_The __Insider Picks__ team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase._ [shutterstock_679609699] Behind most of the "is-it-a-Greek-statue-no-it’s-a-person" moments that you had while watching the Met Gala unfold this year is an especially great personal trainer. Not all of us have the time (or the cash) to employ our own personal trainer. But there are ways to replicate the routines (even if you just follow along on Instagram or Google '30-day ab challenge' as I find myself doing) if you pick up the tools those personal trainers use in their sessions — and then follow through with using them. So I asked celebrity trainers, Astrid Swan, a Barry’s Bootcamp Instructor and Premier Protein Ambassador whose clientele has included everyone from Julianna Hough to Jessica Alba, and Taylor Walker, a Wilhelmina fitness model, NASM certified trainer, and Premier Protein Ambassador to share what fitness tools they find themselves using most when training clients. For Swan, it’s all about strength training. “[It’s] so important for so many reasons. It can increase your metabolism which will burn more calories even when you are not working out while also reducing the risk of osteoporosis by increasing bone density.” And in Walker’s opinion, most of the best training tools are those that go wherever you go, so you can change up locations and stick to a consistent routine. According to her, “you don’t need anything fancy to see increased tone. “body weight, dumbbells or resistance bands listed below will help build muscle and tone your body. The most important thing is that you progress safely. Week by week, up the amount of weight, time spent in a yoga pose, or increase the number of reps or sets of an exercise to see improvements." BELOW ARE THE SEVEN TOOLS SWAN AND WALKER USE TO TRAIN CELEBRITY CLIENTS, AS WELL AS SOME AFFORDABLE OPTIONS FOR THOSE THAT MIGHT EXCEED THE AVERAGE BUDGET. A SLING SHOT HIP CIRCLE RESISTANCE BAND THAT WON'T RIDE UP OR SNAP Amazon SWAN'S RECOMMENDATION: SLING SHOT HIP CIRCLE BY MARK BELL, AVAILABLE AT AMAZON FOR $25 The Sling Shot Hip Circle is a great warmup for the lower body, particularly for the glutes. Instead of wavering when you squat, the Sling Shot cues athletes to push their knees out while squatting, activating more muscles and getting better results all over. It won't snap or roll up on itself, and you can use it at any fitness level for a good burn. A KETTLEBELL THAT'S PERFECTLY BALANCED Amazon SWAN'S RECOMMENDATION: ONNIT DESIGNER SCULPTED KETTLEBELLS, AVAILABLE AT AMAZON FOR $159.95 NOTE: CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE ALTERNATE: YES4ALL SOLID CAST IRON KETTLEBELLS, AVAILABLE AT AMAZON FOR $16.99 These designer sculpted kettlebells add some fun to the average workout, (though you can find cheaper options, too). The ONNIT kettlebells are perfectly balanced and built with chip-resistant iron for longevity and durability. If you're looking to stock up on kettlebells in varying weights, you may want to opt for cheaper versions that will still do the trick nicely. A JUMP ROPE WITH A MULTI-DIRECTIONAL SWIVEL Amazon SWAN'S RECOMMENDATION: RX SMART GEAR JUMP ROPE, AVAILABLE AT AMAZON FOR $45 If you've spent any time on any fitness forum that mentions cardio, you've likely already been told to pick up the play tool of your childhood for a new and calorie-torching workout. This one has a multi-directional swivel axis bearing system to make your movements smoother. If it looks familiar, you might have seen it in a CrossFit class. SEE THE REST OF THE STORY AT BUSINESS INSIDER SEE ALSO: * Amazon shoppers can get a robot vacuum that's compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home for under $200 now * Adjustable bed frames are back in style — here’s why and where to buy the best ones * Flights to Australia are discounted by hundreds of dollars right now — but these low fares probably won’t last long DON'T MISS: 5 WEARABLES WE'VE TRIED THAT DO A LOT MORE THAN COUNT YOUR STEPS
 |
| READ THE ORIGINAL POST AT www.businessinsider.com |