There are a number of indoor options fitting all budgets, from investing in a gym membership to building a home gym. If a home gym sounds good, you’ll be happy to hear that it can be done with less than $400. Of course, sorting out all the different exercise equipment can be a time consuming and confusing process.
Here are some ideas about the equipment.
Strength Training
An adjustable workout bench and a set of dumbbells should be the first consideration.
Make sure the bench can be adjusted to incline and flat positions. Some benches come with a detachable leg extension in order to work the thighs.
If you are just starting out, invest in a pair of light dumbbells (5 to10 pounds) and a pair of ankle weights. As you get stronger, you can increase the weight.
Another strength training option is to invest in some resistance bands of varying tensions. One advantage to using bands is that all major muscle groups can be worked, and one can easily travel with them.
Stability and Core Strengthening
The primary piece of equipment used in stability and core training is the stability ball. The major advantage of the stability ball is that the stabilizers and small muscle groups get worked harder when performing exercises on it.
There are many weight training, abdominal, and flexibility exercises one can do on this ball. For example, try performing a standard abdominal crunch lying on the ball and see how much more it challenges the abs! An instruction booklet filled with exercises usually comes with the ball. One may also consider investing in one of the many books and DVD’s out there that offer instruction on Pilates, yoga, and core strengthening using a stability ball.
Aerobic Training
Indoor aerobic training is usually the most expensive investment in a gym. There are a number of alternatives to sidestep this expensive investment.
One would be to buy a step. One can step on and off for a set amount of time, which will really get the heart pumping, or invest in some stepping videos.
Another option is to jump rope. Jumping rope burns a tremendous amount of calories and requires the development of your rhythmic, endurance, and coordination skills.
For those more interested in a low impact alternative, jumping on a mini trampoline is quite affordable and useful.
All this equipment is available at local sports stores including Modells or Sports Authority and can be bought for under $400. Make sure to warm up before a work out, and check with your physician before beginning any exercise program.
Charles Williams is a certified personal trainer with 10 years of experience who works in Long Island, New York. He specializes in martial arts and weight training.
