What Are Core Sliders, Exactly?

Core sliders are small disk-like exercise accessories that can add an extra level of challenge and diversity to your standard home workout routine. Core sliders are commonly designed from tough plastic (or try our beautiful bamboo discs),featuring a smooth slide side and a padded foam surface on the other.

They can be used on all sorts of floors: yoga mats, carpet, hardwood, and tile. They allow for full range of motion in exercises and are a very valuable addition to your fitness toolkit, whether you're a new beginner or an experienced exerciser.

What Do Core Sliders Do?

Here are some of the benefits of incorporating core sliders into your routine:

Increased Core Strength: Core sliders activate your core throughout the range of motion, thus creating a powerful stability force within the central part.

Stability and Balance: Using core sliders will require constant engagement with stabilizing muscles, which enhances general balance and coordination.

Gentle on the Joints: The smooth gliding motion would be easy on your joints. It makes core sliders a wonderful option for low impact exercises.

Versatility: They can be used for a wide range of activities and modes of exercise that target all muscles in your body, including the core, back, arms, and legs.

Portability: Light in weight and compact, core sliders are easily portable, making it easy to carry them with you. So, you can keep on doing your routine exercises even when you are traveling out.

How to Use Core Sliders

You can easily incorporate core sliders into your routine, as this is one real and very effective way to take the intensity up a notch. Here is what you need to do in a step-by-step guide:

Warm-Up Begin with a gentle warm-up exercise to make those muscles ready for the workout. Warm-ups can include dynamic stretches or light cardio.

Variations of planks:

Basic Plank: Place the sliders under your feet in a high plank position and hold the plank with your core tight.

Mountain Climbers: From the plank position, slide one knee up to your chest and return back to the starting position; switch, then continue with this running-like mountain climber motion.

Out and in: Start in the plank position with your feet together. Slide feet out to the side at the same time and then pull them back in keeping your core engaged and your weight forward over your shoulders.

Lunges:

Reverse Lunges: Stand with one foot on a slider. Then pull that foot back into a lunge position with the core engaged and return to the starting position. Repeat this movement on the other side.

 Lateral Lunges: Stand with one foot on a slider. Slide that foot out to the side into a lateral lunge position with the core engaged, and then slide back to the starting position. Repeat on the other side.

Curtsy Lunge: Stand on one foot with the other on a slider. Slide the other foot back beside the working leg, behind you in a curtsy position, trying to stay as tall as possible through the body, then return to the standing starting position. Perform this movement for 10 reps before doing it on the other side.

Core Exercises:

Knee Tucks/Bear: In a plank position, place sliders under your feet and pull both knees toward your chest before extending them back out.

Pikes: From plank position, slide feet towards hands by lifting hips up to ceiling, keeping legs straight.

Upper Body:

Push-Ups: Sliders under hands from high plank position, perform push up allowing hands to slide out at bottom.

Arm Circles: Kneeling on the floor with sliders placed under both your hands, now move in circular motion to involve your shoulders and arms.

Cooldown: Conclude your workout and support muscular recovery by a cool-down, including static stretch and deep breathing exercises.

Why Use Core Sliders in Your Routine

Core sliders further your home workouts and provide more benefits, such as:

Greater muscle activation: By using core sliders, you create an instability that will make the muscles work even harder in controlling and balancing. It increases strength gains.

Activation of multiple muscles mimicking natural movements: Therefore, core sliders engage many muscle groups at the same time, hence functional training for functional fitness.

Injury Prevention: Strengthening your core, back, and arms helps to stabilize your entire body, reducing the risk of injury during other activities.

Flexibility and Mobility: The sliding motion helps improve your range of motion, contributing to better flexibility and joint health.

Variety and Challenge: Mixing in core sliders with your current routine can spruce things up a bit by changing things just enough to give you the challenges needed to prevent monotony in your workout regimen.

Conclusion

Core sliders are indeed an awesome and versatile product to enhance your routine home workout. These sliders in your routine will definitely make your core stronger and more stable towards an overall fitter version of yours. Find our range here. Try them and see their benefits for yourself!

Having strong, toned arms can significantly boost your appearance and body confidence. With summer in full swing and shorter sleeves becoming the norm, you might be wondering how to tone your arms quickly and effectively. Achieving those sculpted arms doesn't have to be a daunting task, and with the right exercises, you can see progress in no time.

Don't worry, we've got you covered! Here are some highly effective exercises to include in your at-home arm workouts. For the best results, repeat each exercise for three sets of 12 reps, and don't forget to rest between sets to allow your muscles to recover and grow stronger.

1. Bicep curl

This classic exercise targets your biceps on the front of your upper arm. It's a simple yet powerful movement that can help build strength and definition in your biceps.

How to do it:

• Stand with your feet hip-width apart to maintain balance and stability.
• Hold a dumbbell in each hand at your sides, with your palms facing forward to engage your biceps fully.
• Keep your arms tucked into your sides and bend your elbows to bring the weights up to your shoulders, ensuring you feel the tension in your biceps.
• Lower back down slowly and repeat the movement, focusing on controlled, smooth motions.

2. Triceps kickback

This exercise targets your triceps, located at the back of your upper arm. Triceps kickbacks are essential for stabilizing your shoulders and supporting movements involving arm extension.

How to do it:

• Stand with your feet hip-width apart and a dumbbell in each hand at your sides, palms facing each other for a neutral grip.
• Bend your knees slightly and hinge forward at the waist to create a stable base.
• Keep your arms close to your sides, straighten your arms, and push the dumbbells backward, squeezing your triceps at the top of the movement.
• Hold the position briefly, then slowly bring your arms back to the starting position.
• Repeat, ensuring you maintain good form throughout.

3. Chest press

Chest presses target multiple upper body muscles, including your triceps, pectorals (chest muscles), and deltoids (shoulder muscles). This exercise is great for building overall upper body strength.

How to do it:

• Lie on an exercise mat with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground to support your lower back.
• Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your palms facing the floor, ensuring you have a firm grip.
• Bend your elbows to a 90-degree angle and hold the dumbbells wider than your chest.

This is your starting position.

Keep your elbows bent and push the dumbbells up until your arms are straight, but don't lock your elbows to avoid strain.

Slowly lower back to the starting position and repeat, focusing on controlled movements.

4. Front and lateral raises

Lateral raises work your shoulder muscles and triceps, while front raises target shoulder and chest muscles, as well as your biceps. These exercises are excellent for building shoulder definition and strength.

How to do a lateral raise:

• Stand with your feet hip-width apart and a dumbbell in each hand at your sides, palms facing your body.
• With your elbows slightly bent, raise your arms parallel to the floor, feeling the tension in your shoulder muscles.
• Slowly lower to the starting position and repeat, ensuring you maintain good form.

How to do a front raise:

• Start in the same position as a lateral raise, but hold your dumbbells in front of your legs with palms facing your thighs.

Keep your arms straight and raise them in front of you until they are parallel to the ground, engaging your shoulder and chest muscles.

Return to the starting position and repeat, focusing on smooth, controlled movements.

The perfect arm workout accessories

Ready to get started with your arm toning journey but don't have the right equipment? Our 4kg and 5kg pair (2kg and 2.5kg per bar) dumbbell strength bars are perfect for the exercises listed above. They are easy to hold and add just the right amount of resistance to help tone, sculpt, and strengthen your arms effectively.

If you're just starting out and looking for something lighter, try our 3kg pair (1.5kg per bar) Pilates and fitness bars. These are also easy to hold and can help you achieve toned, lean arms without overwhelming your muscles.

Let us know how you get on with these exercises and accessories; we'd love to hear what you think and see your progress!

What are your favourite arm exercises? Tell us in the comments below and share your tips and experiences with our community.

With the summer season in full swing, many of us are looking for convenient ways to stay fit and active without committing to lengthy gym sessions or complicated workout routines. We want to be outside enjoying the weather as much as possible, so the idea of being cooped up in a sweaty gym for hours every week can deter us from exercising and before we know we’ve lost all motivation. 

Fortunately, you can achieve your fitness goals, stay in shape and maintain your motivation by incorporating a 20-minute full-body home workout into your weekly routine. In this blog, we will guide you through a practical and effective workout plan that you only need to do three times a week to see results. Plus, we'll explore how you can complement your workout routine with enjoyable outdoor activities to really make the most of the sunny season!

The 20-Minute Full-Body Workout

Our workout routine below is designed to target all major muscle groups while maximising calorie burn and boosting overall fitness. Here's a step-by-step breakdown of the exercises you can perform. 

Warm-Up (3 minutes)

Start with a short warm-up to prepare your body for the workout - this is extremely important to avoid injuries. Some of the best ways to warm up are to perform light cardio exercises such as jogging on the spot, jumping jacks, or high knees. This will increase your heart rate, improve blood circulation, and loosen up your muscles so you’re ready to step the intensity up a notch.

Circuit Training (14 minutes)

Circuit training is a form of exercise that involves performing a series of exercises in a sequence, with little to no rest in between. It is scientifically proven to be a fantastically effective way to improve cardiovascular fitness and build strength and muscle tone. The continuous movement and intensity also boosts your metabolism, promoting fat burn and weight loss. And, because you perform a variety of exercises, you are able to target different muscle groups, providing a full-body workout. 

Now let’s get to it.

You should perform each exercise in the circuit for 45 seconds, followed by a 15-second rest before moving on to the next exercise. Complete the circuit three times.

 1. Standing Row with Resistance Bands

Step on a resistance band with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold the band with your arms extended in front of you and pull it towards your chest, squeezing your shoulder blades together. Return to the starting position and repeat.

Try our latex resistance bands which are perfect for home workouts and can be taken with you wherever you go, so you never miss a workout. They can add resistance to this exercise as well as other exercises that work on the legs, arms, glutes or abs.

2. Push-Ups with Sliders

Assume a push-up position with sliders under your hands. Lower your body to the ground, maintaining a straight line from head to toe. Push back up and repeat. Using sliders adds an extra challenge by engaging your core and stabiliser muscles.

Wanting to make the exercise more difficult? Then place the sliders under your feet and perform a mountain climber in between push-ups. To do this, start in a high plank position, bring one knee towards your chest, resume high plank, then repeat with the opposite leg, all the time keeping your core engaged.

Our core sliders are ideal for this one, helping you develop whole-body coordination, balance and strength. They are compact, lightweight and easy to take on the go.

3. Squats with Resistance Bands

Place a resistance band just above your knees. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and toes slightly turned out. Lower your body into a squat position, keeping your knees aligned with your toes. Return to the starting position and repeat.

If you want resistance bands that don’t drop or roll as you move and can be adjusted to suit your individual size and shape, opt for our adjustable fabric resistance bands. These can be combined with our core sliders if you’re looking to up the intensity!

4. Plank with Wrist/Ankle Weights

Get into a plank position by assuming a push-up position with your forearms on the ground, engaging your core and maintaining a straight line from head to toe.  Aim to hold the position for 45 seconds, slowly working your way up to holding it for longer.  

For more advanced fitness enthusiasts, add individual leg and arm lifts whilst maintaining the plank position. To do this, lift one leg off the ground and extend it backwards, hold for a few seconds, and then repeat with the opposite leg; for arm lifts, lift one arm off the ground and extend it forward, hold for a few seconds, and then repeat with the other arm. As your fitness progresses, you can increase the intensity further by lifting two opposite legs and arms at a time. 

Try our 4lb wrist and ankle weights with this exercise to add just the right amount of resistance to your plank, helping tone and sculpt your muscles. These are simple, stylish and like our other fitness accessories, easily transportable, so that no matter where you are, you can bring your own personal gym with you.

Cool-Down (3 minutes)

Just like warming up, it’s also extremely important to cool down to avoid stiff and sore muscles. After completing the circuit, take a few minutes to stretch your muscles, particularly the major muscle groups, such as your hamstrings, quadriceps, chest, shoulders, and back.

Outdoor Activities to Complement Your Workout Routine

To make the most of the summer season and maintain a well-rounded fitness routine, incorporate enjoyable outdoor activities into your weekly schedule. This can help naturally increase your activity level and give you enjoyment and pleasure at the same time, helping keep your motivation and spirits high. Here are a few suggestions for outdoor activities you could try.

Take a walk

Walking is an excellent low-impact exercise that can be done almost anywhere and is a great way to stay fit and healthy. Take advantage of the pleasant weather (hopefully) and explore the countryside, local parks or wherever you like to walk, on foot. But don’t dawdle, as research has found brisk walking to be the most effective way to improve fitness and strength.

Go swimming

Head to the nearest swimming pool, lake, or beach for a refreshing swim. Swimming is a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular endurance, tones muscles, and reduces stress on joints. Whether it's a leisurely dip or an energetic swim, you'll be reaping the benefits.

Go on a bike ride

Hop on a bicycle and go for a scenic ride! Cycling is a fun way to burn calories, strengthen your lower body, and enjoy the great outdoors. Explore bike trails or ride to nearby destinations, turning your workout into an adventure.

Conclusion

Staying fit, healthy and in shape during the summer doesn't have to involve long intense training sessions. By dedicating just 20 minutes, three times per week, to a full-body home workout, you can still improve your cardiovascular fitness and tone and strengthen your muscles for a sculpted look - perfect for the summer bikini season! 

Plus, complementing your workout routine with outdoor activities like walks, swims, and bike rides will help you embrace the summer spirit while keeping fit and well. So grab your portable equipment, soak up the sunshine, and enjoy a summer of health and fitness.

We'd love to know how you get on! What other workouts would you like to see?

With your big day approaching, you’re probably experiencing a few jitters and worries as the wedding preparation ramps up. For many of us, part of the anxiety is around wanting to look and feel our absolute best, but with all the stress and busyness surrounding the event, how do we even begin to focus on ourselves?

To make your life a little easier, we’ve put together the ultimate wedding wellness guide. Following these top tips will ensure you are physically, mentally, and emotionally on top form for the big day.

Get stuck in to exercise

Having gone to all the effort of choosing the perfect dress, you don’t want to be feeling uncomfortable wearing it because your body confidence is low. Exercise is the best way to lose those few extra pounds, tone up, and can also help ease any pre-wedding stress, ensuring you feel amazing and look killer.

To get the best results, include a combination of both cardio and strength training in your workout routine. Some great cardio exercises to blast away the calories, helping you slim down and shift weight, are running, cycling, swimming, or even brisk walking. Research has found that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a more effective way to lose weight than moderate-intensity exercise and results are noticeable quicker - perfect if you’ve not got long left until the wedding! 

For strength training, you might want to focus on exercises that target your arms, as they are often on display in sleeveless or strapless gowns. Exercises like bicep curls, tricep dips, and push-ups are great for sculpting and defining your arms, while exercises like the plank and shoulder presses can help strengthen your upper body and improve posture, giving you an elegant and poised presence as you walk down the aisle. 

To accompany your arm toning workouts, include AMPs 2kg strength bars which add just the right amount of weight to give you the physique you need. These come in a variety of colours and are super easy and comfortable to hold. If you’re looking for something heavier to take your workouts to the next level, try the 3kg or 4.6 weighted triangle.

Establish a Self-Care Routine

Self-care is essential during wedding planning as it helps you maintain balance and rejuvenates your mind and body so that you feel fresh and radiant on the day. Here are some of the best self-care practices to incorporate into your daily routine.

Meditation

With all the stress surrounding the wedding, setting aside some time to practice meditation or mindfulness is essential for calming your mind. If you spend your days fretting, your physical appearance can also suffer - you don’t want to have bad skin or bags under your eyes at your wedding. Meditation is a great way to bring you back into the present moment and has been proven to have many bountiful benefits for our mental health.

Pamper yourself

Treat yourself to regular home spa treatments such as facials, hair masks, or body scrubs. Not only will these pampering sessions relax your body, but they will also give you that radiant bridal glow.

Practice Gratitude

Keep a gratitude journal and write down things you're grateful for each day. Focusing on the positive aspects of your life will help you maintain a positive mindset throughout the wedding planning process.

Nourish Your Body with Nutritious Foods

A well-balanced and nourishing diet not only fuels your body with everything it needs to function properly, but it also enhances your skin, hair and nail health. By eating the foods with the right vitamins and minerals, you can ensure you look and feel a million dollars. Here are three of the best foods to eat for your hair, skin and nails.

 Fish high in Omega-3

Fish like tuna, salmon and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are powerful antioxidants that help fight cell damage, helping reduce inflammation and redness in the skin. 

They are also a great source of protein, the building block of hair, and biotin, a nutrient that supports the production of one of the most important hair proteins, keratin. Both of these nutrients give your hair strength, bounce and sheen. 

Avocados

Avocados are rich in healthy fats including vitamins A, E and C which are important for healthy skin, hair and nails. These nutrients help moisturise and strengthen hair, support collagen and keratin production to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and increase nail toughness, and protect against oxidative cell damage to combat hair loss.

Dark leafy greens

Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale are packed full of amazing nutrients that help strengthen brittle hair, including vitamin A, iron, beta carotene, folate and vitamin C. These all work together to keep the hair and scalp hydrated and support hair growth.

Destress and look after your emotional well-being

Let’s face it, wedding planning can be stressful. But it's important to take care of your emotional well-being and limit stress during this time because stress can have several negative impacts on your physical and mental health. Try some of our tried and tested strategies to manage stress and cultivate emotional balance.

Connect with Loved Ones

Spend quality time with family and friends who provide support and positivity. Share your concerns, seek their advice, or simply enjoy their company. Social connections are essential for emotional well-being and can offer a sense of comfort during stressful times.

Connect with Nature

Spending time in nature is the perfect calming tonic and helps ground you in the moment so your worries can melt away. Take a walk in a park, go for a hike, or simply sit in a garden and soak in the beauty around you. 

 Practice Mind-Body Techniques

Explore relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, gentle yoga, or aromatherapy. These practices will help you find moments of tranquillity, reduce anxiety and ensure you approach your wedding day with a calm and rejuvenated mind.

Summary

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so of course you want to look and feel fabulous! By following our top tips in this guide, you'll radiate beauty, confidence, and bliss on your special day. 

Most importantly, don’t forget to exercise as this is key to feeling confident and comfortable in your wedding attire. Incorporate a combination of cardio and strength training exercises into your routine to tone up and achieve your desired physique. Alongside exercise, nourish your body with nutritious foods like fatty fish, avocado and leafy greens as these provide essential nutrients that allow you to shine both inside and out. 

It's completely normal to feel a bit anxious and overwhelmed with all the wedding preparations. By connecting with loved ones, nature and practising mind-body relaxation techniques you can manage stress levels and boost your emotional wellbeing. Establishing a self-care routine that includes meditation, indulgent pamper sessions and gratitude practice can also help you maintain emotional balance and rejuvenates your mind and body.