Coming off of a decade-plus competitive gymnastics career [1], I didn't know how to approach fitness in college. My four-day-a-week practices were enough to keep me fit and stronger than most people my age [2] and, for the most part, I'd never set foot in a gym. I had to find a way to put all of my athletic ability into the cardio machines and weights — what the hell was a StairMaster?! — and though the process was hard, I eventually found my footing and discovered balance (turns out, exercising for two-hour sessions, six days a week when you're a full-time college student wasn't sustainable or good for me, for that matter). And, as I discovered, many people were going through a similar transition [3].
After a rocky start of navigating the best equipment and workout schedule for my body, I found my rhythm and love for my gym time. It was physically challenging and mentally freeing. And, the best part? I was able to incorporate bodyweight moves [4] I used to do during conditioning session at gymnastics practice (I still do this today). Plus, when I couldn't make it to the gym, I became a pro at working out in my dorm and, later, at my off-campus house. I'd put on a good playlist [5], roll out my yoga mat, and stream videos or follow along to apps on my phone [6]. Oftentimes, I'd be at the gym pretty late and would have to leave around closing time, needing 15 more minutes or so for abs or a quick glute burn. So, I'd finish it up in my room.
Keep reading for some of the at-home products I used back then that I incorporate into my fitness routine today. I've replaced most of the equipment since my college years, though I still use a lot of the same products I utilised for home workouts then. Now, I have access to weights and a whole slew of cardio equipment in my current living situation, but ahead, you'll find the fitness products that were my tried and true in college that I continue to rely on. Plus, find more products I think will prove useful for home workouts here [7].
Latex Booty Bands
I specifically remember asking my parents to get me latex booty bands like these Fit Simplify Resistance Bands [9] ($9) for Hanukkah freshman year. I worked out with them in my dorm so often that I had to replace them a number of times throughout college, and I also brought them to the gym in the little bag pictured here. They were my favourite fitness accessory (besides my rhinestone gymnastics shorts that I made the mistake of wearing to the gym during my entire first semester).
Fabric Booty Bands
I realised that I needed nonslip booty bands that wouldn't fold up when I did squats or standing kickbacks. Ones like these BTX Fabric Cloth Resistance Booty Bands [10] ($15) did the trick, and they added extra resistance that the booty bands made of latex didn't seem to have (though I still used those frequently). Today, you'll find me doing glute exercises with the fabric bands more often than the latex bands.
Combat Gloves
I used combat gloves like these Nayoya Weighted Gloves [11] ($19) when I streamed kickboxing videos in my room. My favourite were Les Mills Combat by Beachbody workouts; they were a great cardio session that I also felt in my legs, shoulders, and abs. They also made me feel powerful and helped relieve stress, and there's nothing better than that.
Adjustable Ankle Weights
To kick my leg workouts up a notch, I used (and still use) ankle weights like these Valeo 10-Pound Adjustable Ankle Weights [12] ($20, originally $25). They're great for donkey kicks and jump squats.
Ab Roller Wheel
I've always been a huge fan of ab roller wheels, and this Valeo Ab Roller Wheel [13] ($14) was something that travelled with me to and from college. Check out these trainer-approved ab wheel exercises [14] for inspiration.
Workout Mat
I often needed a workout mat as cushion for my college home workouts. My current go-to is this Gaiam Yoga Mat [15] ($27, originally $30). It's thick enough that it gives comfortable support during floor work, but it's also great for other activities like yoga (hence why it's called a yoga mat).