Have limited equipment at your gym? Try a swap.

Have limited equipment at your gym, but need to still work out?

I got you covered.

The great thing about exercising is that there's always a variation and similar movement pattern but with different fitness equipment.

For this example, we're going to be focusing on a deadlift variation. The picture on the left is with a trap bar/hex bar (both are used interchangeably and are correct terminology). Unfortunately, not all gyms have trap bars, and if they do, it's usually one lurking around in the strength or weight room. Higher end or boutique gyms will have these in plenty, versus a Planet Fitness or Blink Fitness gym.

If you lack a trap bar, but your fitness program calls for you to do a trap bar deadlift, then try this variation out. You can use kettlebells (which is picture on the right), dumbbells, or a powerblock. (Click here to see what a powerblock is.)

It's still the same movement as a trap bar deadlift, but just with different fitness equipment.

Side note: For those who aren't used to seeing a powerblock, I want you to think of it as a swiss army knife variation of a dumbbell. It has different weights that you can adjust by moving the clip. You'll likely see a powerblock in garage gyms or areas where space is limited. The other difference is financially, as powerblocks are more money, in comparison to kettlebells or dumbbells. Kettlebell and dumbbell prices usually vary by their weight. For example, a twenty pound kettlebell or dumbbell will be more expensive than a five pound kettlebell or dumbbell; however, a powerblock can range from ten to ninety or one hundred pounds, it will be more money.