Description

Equipment for this program:

Kettlebells
The medium 26 lb kettlebell for upper body exercises, or when you need to hold a weight in front or above you.
The 44 lb kettlebell (which I affectionately call The Beast) for challenging lower body exercises such as the KB swing, deadlift, and squat. This, in my opinion, is one of the best pieces of equipment for shaping up your legs and glutes.

I use cast iron kettlebells and I would recommend your first light kettlebell to be cast iron because they’re also smaller in size which makes them easier to handle and practice with. That said, as you progress and need a heavier weight, I would recommend to look into competition kettlebells made from steel. They’re more stable on the ground and have more ballistic advantages due to the larger mass in the ball of the kettlebell.  I’m used to my cast iron kettlebells and I’m kind of attached to them, but I do want you to know that there might be a slightly better option. I recommend Paradigm Pro Elite Precision Competition Sport Kettlebells.

Jump Rope
I recommend speed rope from RogueFitness.com. Trust your own judgment and pick a jump rope that sounds like your style or try  my favourite jump rope.

Dumbbells
Everyone should have a pair of dumbbells at home; the ones I use in the ZGYM are 12 lbs each with flat edges. And yes, you read that correctly: you need two dumbbells, each the same weight.

Pull Up Bar
A pull up bar can be used to work your upper body and core strength. There are two options I can recommend for you. First, there’s the Pull Up PT600 Power Tower that can be moved around indoors and outdoors. Second, there’s the Pull Up Bar for the doorway, which is great to hang in your bedroom, home office, garage, or workout space.
For those of you with neither the space or option to get a pull up bar, you can improvise by using 2 chairs and broomstick, as shown here: https://zuzkalight.com/workouts/5-minute-workout-shoulders-back/

Assist Pull Up Band
The Assist Pull Up Band is what I recommend for anyone who’s still building up the strength to do a regular pull up and wants to learn quickly without the frustration. Complete beginners would do best with either the green or blue bands, which provide the most amount of super. The red, black, and purple bands offer lighter support, helping you to progress to the point where you no longer need outside assistance in order to do a pull up by yourself.

Power Bands/Resistance Bands (for lower body exercises)
These are great for adding extra challenge to bodyweight workouts, especially ones targeting the lower body. I also love to take them with me when traveling. You can get them on Amazon.com here.

Balance Ball- 65 cm
Also referred to as a Swiss, Stability or Power Ball. Great for developing core strength. I recommend this one.

Sliding Discs
Want to build bulletproof abs, strengthen your whole body, and work yourself in a low impact but effective way? Grab a pair of sliders; we’ll be making the most of these, so get ready to feel the burn.
Sliders for Carpet or Hardwood Floors
Option: You can also use a simple pair of furniture sliders if you can’t buy any of the choices I listed above. Some people even like to use paper plates on carpets and, old T-shirts, and towels on hardwood floors. You’d be surprised at what can be used in a pinch!

Yoga Blocks
Have 2 of these available for the Stretch & Tone series. Yoga Blocks provide
assistance for beginners, intermediate, and advanced users alike, and we’ll be using them in a few of the routines.

Exercise Mat
This should have been an obvious piece from the get-go. We’ll be using a mat for almost every workout in the ZGYM, which means we shouldn’t use any cheap knockoffs. There are a lot of bad quality mats out there that slide and eventually start to shred the longer they suffer the abuse from all the jumping and training that goes on from our workouts. Not to mention the fact that they can become hazardous if you aren’t too careful. The best choice is to opt for a mat that lasts, doesn’t slip, and provides good grip and cushion. I recommend the Gaiam Eco-Grip Yoga Mat, 3 mm.