GETTING into shape can seem like a huge commitment - both with your time, and with your wallet.
A gym membership, proper gear and fancy equipment can seem like a huge investment, especially when you're just getting started. However, you don't need to buy everything at once, and your purchases don't have to be expensive. Going for a run or playing a game of beach volleyball is free, and more fun than sweating on a treadmill. If you're ready to take your workout to the next level but not interested in investing in a gym membership quite yet, there are lots of great pieces of equipment you can buy for your home, all for less than $100. Here are a few to get started.
- Dumbbells are excellent and popular workout tools, as they are used in dozens of exercises and are an effective way to work out every muscle group. You can complete a full weight-training routine with dumbbells alone.
They are generally a dollar a pound, but can be less expensive if you buy them in a set.
- Exercise bands are a great alternative to dumbbells. You can do many of the same resistance exercises, you can build your strength, and there is the added bonus of portability. An exercise band set ranges in price from $10 to $40.
- Medicine balls are weighted balls, approximately 14 inches in diameter and usually between one and 25 pounds. They are a great way to strength train, particularly for your core. In addition, using a medicine ball is a great way to combine cardiovascular and strength training, improve your coordination, and increase your range of motion. There are plenty of exercises you can do alone or with a partner, and they range in price from $10 to $70, depending on the weight.
- A stability ball is a large, inflatable ball you can use in the place of an exercise bench to perform your exercises. Stability balls are extremely effective in increasing core strength and stability, and in improving posture, balance and flexibility. You can find a great stability ball for $30 to $50.
- Body-weight suspension systems have become very popular over the last three to four years and are a great way to add variety to your home work out. TRX cables are the most popular brand; however, there are some less expensive options on the market. These systems easily attach to a doorframe or overhead beam and allow you to use some or all of your bodyweight for resistance. They are good for those just starting out and can also challenge advanced exercisers. There are exercises for your entire body and they take up minimal space. Prices start at $99.
Shaun Karp is a certified personal trainer. For further information call 604-420-7800 or visit www.karpfitness.com.
