Goods: An oldie, but a goodie! Take your canned goods and use them as weights. Curl them, walk with them or use them as a steady weight while doing sit ups!

I am a realist. I realize that these may not necessarily be workout staples for you. But they are an alternative option. Having options makes for a productive and healthy lifestyle, while giving excuses no chance!

What workout props do you use around your home? Share with us, or tweet your great ideas to us @TheLaughingCow!

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Tagged: fitness, health, Sarah Kay Hoffman, wellness, workout