Affordable Fitness Home Gyms
Canceling your gym membership is easy, but having the money to buy the equipment to get an equal work out is hard. Your first purchase is key. If you can spend the equivalent of two or three months of what your gym membership would have been on a good starter machine, that would be the best. And while you use that gym machine, you can start saving up for a better piece of home gym equipment down the line. Its a great plan for building better fitness home gyms.
Golds Gym 3-in-1 Ultimate Home Training Kit
Sometimes times are really tight and you need something that costs less that fifty dollars. Have no fear, here’s the Golds Gym 3-in-1 Ultimate Home Training Kit. Its a great combo pack of three different items that work different muscles around your body. There is a bar that attaches to your doorway to do different types of pull up and dip exercises, Ab and core straps which work in conjunction with the door bar to better work your midsection as well as rotating push up stands to give yourself a perfectly built chest and back.
Weider Total Body Works 5000 Gym
There are several tops of intermediately priced multi gyms that use a body board on an angled plane and uses your body weight to build your muscles. The Weider Total Body Works 5000 is one of the best types out there and the price is right. The ability to adjust the angle allows you to challenge yourself further later on, allowing you to use the machine for a while without getting bored with it.
Best Fitness Basic Training Gym
For a bit more money you can get one of the lower end multi gyms. They may not have all the bells and whistles of the expensive models, but they certainly get the job done. For example, the Best Fitness Basic Training Gym which uses bungee technology to cheaply yet effectively use their resistance to improve your physique. A more experienced person may not be satisfied, but someone new to working out would love something like this before they commit to a more expensive model.
While a less expensive fitness home gym doesn’t have to last forever, its important to find one that has at least a one year warranty. During that year, take the money you would have paid to your gym and put it aside each month. When the year is up, see how much you have and if you want to upgrade to a newer piece of equipment or save a bit more to get something better. Don’t rush into anything and play it smart!
The Best Multi Gyms
It can be arduous searching for the right home gym equipment for you. There are so many multi gyms out there that it can be hard wading through all of them to find the best one. It is so important to do a fair amount of research before committing to a purchase. Here are some highly recommended multi gyms.
Best Fitness BFMG20 Sportsmans Gym
A lot of people’s number one concern is the amount of room their gym equipment will take up. The Best Fitness BFMG20 Sportsmans Gym is specifically designed to fit into snug places such as a basement or an apartment with low ceilings. It is surprisingly affordable and allows you to perform dozens of exercises. Its not as good as some of the other multi gyms out there, but it is certainly the best multi gym for the price.
Inspire M2 Multi-Gym
If money isn’t so much an issue but space is, the Inspire M2 Multi-Gym is a perfect selection. Its sturdy design surpasses a lot of other home gym equipment out there. Gyms made by Inspire will usually have a more aesthetically pleasing look as well, which is something to consider for a home gym that is visible to guests. It can also be easily upgraded to add more weight if you desire. Its an all around great product.
Body Solid G10B Bi-Angular Home Gym
If you are looking for a really amazing multi gym and aren’t too concerned with money or space, look no further than the Body Solid G10B Bi-Angular Home Gym. It has two separate workout areas to offer more exercises for a variety of muscle groups. If you have a workout partner, this is a great way to work out together, alternating the different areas. There is also an option to upgrade with a hip adduction/abduction attachment to additionally work your inner and outer thighs.
Purchasing multi gyms can be simple if you take your time and do your research. Checking customer reviews on websites such as Amazon is always smart because they are unsolicited accounts from normal people like you and me. They are going to be nothing but honest. Liberating yourself from a gym membership can be scary, but doing it the right way can be very rewarding. Good luck!
Full Body Resistance Bands Workout
If you are looking to shape and tone your whole body without gaining too much muscle, resistance bands might be just what you are looking for. For a great full body workout, resistance bands are quite effective. They are rather inexpensive when compared to dumbbells and gym memberships and don’t take up all of the room that a bulky exercise machine can.
Set of Resistance Bands
The majority of exercises that involve dumbbells or free weights can be replicated using resistance bands. For the majority, it is simply a matter of placing the center of the band beneath your feet. Now you’ve got a starting positions for dozens of upper and lower body exercises.
Bicep curls can easily be done by engaging your muscles as you pull the resistance band taut. There are several shoulder exercises one could do such as shoulder presses and front/side raises. To save time and to work different muscles simultaneously, try alternating Bicep curls with shoulder presses. It will give one muscle a chance to rest while you work the next one. For lower body exercises, hold the resistance band taut while doing lunges or squats for additional muscle engagement.
Most resistance bands will also come with an attachment for your door to add even more exercises and to work additional muscle groups. You can attach it to your closet and work additional muscle groups like your abdominal, obliques, lats, etc.
I take mine on the road as well. If I am visiting friends and family or on a business trip, I am always prepared to get my daily workout in as long as I have my resistance band with me. It’s so compact and light that I can keep it in my carry on luggage.
For an excellent introduction to incorporating resistance bands into your workout, Wii’s EA Active is incredible. It actually comes with a resistance band and features dozens of exercises working nearly every muscle group as well as tons of other exercises to burn calories and get you in shape. The game also features a 30 day challenge designed to show you all the different features as well as introduce you to all the different workouts at your disposal.
While resistance bands aren’t perfect if you are looking for huge muscle gain, they are extremely effective for shaping and toning your body. If used consistently and correctly, you’ll see muscles all over your body tightening and your clothes will fell slightly looser. I am a huge fan of , because the different elasticities are better for different workouts. With something simple like this, you’re on you way to a toner you!
Home Dumbbell Set Reviews
When stocking your home gym, there are several small decisions to make. One of which is what kind of dumbbells do you want? Finding the right dumbbell set that matches the decor of your gym as well as meeting your fitness needs can be a challenge, but here are some of the most popular home dumbbell set options.
Body Solid 5-50-Pound Rubber Hex Dumbbell Set
Hex dumbbells are a great choice because of their unique shape. Since they are not round, they won’t roll. Rolling dumbbells have been known to cause injuries by rolling under others feet, so getting a hex dumbbell set is a preemptive way to avoid injury.
Cap Barbell Solid Hex Single Dumbbell
A great option is the Body Solid 5-50-Pound Rubber Hex Dumbbell Set. They feature a variety of size dumbbells, the hex shaped design and a rubber coating to prevent damage to floors. With the variety of weights that this set offers, you will be set for quite a while. If you would like to have more of a hand in selecting your weights, there is always the option of purchasing them individually. The Cap Barbell Solid Hex Single Dumbbell is a wonderful option.
Chrome Dumbbell Set 5-25 Lbs.
Chrome Dumbbell Set with Case
If the look of your gym is something you are concerned about, you should consider an attractive chrome dumbbell set. For a wonderful set, check out this Chrome Dumbbell Set 5-25 Lbs. Their shiny steel is much more aesthetically pleasing than a dull gray or rubber coated dumbbell set. Another option is a Chrome Dumbbell Set with Case. It is still just as good looking as the other chrome weights but is more space efficient as it stows away neatly in an included case.
Rubber Dumbbell 5-30 LB with A Rack
To keep your dumbbells in order and prevent your workspace from getting cluttered, get a dumbbell set with rack. Not only is it convenient, but it is often more cost effective to get all of the equipment you need in a bundle. The price will usually be lower for the package deal and you will save on shipping by having it all come together. One of the best starter options is the Rubber Dumbbell 5-30 LB with A Rack. The dumbbells in this set offer a wide variety of weight options which will enable you perform dozens of different exercises. The A frame rack included is nice and compact while holding all of the included weights.
48" Dumbbell Rack w/ Hex Dumbbells
If the maximum weight of 30 pounds isn’t heavy enough for you, check out the 48″ Dumbbell Rack w/ Hex Dumbbells. Going all the way from 5 pounds to 50 pounds in 5 pound increments, you have all the tools at your disposal to get in better shape and build larger muscles. The rack included is a two tiered rack to support the large amount of weights.
If you are trying to find a cheap dumbbell set, start by looking for used equipment. Many people who sell gym equipment use them once or twice before realizing it is not for them and you can get a phenomenal deal on nearly new items. Adjustable dumbbells are also an option consider. An adjustable dumbbell is a great idea because it takes up far less space and uses less materials and is therefore cheaper. Whichever option you choose, be sure to be safe and good luck getting fit!
Fitness Home Gym Essentials
There are hundreds of items that you could purchase for your fitness home gym. But if you are really serious about it, there are certain items that are a must have. Used together successfully, they can give you an effective home gym exercise.
1. Dumbbells or free weights. Without these, you can’t really do a whole lot of exercises. They add weight to your workout routine and help you to develop muscles. An alternate option would be something like resistance bands or kettle bells, but adjustable free weight dumbbells are the best way to go.
2. Exercise bench. A lot of exercises require you to sit so that you can focus on a particular muscle. You may be able to skirt around buying a bench by using a chair or a balance ball, but once you start using heavier weights, a bench will be required for more realistic gym exercises. It is worth it to get one with a rack for your barbell to assist you during bench presses.
3. Flooring. Heavy weights can reek havoc on hardwood, tile, carpet, linoleum… well, all kinds of floors actually. Plan ahead before there is any damage by purchasing some inexpensive rubber mats. They are sold in long rolls or square sections with jigsaw puzzle-esque edges that interlock. The smaller ones come in more of a variety of color if you worried about your gym area being visible from other parts of your home and want to make it less of an eyesore.
4. Barbell. There are certain exercises that need something bigger than dumbbells and a barbell will do the trick. You should plan ahead and buy adjustable dumbbells that use the same size plates as your barbell.
5. Music. Without music, I couldn’t work out. Pick up tempo songs that will help you kick it into high gear during those last few reps. Since it is your home gym, set up some speakers and have whatever music you want to hear.
6. Decoration. Nobody likes working out in drab or dirty surroundings. Customize your home fitness gym with a new coat of scuff resistant paint. Chose a bright color to help keep you energized. A mirror is a vital decoration. It allows you to watch your form during your workouts to be sure you are exercising properly.
7. Organization. A workout log book is a good idea to keep track of the weights you are lifting and how many reps you can do. By not keeping track of these things, you may not advance as quickly because you are not lifting the right amount of weight.
With these few items, you’ve got a fitness home gym ready to go. You may also consider upgrading down the line to a multi gym or some home gym machines.
Fitness Home Gym Basics
A fitness home gym can range from simple pieces of equipment to complex machinery. Depending on your space and financial limitations, there are many different ways you can go. Starting out, you should consider getting a few basic pieces of workout equipment at a time.
Starting simply, you’ll need a mat of some sort to stretch on as well as doing activities like yoga. Stretching is often neglected, but that doesn’t stop it from being extremely important to your body’s health. Also great for stretching and abdominal workouts in addition to dozens of other home gym exercises is a balance ball. These large inflatable balls can come in handy in so many exercises, but I particularly enjoy using them to sit on instead of a workout bench. When used in connection with a chest press or shoulder press, your forced to engage all the muscles in your body to balance which makes you gain more from each rep.
Another basic item that your multi gym should have are resistance bands. One set will suffice, but if you can get different elasticities, you will have more options in your workout. These are not only great additions to your home gym, but also wonderful to have if you need to travel and bring an effective workout tool with you.
Dumbbells are also extremely important to have. Some people swear by having a pair of each weight, but having all of those different dumbbells around can take up unnecessary room. I suggest getting adjustable weights so that later on down the line you can use the plates on a barbell. And don’t forget your dumbbell rack.
While buying these items can be an investment, the money you save over the years makes up for it. Getting to work out on your own schedule in the convenience of your own home is priceless. Once you have these few basics, you’ll be ready to move onto the next step to expand your gym.
Space Saving Fitness Home Gym Ideas
Having a good amount of space dedicated to your home gym is a good idea, but thinking of space saving equipment is a good idea no matter what kind of fitness home gym you are building. And if you can find multi use space saving home gyms, you’ve found a gold mine. With any space saving home gym, you should always do your research, particularly user reviews from websites such as Amazon.
My favorite multi gym equipment by far is the Iron Gym Total Upper Body Workout Bar. It takes advantage of the empty space in the doorway to your gym. It hooks on to the door frame and allows you to do pull ups and chin ups in three different grip positions: narrow, neutral and wide. You can also use it at the bottom of the door to hook your feet under and perform some awesome crunches. You can also use it on the floor outside of the door archway for a variety of other exercises to work your triceps and other parts of your body.
The treadmill is one of the most popular gym exercises, making it a must have for lots of people’s fitness home gyms. But it can also take up a considerable amount of space. Luckily, folding treadmills are now common place in many gym equipment companies.
I am asked often if fold up treadmills are as good as bulkier non-collapsible treadmills. My answer is always simple: You get what you pay for. Some of the cheaper folding treadmills are flimsy and may break if too much pressure is placed on them. The same is true of non folding treadmills. Some of the cheaper ones may not last as long as an expensive one with more work put into it.
Another space saver is to purchase adjustable hand weights instead of buying a pair of dumbbells for each weight. You can also use the plates from your hand weights on your exercise bar later on to save money.
It is important to remember that space savers are not always the best product. You will have to weigh the pros and cons of each product. If something saves you room in your gym, but breaks a few months later, it really wasn’t worth it in the long run. Look into the warranty information with any space saving gym you are interested in to make sure you can get the most for your money. For certain items, you are going to have to bite the bullet and purchase some bulkier gym equipment.
Why Working Out From Home Is Definitely Doable
If you are still using the excuse of not having an expensive gym membership as your reasoning for your unhealthy state it’s time to throw that excuse out the window and get moving. You don’t have to have a fancy treadmill at home either. There are a lot of ways you can lose weight by working out at home. Use some of these tips to help you to get focused at home, and to start burning some calories.
1. Get some essentials. If you can afford to get some dumbbells and a jump rope you will have all the fitness gear you need to get down to business. The average 150 pound individual will burn about 170 calories jump roping in fifteen minutes. The average 200 pound individual will burn 220 calories jump roping in fifteen minutes. That is a lot of calories. Intermixing jump roping and lifting weights can help you to burn some major calories and lose stomach fat. When purchasing dumbbells be sure to get a weight that is heavy enough that it will challenge you, but is still doable.
2. Find some programs online, or on TV. If you have a fitness channel see what programs they are offering and make it a point to be on schedule, so you can follow along. Search for workouts online and find some programs that you can fit into your daily routine.
3. Utilize the open road. Take your kids for a walk. Go for a jog. Go for a bike ride. These activities cost you nothing, and you can make them fit to your busy schedule. Be sure to go in safe areas, and try to find a partner to go with you if possible. Always keep your cell phone on you, and let people know where you are going.
4. Run stairs. Utilize that stair case you hate climbing endlessly as a great calorie burner. Running up and down the stairs for five minutes burns 70 calories for a 150 pound individual and almost 85 if you weight 200 pounds. This is another great way to utilize intervals with weight training.
5. Get some fitness DVD’s. There are a lot of at home work out programs available out there. Do some research and find the program you think will suit you best.
6. Make a schedule and follow it. Working out at home can be easily interrupted by a lot of other things, but if you schedule out time for it and be sure that nothing else takes precedence you will see results. Remember that your health is just as important, if not more, than a lot of the things that will creep into your day. Make yourself a priority.
Continue reading for more information on how to lose belly fat, weight loss, and healthy eating tips.