5 Fat-Blasting Workout Tools That You’ll Use Forever


Do the same workout over and over again, and eventually you’ll plateau, right? Well, the same goes with the equipment you use: If your gear doesn’t progress with you, it will just hold you back, says Retro Fitness trainer Mike Urti, C.S.C.S.

Luckily, you don’t have to invest in a full range of weights and tools to challenge your body for years to come. Case in point: These five pieces of equipment will give you a great workout no matter how many times you use them.

Jump Rope
There’s more than one way to jump a rope. And while skipping the rope grade-school-style will get your heart racing on day one, on day 365, one-legged, double, or lateral jumps will do the job, says Urti. Plus, you can always jump higher!

MORE: 3 Ways to Get Fit with a Jump Rope

TRX Straps
The exercise options here are endless, and if you somehow run out of ideas, you can always switch up your stance. “By simply walking your feet farther in front or behind you (depending on what exercise you’re performing), you’ll increase the resistance to any exercise performed on TRX straps,” says Urti. Want to make your workout even harder? Try placing your feet on a sturdy step or box.

MORE: TRX Total Body Workout

Stability Ball
Place it against a wall, raise one leg, extend your arms: These little tweaks make a big difference in how challenging a given stability ball exercise is, says Urti. Just remember to keep this baby inflated. Otherwise, it’ll become an easier-to-use Bosu.

MORE: 5 Ways to Use a Stability Ball

Adjustable Kettlebell
The keyword here is “adjustable.” Unlike traditional kettlebells, these doodads feature removable, stackable weight plates that can take your kettlebell from five to 20-plus pounds. 

MORE: 5 Kettlebell Mistakes You’re Probably Making

Resistance Band
If you want more resistance, you can always buy a tighter band—but you really don’t need to. Just step farther away from your anchor point to increase the band’s tension, says Urti. One word of caution: Make sure it’s nice and secure first. Otherwise, you could end up getting whipped with a giant rubber band.

MORE: 6 Resistance-Band Moves for a Full-Body Burn