Gyms might have plenty of fancy, shiny equipment, but your body doesn’t necessarily require such expensive gear for an effective workout. This is great news, because it means that you can save yourself time and money by exercising in your own home! As it is, you’re already burning calories around the house by taking out the rubbish and walking up the stairs, so all you need to do is kick it up a notch or two! Take a look at our favourite 12 things around the home to use in your next workout.

#1 Stairs

Anyone with a staircase in their house can do an array of great exercises. For example, try standing on the stair so your heels are hanging off the back of a step. Stand onto your tiptoes, then lower your heel down and repeat. Stairs can be used for core and strength exercises as well as running and jumping up and down them for fantastic cardio. Just remember to always stay safe on your stairs when you’re working out!

#2 A Wall

Pick a wall, any wall. Stand close to it with your back toward the wall and feet shoulder-width apart. Place your upper back against the surface and sit down into a squat. Lower down so your legs are in a 90° angle and hold for 30 to 60 seconds. Fantastic for toning legs and your core.

#3 Bath Towel

A towel is a great budget exercise band which can be similarly used for a number of resistance exercises by the effort of pulling or pushing into the towel.

#4 Cans

For a resourceful way to add resistance, cans or tins of soup, condensed milk or fruit can make for instant hand weights.

Photo: Livestrong

#5 Basketball

Dribbling a basketball while performing a traditionally simple exercise, like a lunge or plank, can add an entirely new level of difficulty. Focus on keeping your form and improving your balance.

#6 The Kitchen Table

Place you hands on the edge of the table, shoulder-width apart. Walk your feet slightly back so you’re leaning your weight on the table. Make sure your arms are extended, back straight and core engaged. Lower your chest toward the table, hold, and then push yourself back up to the starting position. Just make sure your table is sturdy enough for the job!

#7 Broom

Grip your broom with both hands, about shoulder-width apart and rest it on your upper back behind your head. Stand tall and engage your core while twisting the stick left and then right.

#8 Paper Plate

It’s not so much about what the paper plate adds here, but rather what it takes away: friction and stability. Having to slide your foot to the side in a lateral lunge, for example, is much more demanding on your hip and leg muscles shoes on the floor. In addition to a paper plate, you could also use a small towel on a hard surface, or a magazine on a carpet.

#9 Chair

A chair is ideal for working those triceps. Have your back to the seat of the chair and rest your your palms on the seat with your fingers facing forward. Then, with your legs straight or bent at 90°, bend the elbows to lower your glutes to the ground. Push up to the starting position and feel the burn.

#10 Detergent

No kettlebell? No worries! Detergent bottles have convenient handles and make for ideal accessories to squat with. Try holding one at chest level with two hands and squat down. As you stand up, press the bottle overhead. Give oblique twists and lunges a go too!

Photo: She Knows

#11 Skipping Rope

If it was good enough for Rocky, then you have to give it a go! Skipping certainly isn’t just a playground game for kids!

#12 Tire

Go and grab the spare tire out of your car or buy a used one and do tons of great exercises. A tire is a great tool for functional strength and cardio that is both simple and durable. Want to up the ante? Go full strongman and get your hands on a tractor tire!