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!
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!
Select An Elliptical Trainer To Get Fit
For the person who would like to walk or run their way to good health, an elliptical trainer exercise machine can offer the perfect workout and be a great addition to any home fitness gym. This stationary piece of equipment is designed to reduce pressure on the joints while the user jogs or runs in place. Multiple performance settings allow the user to choose higher or lower impact training levels with a reduced risk of injuries.
These machines have been shown to offer a number of health benefits if used properly on a regular basis. Bone density can only be improved or maintained through activities that are weight bearing. Those very same exercises, however, tend to put undue stress and strain on joints and muscles and this can lead to a wide variety of health issues. One thing that many people find attractive is how simple this machine is to master. The walking motion is easy for anyone to sustain and the user gets a workout that benefits every part of the body at the same time.
Each elliptical trainer for sale on the market has its own specific features that you will want to know about and pay attention to when you are choosing one for your home gym. Many machines are equipped with magnetic braking technology. This is actually necessary for certain programs used by the equipment. For maximum benefit, the trainer should run evenly and smoothly. Avoid any machine that appears to jerk or move abruptly when in use.
There are a number of companies that offer these types of exercise machines, so you will want to review the features of several different machines before you buy one of your own. For the fitness buff on a strict budget, the Nautilus E514 Elliptical model is a good option. Another popular brand is Life Fitness, a company that receives generally positive feedback from satisfied customers. If you are a beginner and don’t anticpate becoming a full on fitness freak then the stamina inmotion e1000 trainer could be a good small, low price elliptical trainer that is easy to store and will improve your fitnes. You can gather information about these companies from various sources online.
Cost for a cross trainer can vary from just a few hundred dollars to a couple thousand dollars or more. For the most part, the most expensive machines will be much more equipment than an individual will need and will typically be found in a professional gym. You can feel comfortable spending much less for a gym machine to use at home. Make a list of which features you must have and which you can live without. This way you can narrow down the choices and make it easy to find a machine that is exactly suited to your particular needs.
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.
Top Running Tips For Beginners
Taking up running is a wise decision whether your intention is to lose a great deal of weight or simply jump start a healthier lifestyle with home fitness. Before you put on your running shoes though, there are a number of things to know in order to maintain safety and get maximum results.
Here area few running tips for beginners:
Have yourself checked up by a physician before starting the routine
If you are to commit to this type of exercise regimen, it is important that you are aware of the limitations your body might have. Certain conditions such as obesity, cardiac problems, and such other things can affect your performance as well as your body’s reaction toward exertion. A through checkup by a physician would ensure that you are not going in blindly and that you will be safe as you push physical capabilities.
Wear the right apparel
Being in the right set of clothing will not only keep you comfortable but also make you motivated to run harder. It is very important that you are in running clothes i.e. spandex shorts, jogging shoes, and jogging socks. As for the top, men can pretty much wear anything such as old white cotton shirts but women should be smart enough to invest in a good top as well as proper underwear that can actually lend support. There are clothes which are designed specifically for runners so you might as well get a set.
Pace yourself well
While it is tempting to really push yourself right off the bat, it is more prudent to take it slow and assess just how far you can take it within the first few days. Do not be embarrassed if you are not as fast or as steady as you would have hoped because the important thing is that you remain active and that your heart rate is up.
Hydrate properly
Dehydration is among the most common problems for rookie runners. Keep in mind that you will be sweating a lot through the course of your morning run so it is imperative to keep your electrolytes up otherwise you run the risk of getting exhausted and weak before you complete the rounds. The trick is to jog around your neighborhood or somewhere you can easily find clean water or natural juice. Some runners like to juice up at the nearest health juice bar where freshly picked fruits are available everyday.
Consider alternatives
You don’t have to just jog to get a thorough exercise. Consider picking a gym sport such as basketball or racquetball. You’ll find the jogging will increase your stamina in these games and playing the games will help you be able to run farther. Also think about purchasing a treadmill for your home fitness gym to use when the weather outside is bad.
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.
Your Fitness Home Gym From The Floor Up
When people want to do home exercises, they tend to start with stockpiling equipment, but something that can be neglected when you are building your own fitness home gym is the floor itself. Depending on where you are building your gym, you may need to take steps to protect your floor and/or your equipment.
A great place to set up a home gym is a basement or garage. Both locations offer plenty of room and allow the gym to be hidden from view if guests come over. Most garages and basements have concrete floors which is extremely hard and can chip or damage your weights if they are dropped to hard, which does happen from time to time. It can also help dampen the sound of weights banging against the ground.
Adding a few layers of shock absorbing material to the floor can make all the difference. A simple solution is to add a few layers of plywood with a nonslip rug on top. It is firm and does the job, but may not be as aesthetically pleasing as some other options. A better and just slightly more expensive option are interlocking rubber mats. You have probably seen them at the free weight area of your local gym. They interlock with edges reminiscent of jigsaw puzzles and come in a variety of colors to spruce up your gym area.
If you are building your multi gym in a room in your house with nice flooring, the interweaving rubber floor mats are a necessity. Believe me, you want to take care of this before any damage occurs to your beautiful hardwood floors as opposed to after.
With your floor in place, you are ready to start adding some bigger pieces of equipment to get your best home gym exercise. Having a shock absorbing floor is also extremely helpful for jumping rope or other aerobic activities such as a home gym sport, to reduce the pressure that can be placed on your knees.
Wii Fitness Home Gym
The trend in home exercise lately has been heading towards a more electronic direction. Integrating the electronics that are in their lives into their workouts comes naturally to most people including myself. Some of the best electronic helpers come from the same device: the Wii.
When the Wii Fit and its Balance Board were first introduced, it caused a sensation. Some predicted that it would become the best selling electronic device ever, while some thought it would fade into obscurity. Well, its safe to say that the former was right and the latter was way off.
The Wii Fit’s Balance Board became the electronic item that you had to get your hands on but couldn’t. And that lasted for well over a year. The Balance Board is great for improving your balance, posture and strengthening your core. But for a great gym workout, I’d recommend another product from the Wii’s arsenal.
EA Active, released in 2009, is exactly what I needed. It is an ideal home gym exercise. Wii Fit felt too much like a game. EA Active definitely has some fun moments, but for the most part it is an electronic trainer that pushes you to workout harder than you would on your own volition. Using the included resistance bands, you get a real workout. The leg strap allows the Wii to accurately track your movements so that it can tell you if you need to run faster for the running section of squat or lunge lower for the most effective workout.
The game features a bunch of already designed workouts as well as an easy interface to set up your own workout. Its main selling point is its 30 Day Challenge designed to introduce you to all of the workout options get you on the path to a healthier life.
My original gripe with the Wii Fit was that you couldn’t queue up a workout. You had to go back to the menu and pick your next workout, which got to be quite tedious. This has been fixed with Wii Fit Plus which can be purchased with or without the Balance Board. There are several options for different gym exercises as well as a new way of setting a calorie goal for your entire workout.
There several other fitness games out there as well, and they are starting to get smart by synching up all the different accessories and coming up with some new ones making it a multi gym of sorts. One that looks awesome is a dumbbell set that connects with your Wii Remote to increase your workout. With so many pieces of equipment, a variety of games and the technology improving exponentially, it is clear that the Wii is soon becoming a vital component of any home exercise gyms.
Click here to see some fantastic Wii Fitness related items.