Latest news with #homeworkout
Daily Mail
20 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Kmart wows shoppers with $49 at-home workout gadget for weight loss: 'I need it in my life'
Kmart Australia has made home workouts even more affordable with the launch of a new $49 item. The retailer quietly released the 'Multi Workout Station' across stores nationwide, which makes it easier to strengthen your core and arms. A range of exercises can be performed using the at-home exercise gadget, including bicep curls, triceps extension, shoulder raises and ab rolls. The product is also lightweight and can be folded away for easy storage and comes with two resistance tubes, a comfort pad and two buckles to perform a variety of exercises. 'A full body workout without leaving home? Our $49 multi workout station makes it easy,' Kmart said in its video. Despite recently launching, it's already a hit with customers who are 'obsessed' with the gadget while others revealed the product has sold out in their store. 'I've just bought one and I love it,' one said. 'Looks good for the price point,' another shared. 'I need it in my life,' one added. Product pictured But others weren't convinced and claimed the product looked 'flimsy'. 'I bought this and have been using it, works well for the price. However I find it doesn't glide as easy through the middle part where the join is, which is frustrating as you sometimes have to slide back and forth to get it past the middle section,' one shopper commented. 'But it still manages to do a decent workout and folds away neatly.' 'I'd snap that first go,' another claimed. Earlier this year, the retailer launched a 10-in-1 core trainer, which is perfect for strengthening your abdomen, biceps and thighs, offering multiple exercise options - including sit-ups, stomach crunches, push-ups and leg raises. Featuring three levels of resistance, the versatile workout tool is ideal for anyone looking to elevate their fitness routine at home. Weighing just 1.8kg, the product offers 10 different exercises - including sit-ups, push-ups, biceps training, oblique crunch, side crunch, stomach crunch, abdominal crunch, leg raises, thigh training and sit-up crunch. 'If your New Year's resolution involves getting stronger, you need this core trainer from Kmart,' a fitness enthusiast said in a Kmart video. 'You can do 10 different exercises to work every part of your body. And it's such a great workout. 'For only $39, I highly recommend you give this a try.' Meanwhile, many nostalgic shoppers pointed out the budget retailer was bringing back the '90s core trainers, which were commonly seen on infomercials. Many expressed their excitement over the classic 'ab worker' returning to shelves while others recalled their mums - and even grandmas - owning a similar fitness tool. 'Next minute we'll all be back in fluoro Lycra and listening to Olivia Newton-John's 'Let's get physical' on repeat,' one said, laughing. 'Oh my god they are back. We've come full circle if these bad boys are back,' another shared. '90s are really coming back from fashion to workout gear yes,' one added. 'My mum and aunties all had one in the '90s growing up - we used to play with it,' another revealed. Meanwhile, many said they couldn't wait to get their hands on the 'cool' gadget. 'Such a good idea,' one said. 'Oh I like the look of this,' another raved. 'I need this,' one added.
CNET
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
Get Up to $300 Off This Chris Hemsworth-Inspired Strength Training Program and Equipment for Memorial Day
Health and fitness are a big part of most people's lives. But with our busy schedules, it can be hard to find time to fit in a trip to the gym or a workout class. Not to mention the high costs that typically come with those options. A great way to get your body moving is to work out at home, and an online workout subscription can help you prioritize your fitness goals. If strength training is one of your goals, Centr is one of CNET's top-rated workout subscription apps. And right now, the company is having a Memorial Day sale which takes 20% off a 12-month subscription and select workout equipment. Centr is known as the app created by actor Chris Hemsworth, and it's our favorite workout subscription app for strength training. The app offers strength, Pilates, HIIT, cardio, mediation classes and more and has tons of programs with various coaches to guide you through your workout. Along with this, you'll find recipes, wellness advice and more to give you a well-rounded fitness journey -- since the goal of the app is to help "center" your life through your workouts, meals and daily routine. A one-year subscription normally goes for $120, but you can save 20% right now, dropping that price down to $96 for the year, or $8 per month. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. If you're trying to spice up your home gym with some equipment, you can take also advantage of Centr's Memorial Day discounts on gear. One of the most important things to have is a bench. Centr's bench is multi-adjustable and is made to last with heavy-duty upholstered pads for comfort and a steel, single-welded frame for durability. Normally $600, you can get it for $180 off, bringing it down to $420. If you're looking for some weights, the 300-pound Olympic set with the bar is a solid choice. It comes with 16 plates, from 5 pounds to 45 pounds, plus the bar. It's usually $700, but a nice 15% discount brings that price down to $594. And if you're more of a runner, the Runr-S treadmill comes with 25 prebuilt programs and 5-color heart rate zone displayed on the 10-inch screen. Get yours today for $1,439, saving you $160. Centr will also throw in three free months of access to its subscription app with the purchase of equipment. If you're looking for a new speaker or headphones to play some music during your workouts, take a look at the best Memorial Day headphone and speaker deals to add to your cart right now. Why this deal matters Centr is one of our favorite workout subscription apps, and the company sells solid equipment as well. At its usual price of $120 per year, this Chris Hemsworth-based workout app is already relatively affordable, but a 20% off discount sweetens the deal. The Memorial Day sale ends on May 29 so grab what you need now before all the deals expire.
The Independent
17-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
How to build body strength at home, with minimal equipment
Certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto says it is possible to build full-body strength at home with minimal equipment. Ms Capritto, a full-time traveller, maintained and even improved her strength using resistance bands, a single dumbbell, and a kettlebell while living full-time in a van. Her workout includes single-arm bent-over rows, single-leg Romanian deadlifts, kettlebell swings, close-grip press-ups, alternating reverse lunges, and suitcase carries. Ms Capritto emphasises progressive overload, achieved by manipulating sets, reps, rest, time under tension, unilateral exercises, power focus, and range of motion. Beginners can make significant progress with minimal equipment as their bodies adapt to the new stimulus of resistance training, she says.
Telegraph
15-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
The best adjustable dumbbells for upgrading your home workouts, reviewed by a PT
If you prefer working out at home than at the gym, a set of the best adjustable dumbbells are a great way to improve your strength. They're space-saving, as they remove the need to invest in a full set of iron blocks, while still providing multiple weight options. As a fitness journalist, PT and class instructor at London's Psycle studio, I've tested some of the best home gym equipment on the market, from fitness trampolines to smart mirrors. Resistance training is key to any workout routine. And with adjustable dumbbells' broad weight range, you can gradually increase your weight over time on various exercises, from heavy squats to light sets of shoulder raises. Powerblock, Technogym and NordicTrack all make their own dumbbells with varying functionalities, from simple control dials to a tablet-like screen. Expectedly, a high-end set of adjustable dumbbells can set you back hundreds or even thousands of pounds, although it may pleasantly surprise you to hear that some are less than £100. The best dumbbells: At a glance How to choose the best adjustable dumbbells Firstly, consider the weight range. Are you a serious lifter who needs more weight, or are you a beginner who will only need lighter weights? Weight increments are important too. Smaller increments of two kilograms allow you to progress more comfortably. The grip of the adjustable dumbbells needs to be comfortable and secure. A textured handle will be easier to grasp, but do consider wearing a pair of weightlifting gloves to avoid developing calluses. The adjustment mechanism is also a factor to consider. Pin-based selectors can be slow and fiddly, whereas a dial is a little quicker. A dial selector isn't quite as durable, though. Finally, consider the cost. Will you be using these every day? If so and if budget allows, it's probably best to spend a little more on a good quality, durable pair of adjustable dumbbells. How we test adjustable dumbbells I took my pre-workout, threw on my gym leggings and sports bra and put my body through a number of workouts. First up, I wanted to see how easy it was to change the weight. I was looking for a smooth and speedy weight adjustment that made my workout seamless. The weight range itself was also important, in particular the weight increments – with smaller being preferred for progressive training. I also wanted to make sure these adjustable dumbbells were safe, with secure locking mechanisms and plates that didn't wobble. Design was also a key testing metric for each set of adjustable dumbbells. I was looking for durable, adjustable dumbbells that could be stowed away neatly. My final testing point was the ergonomics. No one wants to be working out with an uncomfortable set of weights so I noted the feel of each dumbbell, the grip diameter and also the handle design. I explain more on the jargon in the FAQ section below. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. From running shoes to exercise bikes, all reviews are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best adjustable dumbbells of 2025 1. Best Buy Adjustable Dumbbells: Half Human 10kg There isn't much to dislike about the Half Human adjustable dumbbell. It's aesthetically pleasing with its silver handle, all-black plates and a black base, and it's exceptionally functional. The single handle twist seamlessly adjusts the weight with zero clunking or wobbly plates and the inner dial, boldly displaying the weight, moves simultaneously with each twist, so you know exactly what weight you're about to lift from the base. Much like other adjustable dumbbells, you can only change the weight when the dumbbell is placed securely into its base. But with these, if you're resting between sets, you can pop them down on the floor and thanks to their hexagonal shape, they won't roll away. I like the fact that these go up in two-kilogram increments too, catering for different abilities, but the maximum weight is 10 kilograms, which is fairly light. The contoured metal handle on this adjustable dumbbell offers good grip, although as it's metal it does start to feel rough on bare hands ‒ but that is part and parcel of weightlifting. Another minor downside is that these are sold individually, which means you're paying double for just 20 kilograms of weight. You may find the set of two 25-kilogram adjustable dumbbells from Half Human better value, depending on your weight requirements. Key specifications Weight range: 2kg to 10kg Increment size: 2kg Type of mechanism: Dial 2. Best Value Adjustable Dumbbells: Dripex 11kg The Dripex adjustable dumbbell is so well designed and user-friendly that anyone could quickly work out how to use it. The simple one-handed adjustment means minimal disruption to your workout. Just twist the handle left or right to select a weight between two and 11 kilograms. The mechanism only allows weight changes when the dumbbell is placed in its base, which ensures safety. When I lifted the dumbbell from the base, the safety lock clicked in, so there were no loose or wobbly plates at any point during my workout. The weight increments are a little odd, switching between two kilograms and 2.5 kilograms, but I didn't feel this was much of an issue to follow. I do think the 11 kilogram dumbbell may not suit experienced lifters who need more weight, however Dripex also sells dumbbells (set of two) that go up to 24 kilograms. The build quality of this adjustable dumbbell is excellent, with the handle covered in a soft rubber, which is comfortable and prevents blisters. Sweaty hands may feel a little slippery, though. The base is compact too, keeping storage tidy. Annoyingly, the price is per dumbbell, but as two single purchases come in at just above £120, these are still a great value option. Key specifications 3. Best Luxury Adjustable Dumbbells: Technogym Connected Dumbbells+ These smart adjustable dumbbells come with their own stand and a set of extra workout accessories, including a foam roller, mat and three resistance bands. The dumbbells themselves are easy to use. Simply twist the dumbbell handle to select your weight (clearly displayed on the dumbbell), listen for the click and then lift. The process is seamless and the non-slip, textured handle offers a solid, comfortable grip with zero slippage. The plates stay locked in too. Each dumbbell adjusts from two kilograms to 24 kilograms in two-kilogram increments, making them versatile enough for most strength workouts. However, advanced lifters may not find these challenging enough, especially considering the price tag. That said, I do think the tech features help justify the cost. The dumbbells require batteries (included), which enable you to sync them with the Technogym app. The app is great – it offers guided workouts and tracks performance data such as reps and sets. For those who are data driven, this can provide a lot of motivation. The included stand does take up a fair bit of room, so this isn't the best choice if you're lacking space in your home. Ultimately, you get what you pay for with these: an easy-to-use, comfortable, smart pair of adjustable dumbbells. Key specifications Weight range: 2kg to 24kg Increment size: 2kg Type of mechanism: Dial 4. Best Adjustable Dumbbells for Weight Range: NordicTrack Select-A-Weight Dumbbells NordicTrack is one of the world leaders in home fitness equipment, so I was excited to try out this set. Each dumbbell comes in its own tray for easy storage and the plates are slim and compact. The weight range spans from five to 25 kilograms with a pin selector mechanism, which allows you to change the weight by sliding a pin into the desired slot on the weight stack. When you lift the handle, the plates connected to the pin come up and the rest stay in the base. The pin can be a little clunky at times. The best bit about these adjustable dumbbells is how customisable they are as the weight increments are either one, two or five kilograms. This is thanks to a smaller plate with a separate pin that allows you to select a smaller weight increment. There is a downside, however. After lifting your desired weight, the remaining plates in the base regularly fall forward or back, which makes placing the dumbbell back into the base a little more difficult compared to others featured. A few times, I found myself having to hold plates in their place or I was realigning plates to fit into the base. If the plates aren't flush, then the pin system won't work smoothly. This can slow down quicker-paced workouts. In saying that, the quality of the plates, made from steel, is great and the textured handle is easy to grip. I didn't once feel the dumbbells slipping from my hands. Key specifications 5. Best Adjustable Dumbbells with Pin Selector: PowerBlock Elite Exp Stage 1 Score: 8/10 We like: Comfortable grip, great range of weight increments, colour-coded rails to indicate weight Who said dumbbells had to be round or hexagonal? PowerBlock breaks the mould with these square adjustable dumbbells. It's an unusual design, but one that works well. The weights themselves are essentially stacked metal rails and the handle sits inside these. A magnetic pin selector comfortably slots into gaps between the rails, allowing you to choose the weight you want. I did feel a bit sceptical trusting a plastic pin to hold the weights together but there seemed to be no budging of the rails. The weight range is good, spanning from a light 2.3 kilograms to a heavier 22.7 kilograms per dumbbell in increments of 1.13 kilograms. Yes, an odd increment amount but that's because these adjustable dumbbells work in pounds rather than kilograms, so the 1.13 kilogram increment is a more 'normal' 2.5 pounds. I will admit that I did struggle to work out what weight I was dealing with when using these, as every label displayed the weight in pounds rather than kilograms, which is something I'm not used to. The colour band indicators on the metal rails correspond to the weight chart on the handle, but as this was all in pounds, I had to keep doing mental arithmetic in my head to work out what weight I was lifting. Once you've figured this out though, it would be a much smoother process. The padded rubber handle was comfortable to grip and didn't feel rough on my hands, and despite the odd look of these, they still worked well overall. Key specifications Weight range: 2.3kg to 22.7kg Increment size: 1.13 kg (2.5lbs) Type of mechanism: Pin Adjustable Dumbbells FAQs How do adjustable dumbbells work? Adjustable dumbbells allow you to change weight settings using a built-in mechanism such as a dial or pin. Instead of switching between multiple dumbbells, you simply adjust the load on a single unit, which typically ranges from two kilograms up to 40 kilograms, or even more. The weight plates remain on a central handle and unused plates stay in the base. This makes them a great space-saving piece of home gym equipment as they come without the clutter of traditional weight racks. What are the disadvantages of adjustable dumbbells? There are some trade-offs to adjustable dumbbells. Many models can be bulkier than fixed dumbbells, which can affect grip and movement. It can also be difficult to quickly change the weight on adjustable dumbbells and they can be slower to adjust mid-workout. If you enjoy doing supersets or circuits, this might hold you back slightly. Some mechanisms can also wear out or stop working if used repeatedly. This is unlike conventional dumbbells, which are straightforward lumps of iron. How heavy should adjustable dumbbells be? This completely depends on your fitness level as well as your goals. If you're a beginner or you're focusing on lighter resistance training, a set of adjustable dumbbells with a weight range of two to 25 kilograms (per dumbbell) will likely be enough. On the other hand, if you're an experienced lifter, a set of adjustable dumbbells that reach 40 kilograms or more will be better suited. Bigger, compound movements that require more muscle activation, such as squats and lunges, will need heavier weight than single-muscle isolation exercises, such as bicep curls. What is the best mechanism for adjustable dumbbells? This depends on personal preference as well as what type of training you do and how often you need to change the weight. A slide or pin-based mechanism can be a little slow or clunky, whereas a dial-based mechanism tends to allow you to work at speed. What matters most is that the set of adjustable dumbbells you choose comes with a reliable locking mechanism. This helps avoid any potential injuries. Are adjustable dumbbells worth the price in comparison to a full set of fixed dumbbells? Yes, for most people, adjustable dumbbells offer much better value than a full set of fixed dumbbells. A good quality pair of adjustable dumbbells are a space-saving piece of home gym equipment as they don't require much room to store but they still offer a decent weight range. A full set of fixed dumbbells usually requires a rack and plenty of floor space, whereas adjustable dumbbells do not. Plus, if you ever need to move or transport a full set of fixed dumbbells, this can be a chore in itself, whereas moving a set of adjustable dumbbells, although still a challenge, is much less of a hassle.
The Independent
15-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Swap the gym for this trainer's six-move kettlebell workout to build full-body strength at home
The gym is a great place to go if you want to build a stronger body, but it's not the only option. You can reap impressive results using just a resistance band, kettlebell or that set of dumbbells in your shed – you just have to know how to do more with less. Want proof? Then look no further than Amanda Capritto, a certified personal trainer, full-time traveller and founder of Smarter Sweat, who specialises in training with minimal equipment. 'I've been living in a converted van full-time for one year,' she tells me. 'Other than a few visits to local gyms, I've trained with only resistance bands, a single 15kg dumbbell and an 18kg kettlebell. 'But I recently hit a PB for Bulgarian split squats, eking out eight reps on each leg while holding a 30kg dumbbell in each hand. Not only did I avoid losing strength after a year of working out as a full-time traveller, but I actually got stronger. It really goes to show that consistency and intensity are key.' Below, Capritto shares a minimal equipment workout you can try at home, and reveals the principles she swears by for training effectively sans-gym. How to build strength at home: The workout Straight sets (perform all sets of one exercise, resting for 60 seconds between each one, then move on to the next exercise) Single-arm bent-over row 2x5-15 each side Single-leg Romanian deadlift 2x5-15 each side Superset (perform the exercises below back to back with no rest between, then rest for 60 seconds after both exercises have been completed) Kettlebell swing 2x5-15 Close-grip press-up 2x5-15 Superset Alternating reverse lunge 2x10-15 each side Suitcase carry 2x 30 seconds each side 'My workouts are really quite simple and mostly contain very straightforward exercises,' Capritto says. She also provides a range of reps to aim for in each set, rather than a strict goal, so you can tweak the number to suit the kettlebell you have. 'Aim for the low end [five to eight reps] if the kettlebell is very heavy for you for the given exercise, and aim for the high end [12 to 15 reps] if it feels very light,' she advises. You can also use some of Capritto's tricks below to increase the difficulty of the workout over time, meaning you can keep coming back to it week after week for continued progress. A minimal equipment kettlebell workout Show all 10 How to build strength and muscle without a gym The key to successful strength training, or any type of training for that matter, is progressive overload. This simply means making your workouts gradually more challenging over time, in line with your increasing strength and fitness levels. By doing this, you send clear and repeated messages to the body that it needs to adapt and grow stronger, so you're better able to handle the rigours of your next session. The reason the gym is such a good place to train is because of the range of equipment on offer. When the weight you're lifting starts to feel easy, you can add a few kilograms to the barbell or pick a slightly heavier dumbbell to make an exercise more challenging. When you're training at home with only a couple of weights to hand, this isn't an option. But there are other variables you can play with when lifting weights to ramp up the intensity, and consequently effectiveness, of your home workouts. Capritto digs into each one below. Sets, reps and rest 'For beginners in particular, it's possible to make a lot of progress by manipulating the simpler variables, such as repetitions, sets and rest intervals,' Capritto says. When you reach a point where you can comfortably perform 20 or more repetitions with the weight you have, increasing the reps is no longer a time-savvy training option. That's where the techniques below come in handy. Try this: If you were can do three sets of 10 press-ups fairly comfortably one week, you might try four sets of 10 repetitions, or three sets of 12 repetitions, the following week. You can also shorten the rest times between sets or exercises to increase the intensity. Time under tension Time under tension is the amount of time your muscle is working for. The longer the muscle is working, the more stenuous the exercise is going to be, so slowing down or pausing your reps can be a great tool for making a workout more difficult. Try this: 'Goblet squats become much more challenging when you slow them down,' Capritto says. 'Take three full seconds to descend, pause for another three seconds in the bottom of the squat position, then stand back up. Raising the number of reps will also increase time under tension.' Unilateral exercises 'Living in a campervan, storage space is limited and I can't simply go to the store and buy more weights,' says Capritto. 'I have to think of ways to increase the load on a given muscle with the same tools.' One way to do this is to switch from a bilateral exercise, which uses both sides of the body simultaneously, to a unilateral (one-sided) one. By placing more emphasis on one limb at a time, swapping to these exercises can have a similar effect to lifting a heavier weight. Try this: Substitute a goblet squat for a Bulgarian split squat. This way, you're lifting the same weight with one leg, rather than sharing the load between both legs. Focusing on power Strength is your ability to produce force; power is your ability to generate force quickly. The latter is overlooked in many workout plans, but it can add a fun new dimension to your training. 'With limited equipment, really focusing on [being explosive during] the concentric contraction can be a big help for driving continued progress,' Capritto explains. 'The concentric contraction is where the working muscle fibres shorten, and it's usually the upward part of an exercise [think about standing up during a squat, or pressing the ground away during a press-up].' The focus when developing power is your rate of force development, requiring you to move fast through the concentric phase of a lift, so you can train it using lighter weights. Twinning this with tempo training by lowering a weight slowly and lifting it explosively can help you get maximum bang for your buck from each rep, Capritto adds. Try this: 'I implement power training into my routine in two main ways,' Capritto says. 'One is adding plyometrics, such as jumping, hopping, bounding and bouncing exercises. An example is doing squat jumps versus air squats, or clapping press-ups versus standard press-ups. 'The other way I add a power element is by speeding up the concentric portion of a movement. For example, driving the hips forward with an intentional rapidness during Romanian deadlifts to activate more muscle fibers in the primary movers – the hamstrings and glutes.' Range of motion Another tweak you can make to up the difficulty of an exercise is increasing the range of motion – the distance you move through a joint or joints during an exercise. Try this: Increasing your range of motion for an exercise might mean squatting a little deeper, or placing your hands on a couple of books during press-ups and allowing your chest to drop slightly further than usual at the bottom of the rep. How to use these principles when training at home The body adheres to the SAID principle, which stands for specific adaptations to imposed demands. In other words, if you continually ask it to do something physically difficult, it will adapt to get better at it. If you use any of the methods above to make a manageable workout more challenging, it will have an impact, so Capritto recommends implementing a combination to keep your workouts fresh and effective – 'there's no specific order that is 'best''. She also says that beginners in particular can thrive by training with minimal equipment. 'Beginners will build muscle and strength more easily than an intermediate to advanced lifter. This is because any type of resistance training is a new stimulus to the body, and a previously unstimulated neuromuscular and musculoskeletal system will respond quite dramatically to lower total training volumes and less intense stimuli.' In other words, the entirely new experience of lifting weights will have a significant impact on someone whose body isn't used to it, whereas advanced lifters will need a more intense stimulus to trigger desired adaptations such as muscle growth and strength gains. For this reason, strength training aficionados may reach a point where a gym is more optimal for building strength. But there's a lot you can do before reaching this point. 'After training with minimal equipment myself for a year now, I think that point is much further out than most people would assume,' Capritto concludes.
