Let’s have more fun while exercising! I made a medicine ball and yoga equipment from recycled materials, and brought it to my taiko group. We had a lot of fun incorporating these homemade items into our warm-up. So come get ideas to spice up your workouts in the new year!
You can listen to my podcast episode on how I made my own exercise equipment from recycled materials back in December 2019 in this YouTube video:
Medicine Balls / Sand Bags / Kettle Bells
I made a medicine ball by sewing denim scraps into a cube, then stuffing it with old socks very tightly. There are also tutorials online for making a medicine ball by putting sand into a rubber basketball.
Wrist and Ankle Weights
You can sew your own with this free wrist and ankle weight pattern from The Spruce Crafts.
Dumb Bells
Make dumb bells from recycled CDs with this video by Danny Seo.
Agility Ladder
Recycled paint stir sticks to make your own agility ladder. Here’s a video with fun drills to do with your agility ladder:
Gliding Discs
You don’t need to buy the commercially-made gliding discs – just use paper plates (on carpet) or wash cloths (on wood).
Battle Ropes
Upcycle a defunct fireman’s hose or garden hose.
Resistance Bands
Upcycle a t-shirt or spandex leggings to make a resistance band.
Slosh Pipe
Get a great core workout from a slosh pipe – made from a 4-foot PVC pipe.
Wrist Roller
Strengthen your forearms with this homemade wrist roller.
Foam Roller
Make a foam roller from a recycled foam yoga mat.
Make a foam roller from a pool noodle.
Yoga Equipment
Inspirational post about sewing a yoga block from the Facebook Group Upcycled Cloth Collective
Sew a yoga mat from fabric scraps
