My Favorite Workout Equipment

Hmmmm…this is a tough one.

I have 3 pieces of equipment that are my absolute favorite, and depending on the day, my mood, cycle, sleep, etc. will determine who is #1 that day.  

Overall, I can’t rave enough about these top 3 though. If you don’t currently own all 3, I highly recommend investing, because they are all portable, travel easy (except for #1, depending on if you’re driving or flying), and allow you to get a total-body workout.

  1.  Kettlebells

As far as my #1 goes, kettlebells will always win. From the day that I started taking my fitness seriously (at the age of 23), kettlebells have always had a special place in my heart. The unique ‘bell’ like shape condenses a heavy load into a manageable tool, and allows for more fluidity than a barbell, while also isolating you unilaterally, similar to a dumbbell.

Because of its bell-like shape, momentum and body mechanics really come into play here. You can do the basics (squats, triceps press, biceps curls) but you can also add some Olympic style movements because of the unique shape of the KB. Basically any movement with a KB can become a total-body movement because of the need to stabilize a momentum-based piece of equipment. It’s extremely unique, and a must-have in house.

To start, I would suggest purchasing a 15lb and 25lb bell. Once you familiarize yourself with the equipment, you can gradually process and add heavier weight to exercises like snatches, swings, deadlift, etc.

Give this AMRAP a try if you’re still unsure about purchasing:

 

5 rounds of:

  • 20 snatches (total; 10 each arm)
  • 20 swings
  • 20 bent over row (each)
  • 20 deadlift
  •  
  1. Yoga Mat

If you know me, you likely know that yoga is my #1 homie. There is truly nothing greater for an overstressed, anxiety-ridden Angela than a Power Vinyasa class. I have been teaching and practicing for over 12 years, and practically every class I’m amazed at the peace and energy yoga supplies me with.

So I would be remiss to NOT add this to my list. I hear quite frequently: “Yoga isn’t for me.” “It’s not hard enough.” “It’s too challenging to sit in stillness.” Yada yada yada.

There are SO MANY TYPES OF YOGA: power, yin, restorative, hot, strength, slow, stretch, aerial…the list could go on! So I don’t buy that “yoga isn’t for me”, I just think you haven’t FOUND the yoga for you.

So in the new year, maybe challenge yourself to TRY some different types of yoga. You never know what you may discover on the way down.

Oh, and as for mats? Since I’ve practiced for so many years, I’ve tried a LOT of mats. These two are my top recommendations (keep in mind you pay for a good mat, but it should last for years):

  • The Reversible BIG Mat (lululemon, $88)
    • I’ve tested this out in HOT (105+ degrees), park classes, my garage, etc. It doesn’t slip, no matter how sweaty I get, and it doesn’t slide. It’s thick enough to protect my knees without being bulky.
  • prolite yoga mat (manduka, $92)
    • Manduka makes GREAT mats. The only complaint I have is that if I use this outside or have anything that may catch, the mat will show that wear and tear.

 

  1. TRX

TRX, one of THE most genius inventions since…ever? The fact that 2 straps, and some unique material, can be mounted to practically anything AND give you a total-body, booty-kicking workout? Genius.

Invented by a Navy Seal and used universally across the armed forces, this piece of equipment is SUPER lite, can fit in a small pouch and can easily be mounted on doorframes, trees, playgrounds, etc. Basically anything that’s about 6ft or taller, and is semi-round.

The amazing thing about TRX is that it allows YOU to control the weight, using leverage and gravity. Because it’s 2 straps, you are forced to constantly stabilize in any exercise, so your tiny tendons and smaller muscle groups are firing up even as you target a larger muscle group.

They cost about $150, but keep an eye out for sales and just DO IT. Buy one and keep it in your car for a quickie park workout while the kids play, stow it in your carry on for work trips, or just jump into your garage when you have 15 free minutes.

Don’t believe me yet? Try one out and hold a suspended plank (feet in) for 1 minute. THEN let me know your thoughts.

 

Ok, that’s a wrap on my 3 Favorite Pieces of Workout Equipment! Share YOUR favorites below and let me know if you have any questions!

XOXO,

Coach Angela

7 Day Reset

We’ve incorporated inspiration and motivation to help you rock all 7 days. In the next 7 days you will make shifts in your mind and body that will boost your metabolism, improve sleep and increase energy.

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

This is a self paced reset, so you can start when you are ready but we recommend to continue with the reset each day once you begin to see the maximum results.

All it takes is 7 DAYS. What are you waiting for?

Kaia Tri is a ten-week triathlon training program with workouts three times a week, which is an optional extra during our spring and summer CORE sessions. We swim, bike, and run, with some cross-training classes too. By being able to set a personal pace, our triathlon training program is suited to beginners tackling their first race and intermediate athletes looking to improve their finish time.

Our mock triathlons run several times to familiarize women with the course route. We finish the season with a Triathlon Training Camp which includes paddle boarding and power workouts. The next day is our exhilarating and fun Triathlon race day for all Kaia Tri women to enjoy working out in a beautiful location. Friends are welcome too!

SANDBAG

Kaia Sandbag combines traditional fitness with unconventional training methods. With sandbags, the weight shifts and moves in an unpredictable fashion. This piece of equipment is integrated into our conditioning & strength building workouts to simultaneously develop strength, power, endurance, mobility, and balance – with an additional emphasis on developing overall core strength and stability.

New to sandbag training? No problem! Beginners are always welcome.

TRX SUSPENSION 

TRX® Suspension Training® body-weight exercise simultaneously develops strength, power, endurance, mobility, durability, balance, flexibility, and core stability. Whether you’re younger or older, out of shape or a pro athlete, injured or at the top of your game, TRX Suspension Training meets you where you are and takes you where you want to go. TRX Suspension Training leverages gravity and the user’s body weight to enable hundreds of exercises that can be instantly scaled for any user to reach any fitness or training goal. The easily-scalable nature of TRX Suspension Training makes it a practical solution wherever you are on the fitness continuum.

Need a little extra boost to keep your body guessing? Our TRX/Cardio class is an excellent complement to any Kaia FIT session. TRX workouts, which can be used by anyone at any level, builds true functional strength and improves flexibility, balance and core stability all at once. Mixed with cardio, the classes give every member the perfect balance of challenge and success.

*TRX classes not available in all areas. Please contact us your local studio.

CROSS-TRAINING

Our trademark Kaia Cross-Training™ classes are a unique mix of cardio, functional movement, and both weighted and non-weighted exercises.

Cross-Training benefits:

Each day brings a new workout. We have an elite group of advanced coaches who infuse each workout with their own flair and focus, meaning you’re never going to repeat a workout, avoid burn-out, and fitness plateaus.

Keeping the body guessing is key to sculpting lean muscle mass. We also have a 3-part modification foundation: Balance (non-impact); Strength (mid-impact) and Kaia (high impact). Each exercise has its own progression so that everyone can feel successful.

As a part of our program, we also offer nutritional guidance to help you make healthy food choices and keep your fitness on track.

What are you waiting for? Join us today!

BARRE

Our barre-based class is a unique combination of postures inspired by ballet, yoga, Pilates and Kaia. Using the barre as a prop to balance, you’ll complete a series of isometric holds combined with high reps of small range movements to elongate and tone your major muscle groups.

In addition to the barre, classes incorporate pilates balls, yoga blocks, and/or resistance bands for increased endurance, challenge and focus. Following each set of holds, you’ll rest and recovery with a short series of stretches and poses to increase flexibility prior to advancing.
Kaia Barre is a low-impact class that perfectly complements our program offerings. Meet us at the barre and try your first class for free!

Participating locations may vary. See the schedule page for more details.

DANCE 

Our dance fitness class is rooted in traditional dance. We use those foundational moves and offer a class that is easy enough for beginners yet challenging enough for the more seasoned dancer. The simplicity of the routines allows you to keep moving with ease. Although this is a workout, it feels more like a dance party with your girlfriends.

RUNNING 

Improve your speed, skill, endurance, stamina, and strength with our Kaia running program. The program works on developing running skills that can increase speed, endurance, and overall fitness. The program is designed for you to run at your pace and and help you see improvements every step of the way.

The Kaia training is a simple, progressive program designed for women of all ages and all fitness levels. Whether you are a walker, jogger, or runner, you will be able to join this program and move at your own pace. Research has shown that even 20 to 30 minutes of running (two to three times per week) is enough to help you lose or maintain weight and improve many other important health markers, i.e. your cholesterol, blood pressure and insulin response.

Don’t be intimidated by the Kaia Run program name, each class will have walkers, joggers and runners. Keep in mind that the first mile is the hardest mile you will ever run. Once you get off the starting block, things only get easier. All you have to do is be patient and disciplined in your training, and that is where Kaia

POWER YOGA

Kaia Yoga combines mind and body with a power yoga and core-strengthening weekly workout with Pilates-style techniques. We focus on balance, strength, and cardiovascular fitness through stretching, strength training and dynamic movement to improve overall fitness levels.

By creating long, lean muscles, Yoga promotes improved coordination, greater flexibility and a fuller range of motion, with a strong body that’s less prone to injury. Yoga keeps the mind centered and reduces stress through positive thoughts and a sense of mindfulness, which also inspires mental strength and confidence.

Yin Yoga, or restorative yoga, is a quiet contemplative practice. It targets the deepest tissues of the body, our connective tissues – ligaments, joints, bones, and the deep fascia networks of the body. Poses are held for 1 minute or more and transitions between poses are gentle and slow. This class is an excellent compliment to our other classes, provides dedicated stretching, and is known to reduce stress and anxiety.

6-WEEK BRIK BOOTCAMP

Our BRIK Bootcamp sessions are offered three times a year and are designed to help you reach your health and fitness potential, and you’re welcome to start anytime!

Our BRIK Bootcamps are six weeks long and feature classes daily.* This programming fits in seamlessly with our regularly scheduled classes, and it’s as easy as 1-2-3:

  1. Register for BRIK Bootcamp HERE (included for Platinum & Gold Memberships)
  2. Book your classes through our branded app and Show Up
  3. Let our expert coaches do the rest!

These sessions offer great results in weight and body fat loss and an increase in strength and cardiovascular endurance. Our nutritional support will boost energy, help you de-bloat, increase sleep quality, and enhance your overall glow.

BRIK Bootcamp includes:

In between BRIK Bootcamp, we offer a variety of classes to meet you at your level! We also have nutrition and fitness challenges, in addition to fun opportunities to spice up your routine. What are you waiting for? Join us today!

CYCLE

Cardio based, calorie torching workout with certified spin instructors. It’s a party on a bike!

Try a Week Free

WHAT IS KAIA FIT?