Anyone who knows me knows I am a big fan of low-tech, no-frills training. I haven't trained at a health club in years, and have no intention of doing so any time soon. I believe fitness should be accessible to everyone, and that money and time should never be an obstacle to achieving a fit and strong body.
Yes, it's true. You don't need to spend $3000 on a treadmill, $2000 on a home gym, and $1000's of dollars for personal training, especially during a challenging economy. Nor do you need to sit in traffic, wait for equipment, and suffer the spandex-wearing masses that crowd the local gym. So here are some of my suggestions for saying no to the health club, and becoming a successful home "body":
1. Never buy equipment new. Virtually all of the home equipment I have purchased over the years I have acquired for pennies on the dollar from Craigslist, Goodwill, or as a last resort, second-hand sporting goods stores. Even electronics such as treadmills can be purchased for very little, and with a little maintenance, can serve you for a long time.
2. Free weights beat machines every time. A decent barbell set with dumbbell handles can be bought used for under $100 or less on Craigslist. You can often get the whole package of bench, weights, and dumbbells for less than $200. These will last a LONG time.
3. A jump rope costs about $10 and is one of the best exercises for fitness. Not to mention you can take it anywhere!!
4. A power tower allows you to do dips, pullups, and leg raises, and typically costs around $125 new, or much less used. It can take up a bit of space, so if that is an issue, try the Iron Gym pullup device for doorways. It can be had used for only about $10, or $20 new.
5. Many cardiovascular machines such as bikes and treadmills can be purchased very cheaply online from previous owners. Let them pay the depreciation for you! Also, if you don't mind getting creative in your program, you can acquire some machines such as a Healthrider or stepper for virtually nothing.
6. For a great exercise device that costs very little, try the ab wheel roller, available for about $10-15 at most sporting goods stores. Start out performing the exercise on your knees, and see if you can progress to a standing rollout. It's harder than it looks, and will give you GREAT core strength!
7. Keep in mind that bodyweight exercise can be done with very little if any equipment, and can be done ANYWHERE. Google "bodyweight exercise" or email me for help.
8. Can't afford a personal trainer? Of course you can. Many personal trainers now offer half hour sessions for as little as $30 for one-on-one, and less if you train with a partner. A few sessions can give you a great idea how to get started, and an occasional tune-up session thereafter can be a nice boost.
9. Personal trainer still too much for the budget? Then try group classes such as boot camps. These programs can cost as little as $12 per session, and the camaradarie and motivational support can really help in getting you going.
10. Not enough space to train? Yes, you do. I set up my first exercise area in a 2 bedroom 1000 square foot apartment, squeezed in between my couch and the computer desk in our living room. I was able to do anything from deadlifts to overhead presses to burpees. You may have to adjust your exercises to your space available, but don't give up because you don't have 500 square feet to devote to a home gym.
These are just a few suggestions. Yes, it is possible to train at home, for almost nothing. Sure beats having to wait for equipment, be harrassed by salespeople, and have to wipe someone else's sweat off of the benches. Not to mention you save gas, time, and money!!
Be healthy, my friends.
http://upandrunningatl.blogspot.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment