When you are considering new workout equipment, head over to your shed instead of the local sporting goods store and pick up a brick. Using a garden brick in the house may seem dirty and unappealing, but you can always buy a few new ones just for workout purposes – they are usually less than a dollar each. Working out with bricks can also inspire you to take your workout from the living room to the backyard during the warmer months.
Because of their weight and sharp edges, bricks should only be handled by adults.
Clear the brick of all debris and dirt if you are taking the brick straight from the backyard. Soak it in warm, soapy water and rinse it with fresh water to make sure all the dirt, bugs and potential pests are gone before bringing it inside. Follow this step even if the brick has been stored in the shed or garage, as bugs can get through small cracks and seams in the garage door.
Wear closed-toed shoes while exercising using bricks. This rule should be followed when working with free weights as well, but it is even more important when lifting bricks, as the brick could cut or crush your toes and feet if you drop it.
Measure the weight of the brick on a home scale. Most bricks from home improvement stores are concrete but the material can vary, which means even bricks of the same size can have different weights. If your workout requires a certain weight, measure the bricks before you use them.
Wrap your hands around the longest sides. Lift the bricks as you would a free weight for bicep curls, dumbbell dead lifts or dumbbell bent-over rows. In between repetitions, lower the bricks to the floor carefully -- they are far more fragile than dumbbells and they may crack if dropped.
Finish your workout with some yoga stretches by using the brick like a yoga block. Some people find yoga props helpful while some others do not. If you want props to be part of your practice, try a brick instead of a foam block, especially if you are doing outdoor yoga. Place the brick under your rear end if you have trouble in Pigeon pose or use an upright brick to place your hands on if you can’t quite gain your balance in the Warrior III pose, for example.
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Writer Bio
Kelly MacGregor holds bachelor's degrees in news-editorial journalism and ecology/evolutionary biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder. In addition to writing for the "Colorado Engineer Magazine," the "Boulder Daily Camera" and EdNews Parent, MacGregor's work has been picked up by the "Colorado Daily," EdNews Colorado and the "Denver Post."