If you were stranded on a desert island what three fitness props would you make sure to have with you?
My top three would be a jump rope, BOSU disc and resistance band. I am an old school kind of girl. I find that the simpler the prop and the movement, the more connected I am in my body and the more I concentrate on proper form and using full range of motion. I believe there is a benefit to almost every fitness gadget on the market but when it comes to my personal favorites, these are my top picks.

• Ah, the jump rope; cue memories of Double Dutch during recess and 7th grade P.E. class . Well, those P.E. teachers were onto something. When it comes to cardio, jumping rope is one of the best things you can do. The movement itself is a full body workout. You are toning your arms, back, core, legs and calves while increasing your heart rate, which in turn increases your metabolism, burns calories, sheds fat and often times puts a smile on your face. The beauty of jumping rope is even if you aren’t ‘good’ at it you get the same workout. You can trip over the rope every other rep but I guarantee you that your heart rate will still elevate and you will be having fun. One of my favorite things to witness as a teacher is when my students say ‘oh, I can’t jump rope, I’m not coordinated enough’ and they try it and trip a few times and drop the rope handles a few times and then they are doing it! The body remembers, the mind is what gets in our way. Grab a rope and start playing, see how much fun you have. Stretch first and give yourself a gentle cool down when you are finished.

• I love the diversity of the resistance band. You can do so many things, you never get bored and it is so small and light you can have it with you everywhere you go. Here are some of my favorite exercises I have my students do in my cross training class. Bicep curls, tricep overhead press, rows, leg lifts, chest press, flys, squats, stretches and so much more! I like using a light resistance band so I can use a long range of motion, which lengthens the muscles more. If your focus is building size then I would suggest using a heavier resistance. I like using the bands with handles as it allows me more variety with my exercises.

• The BOSU disc is my absolute favorite toy to use in my class because not only can I put someone through a kick butt workout on it but it incorporates balance training, this takes the workout to a whole other level. BOSU means BOth Sides Up. I love the blue squishy side for the constant challenge of staying on it, but the flat side is fun too because you feel like you are surfing. It isolates every muscle in your body while focusing on your balance and core. You will be amazed at how quickly you master the BOSU. Many of my students feel the same way about this prop as they do about the jump rope. They say, “oh, I have horrible balance, I can’t stand on that, I will fall.” And they are right, they might fall once or twice but they get right back up. My philosophy is this: it isn’t about staying on it and doing it perfectly, it is about falling off with grace, releasing judgment and getting right back on. Most exercises can be done with BOth Sides Up. That’s the fun of it!