FITNESS ON THE CHEAP: PART 2

In my last post, I suggested a few ways to get in shape without spending a dime. Today I'll present a couple low-cost options for transforming your flabby, sedentary self into a lean, mean fitness machine. The stuff you'll need isn't free, but it won't break your bank account either. I'm biased, of course, but I think if you can afford to spend a little cash on exercise equipment, you should consider purchasing a basic barbell & dumbbell set (a 110-lb. set should be enough for most beginners) and a sturdy weight bench.


Fortunately for the bargain hunter, used barbell sets are fairly easy to find. In most cases, the sellers suffer from a fairly common neurological disorder in which the desire to exercise is gradually replaced by an overpowering urge to spend more time on the couch. Or sometimes the seller is a dedicated lifter who's simply outgrown the equipment and is preparing to upgrade. In either case, the asking price is sometimes a fraction of what the equipment originally cost, so you can find some great deals--if you know where to look . Garage sales, yard sales and Craig's List are great places to find used and "almost new" weight equipment. Sometimes you'll find everything you need for less than a $100. That's a small price to pay for the amazing benefits you'll get from regularly lifting those weights in various ways. If lifting weights isn't your thing, consider investing in a set of rubber resistance tubing. Inexpensive, effective, versatile and portable, resistance tubing provides a great workout almost anywhere. Several of my clients take tubing with them when they travel so they won't miss a workout while they're away. Resistance tubing can be purchased in sets that include several tubes of various resistance levels. You can find them at most sporting goods stores and even some department stores for $20-$30.


I get my tubing from Spri Products. It's a little more expensive than other brands (prices for individual Xertubes range from $9-$12), but they're well worth the cost. If you order your tubes from Spri, be sure to also purchase a door attachment. It costs only a few bucks, and it'll make your tubing even more versatile. Of course, cheap exercise equipment is only effective if you know how to use it properly. In my next post, I'll tell you where to find some good advice for putting your stuff to good use.