Budget Exercise Equip - that works

[libinatorsmom]

Anyone know any in home budget exercise equipment that works!!!! I need some sort of motivational equipment staring at me that I can do while watching TV or my daughter playing... I have looked at treadmils but when I see the prices on them I shiver!!!!! I cant spend that kind of money... I suffer from RA and I am having some really hard times of late and hoping an exercise will help me loose some weight and help me --- I dont have a support system so I am on my own...

 

[jwfla422]

Anyone know any in home budget exercise equipment that works!!!! I need some sort of motivational equipment staring at me that I can do while watching TV or my daughter playing... I have looked at treadmils but when I see the prices on them I shiver!!!!! I cant spend that kind of money... I suffer from RA and I am having some really hard times of late and hoping an exercise will help me loose some weight and help me --- I dont have a support system so I am on my own...

What kind of budget are you looking at? Kathy Smith has great DVDs, many cardio oriented and/or strength training.

 

[Mickey2903]

I would look on Craigslist for used equipment if that's what you wanted. I am currently using a pilates machine. I got started by watching the QVC program on it and I really, really, love it. I have seen people sell their machine for one reason or another at really good prices.

 

[crazelion]

Marching in place while watching TV
Jumping Jacks in between commercials
Push-ups at the end of the show.

Yes I made this up all by self and believe it or not. I love to exercise now. Who said need fancy equipment to exercise. Plus I jump rope to. It's cheap and free. I got jump rope free.

 

[Imzadi]

Look up exercise bike at Walmart.com. There is one that has like over 100 positive reviews and the bike is about $100. I didn't know they were so low in price.

 

[sameyeyam]

Turn up the music. Get the kids involved, run around the living room dancing, jumping and acting like a total idiot. The kids will think it's great and everybody will get all sorts of exercise. Bring out the hula hoops and jump ropes if you have them. If you have satellite tv, use some of the music channels. If a slow song comes on, just change the channel until you find one with a good beat.

 

[christyhud]

We bought an elliptical machine from an ad in the paper for $100. It was a much more expensive machine than I could have ever bought new and was in a great shape. I use it at least 4 times a week. I watch a show that I DVRed and workout until the show is over. I love being able to have the diversion of TV. Good luck with whatever you decide to do - it is so worth it!

 

[m&m's mom]

I saw some inexpensive medicine balls at Target the other day. There are a lot of exercises with that.

 

[Kate and Pete]

Google "Plyometrics" - most requires nothing in terms of equipment - and it can really kick your butt if you want it to!

 

[elgerber]

What kind of budget are you looking at? Kathy Smith has great DVDs, many cardio oriented and/or strength training.

Leslie Sansone has a lot of great walking DVD's also, very easy to follow. You can usually get them at your library to try them out to see if you like them.

 

[crisi]

In my experience, motivational equipment becomes a place to hang laundry. If you are motivated, you'll exercise with or without the equipment.

I'd suggest making a big chart - if you are motivated by seeing something. With stickers for a week completed and bright colors. If your daughter is old enough - have her be who you are accountable to - "did Mommy earn her sticker?"

Then vary your workout by renting different videos from the library. Or if your daughter is watching TV, marching or walking in place or doing calastentics.

Its a poor time of year to start in most of Iowa, but the Couch to 5k (easily googleable) has you run 3 times a week and has a pretty high success rate, but you have to leave your house to do it (or have that expensive treadmill).

 

[lucyem]

Look into rebounding. Lots of health benefits and almost no impact. I can use it and I have the worst knees ever. You can easily pick up a mini trampoline for under $100. (check craigslist) My kids also love it so it gets a ton of use. Jog in place while watching tv. They make work out videos for it too, though I never tried one. I jog/run while watching tv with the kids, while playing my ipod or while using Wii Fit (the running parts).

(I know you said budget but I thought I would mention I love Wii Fit. It keeps me motivated and it is fun. I lost 10 pounds last spring with it. The new version is out next week)

 

[cvjw]

When I really want to get into great shape, I use the FIRM system. You can go to their website, or pick it up off of ebay. Their fanny lifter system will totally transform your body if you do it at least 3 times a week. It is about $100 to buy the whole system, and will last for years.

 

[pink_fins]

Do you have an arthritic pool class by you?
I joined one and my arthritis is much better. Meaning I can move some of those joints that didn't want to move..

Low impact on all the joints and met some new folks

gail

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

A good pair of well-fitting sneakers and some resistance bands.

Seriously. Get your cardio by running and use the resistance bands for toning arms, back and legs.

The rest is just window dressing. Like crisi said, the motivational equipment tend to become a place to hang laundry or stack magazines. That's why you will see them at every yard sale and tons on Craigslist.

 

[pjlla]

I second (or third) the suggestion of the Leslie Sanson "Walk Away the Pounds" DVDs, especially if you are just getting started. They are easy to follow, don't require much of any equipment or space, and are not terribly challenging.

I have a couple that I do as a back up to my other more strenous workouts. I use ankle weights and wrist weights to make the workout more intense. The walks themselves sometimes call for her "Walk Away Weighted Balls" but you could use regular handweights or even soup cans! Other than that you only need sneakers (although I almost always do it barefoot on my carpet at home). If I were you, I would definitely challenge myself to commit to following an exercise program for several months before I would invest any money in a large piece of equipment. I had been following my walking program faithfully for four months before I broke down and invested in my treadmill. That was about 9 years ago. I have gone through spurts of it being used as a clothing hanger, but for the most part it sees pretty regular use.

I also have a "Cardioglide" (popular tv informercial equipment from about 10 years ago) that I got for free at a yard sale. It gets used in spurts, but it is easy to put away in the basement when I don't want it hanging around. And I got a mini-trampoline for free at our town dump. It was actually in better shape than the one I paid $7 for at a yard sale! So you can find decent stuff out there for cheap/free.

Good luck, no matter what you decide......................P

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I don't do this as my only exercise routine (I'm training for a half marathon so I go to the gym often) but I wanted something physical that was easy to do while I watched my shows for an hour or two a week. I bought one of those exercise blow up balls from Target and sit on it and lightly bounce up and down on it while I watch TV. I like it cause it's not noisy and I can watch TV comfortably and my butt and thighs look great!

 

[mom2twinz3]

Another vote for secondhand equipment. My treadmill came from Craigslist for $150, and it is one that would be very expensive new.

But..I also agree with those who say you do not need equipment. Fall is a lovely season for walking. Dancing to upbeat music is very motivational, and DVD's are good as well. Resistance bands are very versatile and low-cost. The important thing is to move.

I wish you luck and hope you find something here that works for you!

 

[Bearvet]

I agree with the Leslie Sansone DVDs only $10-15 and they are fun to do and not too difficult. After I did those for a few months, I decided I'd like a stationary recumbant bike, so I could read while I exercise. I found one on Craigslist for $100 - that was over a year ago and I'm still using it. (Funny thing is - I've never read while I use it! My kids got me an ipod shuffle and I love using that so much, I haven't felt the desire to do anything else).

I recently decided I'd like an elliptical - something lower impact than our treadmill (which I personally have never liked, but the rest of my family likes). I started looking on Craigslist again and there was one for free - they just needed it moved that weekend! It's not top of the line, but it works great and adds something different to my workouts.

Bottom line: exercise DVDs and Craigslist for any equipment. Good luck in getting started - it makes you feels great!

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

Check your library for exercise DVDs and videotapes. It gives you a chance to preview them for free before purchasing!