Movement and strength is so important to our overall health. Our bodies are built to move!

I have been expanding my movement repertoire recently and these are three pieces of relatively inexpensive equipment that I am making good use of. These are even things you might already have!

1. Kettle Bell

This is not a new fad or anything – it became popular around 2009 or so – but it seems to be making a comeback. Kettle balls come in various weights so go on the lighter side to begin. At first,  just carry it around for awhile. Keep changing hands and keep changing the way you carry it. Don’t start swinging it at first!  Start with carrying it and squatting with it then try lifting it over your head… there are so many ways to use it. The squat is good for lower body, the get up is great for the whole body.

2. Small dumbbell

The kettle ball will be heavy so you need something lighter to work with too. 1 to 3 kilograms or 2 – 7 lbs. These will be so useful!  My favorite one is the deltoid raise, both the lateral and front raise. I think this is an area of weakness as we get older and starting with light weights and moving slowly (no momentum). Use these weights for wrist strengthening and for behind the knee for hamstring curls.

3. Bigger soft ball

This ball is known as the bender ball or the coreageous ball (yoga tune up) – it is the size of child’s ball and its best when it has a slightly sticky surface. and is one of my favorite tools. (I also give these away at workshops!) This ball is perfect for general self massage in the lower back, upper back and the belly (so good!) A perfect way to relax – rolling feels so good!

Let me know in the comments below which one of these exercises you would like to see in a video! I will post it here on the blog as well as in the Move of the Week – click here to get Move of the Week – it’s free !