Having a strong core and healthy lungs is incredibly important for overall health and wellness. Not only do strong core muscles improve posture, balance and stability, but they also support the spine and help prevent injuries.

Healthy lungs, on the other hand, are essential for efficient breathing and oxygenation throughout the body. Fortunately, there are several accessories that can help strengthen your core and lungs, all while providing a challenging and effective workout.

1. Resistance bands

Resistance bands are a versatile and effective tool for strengthening the core muscles. They come in a variety of intensities and can be used to target specific muscle groups, such as the abdominals, obliques and lower back.

Resistance bands can be used for exercises such as standing woodchoppers, kneeling crunches and side plank lifts. Additionally, resistance bands can be used to perform exercises that improve lung function, such as chest expansions and deep breathing exercises.

2. Medicine balls

Medicine balls are weighted balls that come in various sizes and weights. They can be used to perform a variety of exercises that target the core muscles, such as Russian twists, medicine ball slams and overhead ball tosses.

Medicine balls can also be used for lung-strengthening exercises, such as wall passes and squat to overhead presses.

3. Stability balls

Stability balls, also known as exercise balls, are large inflatable balls that can be used as a workout tool. They are commonly used for core-strengthening exercises, such as abdominal crunches and planks.

Additionally, stability balls can be used for exercises that improve lung function, such as pelvic tilts and bouncing on the ball while breathing deeply.

4. Jump ropes

Jump ropes are a simple and effective accessory for improving cardiovascular health and lung function. Jumping rope for just a few minutes a day can significantly increase heart rate and improve lung capacity.

Jump ropes can be easily adjusted for length and intensity, making them a great tool for people of all fitness levels.

5. Yoga blocks

Yoga blocks are small foam blocks that can be used to modify yoga poses and improve posture and stability. They can also be used for core-strengthening exercises, such as modified planks and abdominal crunches.

Additionally, yoga blocks can be used for exercises that improve lung function, such as reclining hero pose and supported bridge pose.

6. Ankle weights

Ankle weights are weighted bands that wrap around the ankles and add resistance to exercises. They can be used to add intensity to core-strengthening exercises, such as bicycle crunches and leg lifts.

Ankle weights can also be used for lung-strengthening exercises, such as step aerobics and jumping jacks.

7. Hand weights

Hand weights, also known as dumbbells, are weighted bars that can be held in one or both hands. They can be used to add intensity to core-strengthening exercises, such as side planks and standing side bends.

Hand weights can also be used for lung-strengthening exercises, such as bicep curls and overhead presses.

8. Pilates ring

A Pilates ring, also known as a magic circle, is a small resistance ring that can be used for a variety of exercises. It can be used for core-strengthening exercises, such as seated twists and breathing exercises.

Additionally, the Pilates ring can be used for lung-strengthening exercises, such as lying tricep extensions and standing arm presses.

9. Breath trainers

Breath trainers are small devices that can be used to improve lung function and lung capacity. They work by providing resistance to breathing, forcing the lungs to work harder and become stronger.

Breath trainers come in a variety of resistances, allowing users to gradually increase the difficulty of the exercises.

10. Foam rollers

Foam rollers are cylindrical foam tubes that can be used for self-massage and myofascial release. They can also be used for core-strengthening exercises, such as balancing on the roller and performing abdominal crunches.

Additionally, foam rollers can be used for exercises that improve lung function, such as lying on the roller and performing breathing exercises.