At RFTA, we enjoy using various exercise equipment that can be purchased at relatively low-costs and used in the home or on the go for maximum results. Below are a few of the different types of equipment we typically recommend, and like to use in our personal training sessions.

Body Bar A single weighted piece of solid steel, usually around three to four feet long, encased in rubbery foam for comfort during use. Available in a variety of weights, the single bar can be used in various workout types, ranging from strength and conditioning to balance & core strengthening.
Bosu Ball A half-ball apparatus used for stability, balance, agility, and core strengthening, among other things. Due to its shape, size, and its air-filled dome, the BOSU ball aids in developing the body by causing a need for increased stability (balance) during otherwise simple skills and exercises.
Dumbbells A small weight that’s designed to be lifted or carried in one hand. Dumbbells require the body to engage more of the “smaller” muscles used for joint stability when performing an exercise due to the level of stability and balance needed in the shoulders, hips, and knees, as opposed to the fixed-motion movements of traditional machines. They are available in either fixed-weight or adjustable varieties.
Exercise Ball A large, air-filled ball. This item can be used for balance during certain strength training exercises, abdominal exercises, and balance exercises.
Exercise Bands Pieces of rubber tubing that come in a variety of tensile strengths. Bands create a unique workout by increasing the resistance, or difficulty, as they are stretched. This allows for anyone, no matter how skilled or novice, to adjust the level of difficulty at any point during the exercise motion. At the same time, the Band are very portable, as opposed to Dumbbells, which make them ideal for working out anywhere in the house, outdoors, or even in a hotel room.
Heart Rate Monitor One of the keys to a successful exercise program is the ability to successfully monitor your level of physical exertion throughout a workout, with the gold standard of measurement being the body’s heat rate. Too many people are unable to successfully meet their fitness goals because they lack the knowledge of how fast their heart should be beating during exercise. A Heart Rate Monitor allows you to actively monitor if you’re not working hard enough, working too hard, or are right where you need to be. Many monitors also measure things like total time exercised, calories burned, or even distance travelled via GPS monitoring system.
Jump Rope One of the simplest yet most effective pieces of cardio equipment available. Jump Ropes build coordination, speed, cardiovascular stamina, and are one of the highest calorie-burning exercises per hour still to this very day.
Kettlebell Kettlebells are bowling ball-sized cast iron weights with a single looped handle on top, and can range in weight from as little as two pounds to as much as over one-hundred pounds. They’ve been a staple in weight training programs across Eastern Europe and Russia since as early as the 15th century, but have only recently gained notoriety thanks to their increased usage in mixed martial arts, gymnastics, and power lifting.  By attempting to control momentum while the Kettlebell is in motion, as well as through traditional-style lifting and powerlifting techniques, this apparatus quickly develops muscular definition, core strength, and cardiovascular conditioning.
Yoga Ball A small, weighted ball, around the size of a softball (although it can be a little bit bigger). Its size makes it ideal for use during various abdominal and core exercises. By adding a Yoga Ball to your core exercises, the level of balance, coordination, and difficulty are increased, making the exercises more effective.