$100 Home Gym
By Shawn McKee
Exercise is a crucial element of a healthy lifestyle, but if you’ve been procrastinating on a gym membership because of the cost and hassle, it may be time to consider staying home with a personal home gym for under $100.
Joining a gym can be an excruciating endeavor: High-pressure salespeople, outrageous signup fees, intimidating muscle-bound clientele and a contract that forfeits your firstborn if you want to quit before the “agreement” ends.
I just moved and joined a big name gym and, after two days of negotiations, I signed a 36-year deal with a minimal signup fee. However, if I wish to cancel the contract, I have to pay a third of the national deficit and they get my eternal soul. It seems steep, I know, but I got two free sessions with a personal trainer! Score!
In an effort to help readers save some money (as well as their firstborn), eDiets has put together the perfect home gym for under $100. Pay about as much as the signup fee, and have a gym you can use for years -- without the waiting, driving or sweaty guys staring at you.
Raphael Calzadilla, eDiets Chief Fitness Pro, outlines the supplies you’re going to need to give “homebody” a whole new meaning.
“It’s not necessary to join a gym in order to reach ones goals,” Raphael explains. “If you like convenience and have a bit of discipline, or have kids and just can’t leave to go to the gym, then it’s a great solution.”
Convenience is one of the biggest advantages of a home gym -- there’s no drive time, waiting for equipment and you can play the music you like, says Raphael.
Plus, if you’re a germ-a-phobe like a friend of mine, you can avoid all the devious germs that go unseen at the gym -- which can be a hotbed for all different types of bacteria from strep throat to stomach viruses.
Here’s what you’ll need to make your home-gym hard body, while avoiding the lines, germs, jerks and high price of joining a gym.
Fitness balls are great because "they can assist in tightening muscles, achieving firm abdominals, strengthening the lower back and improving balance,” according to Raphael. “Combined with a cardiovascular program and eDiets nutrition plan, you can make outstanding enhancements to your body and overall level of fitness.
However, he warns that when purchasing a fitball, “one size does not fit all.” Follow these size guidelines:
Under 5’0” -- 45cm ball
5’1/4” to 5’6” – 55cm ball
5’6 ¼” to 6’0” – 65cm ball
Over 6’0” – 75cm ball
(Cost: $14-$28)
Jumping rope is an integral part of many athletes’ exercise program. Plus, all you need to start is a rope and some comfortable shoes, such as cross-trainers.
“Jumping rope moderately for 30 minutes will burn a whopping 400 calories,” Raphael says. He suggests following the pro boxers, baseball players, track stars and volleyball players, “by jumping into shape.”
To choose the right length rope, step one foot on the center of the rope and straighten the ropes pulling both handles up to the chest, which is the right length. (Cost: $6.99-$21)
Fitness bands are great because you can replicate any movement that you would perform using free weights. It also allows for wide variety in your routine Raphael explains.
When selecting tubing follow these color guidelines: Yellow tubing is extra light resistance and good for smaller muscle groups. Green tubing is considered light resistance and is a good selection for beginners. Red is for the intermediate or when working larger muscle groups such as chest, back or legs. Blue is considered heavy resistance and black is very heavy resistance. (Cost: $7-$20)
Mats are important because they provide support and cushioning for the entire body while doing things like sit-ups or Yoga. (Cost: $20)
Dumbbells are a smart way to increase overall strength, increase bone density, look leaner -- and they don’t take up much room. They come in a variety of weights and you can inexpensively get heavier ones when your fitness level outgrows your old weights. (Cost: $2.99-$20)
Videos are a great way to break the monotony. They provide workout versatility such as Tae Bo, aerobic dance, yoga or Pilates. Videos also provide a workout diversion by trying something new. There are so many to choose from, just find one or two that work for you. (Cost: $14.98-$49.95)
That’s what you’ll need to drop pounds faster than a Chuck Norris roundhouse kick -- without getting robbed by big corporate gym gangsters.
