6 Essentials for Your Home Gym: SparkPeople SlideShow

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Resistance Bands

Joining a gym is a great way to get in shape, but it's not the only way. You can get an effective workout without ever leaving the house. Here's what you need and how to set up a gym at home.

Bands or "tubes" are great because they are compact, portable, and allow for a wide range of motion.�Resistance bands come in 3-5 different levels of resistance and usually run around $15 for a set.�

Dumbbells (Free weights)

A good set of dumbbells will help you start a strength training routine.� Expect to pay $10-$20 for a pair of 5-pound weights.�Prices will increase as the weight goes up.�

Stability Ball

An exercise ball goes by many names (stability, Swiss, physio, etc.) and is extremely versatile.�You can use them in place of an exercise bench for many exercises, improving your balance and coordination.�The balls come in different sizes (based on your height and weight), and a rainbow of colors, and cost around $25 apiece.�

Exercise Mat

Place a good exercise mat on the floor to stretch comfortably and cushion your body during floor exercises�a must if you do a lot of Pilates or yoga.�For about $20 you can get a sticky mat (for Pilates and yoga), which is thin�but better than a hard floor.�The price goes up for larger and thicker mats.

Jump Rope

Use a $15 jump rope for a quick and effective cardio workout. Slowly jumping rope burns 120 calories every 10 minutes; jump faster and burn 140 calories in 10 minutes. Opt for a thick cloth rope or a plastic beaded rope; thinner plastic ropes tend to twist easier.

Cardio Machines

Once you have the basics, consider investing in a piece of cardio equipment.�Make sure your machine has different resistance levels to allow for workout variety and challenge as you progress.�Costs vary, from $400 for a basic stationary bike to over $600 for a good treadmill.�

Setting Up Your Gym

Now that you know what to buy, make sure you have enough space for your gym.�If you can't dedicate a room to exercising, set aside a corner of the basement or home office. Choose a room with a high ceiling, and a sturdy, clean floor.�Make sure you've got good lighting and ventilation (possibly with a fan).�

Try to set up your gym in a place where you'll have access to a TV so you can watch your favorite workout DVDS or a stereo so you can crank some energetic tunes. Better yet, if you have a laptop computer, you can use it to watch workout DVDs, follow along with SparkPeople videos, or listen to music. You�ve created a gym that you can really enjoy!�

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Member comments on this slideshow

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N2MEC3

11/9/2009 2:54:12 PM

I'm am so glad to see that I'm not the only who has used a paint can for weights. Although I have gym membership, there are so many things around your house you can use to stay in shape!

JOYS300

8/4/2009 12:49:32 AM

I have all but the treadmill. But I do have a nordic trak eliptical. I call it my glider. You can set the amount of resistance on it. And has the hand grips that work your arms. My hip does not do well with the impact of a treadmill.

ABBY1013

7/30/2009 4:34:01 AM

I have the ball, the band, dumbells and the rope. My folks were thinking of getting a tredmill but have nowhere to put it. Can anyone recommend great inexpensive workout dvds??

GEOVANA_D25

7/29/2009 8:01:11 PM

I have all of the equipment recommended and love using it. It helps me alternate my workouts to stay motivated and not get bored. I also use my computer to do some of the sp videos. It sure beats paying for a gym membership.

ALISHAC3

7/25/2009 9:05:23 PM

i just have to say...i have lost 80.5 lbs, so many inches i cant keep track and i dont have the treadmill nor the "Bowflex"!!! ive just been faithful to my Biggest Loser dvds (and others)! Trust me, my legs are flawless, and my arms are all most there, butt is great and i feel AMAZING!!! dont waste the money or the space!!

K9CLAUDIA

7/25/2009 5:24:21 PM

If you don't have any dumbbells, you can make your own. Take empty milk containers, either 1/2 gallon or gallon size, half probably works better, and fill with water, sand, or small stones. Cap or tape securely the opening, and there you have a homemade, but functional set of dumbbells. I have used this before and it does work. 1 gal water=3 lbs

K9CLAUDIA

7/25/2009 4:04:23 PM

BEVERLY-L

7/24/2009 11:43:10 AM

hmmm, that reminds me, there's a jump rope around here somewhere that I bought a couple of years ago. I remember there were some coordination issues with using it, I'd forgotten the trick since growing up! I wonder where it is now...

NEEVEWILLOWS

7/24/2009 1:51:56 AM

I have a mini-trampoline, execise bands, mat, yoga balls, but need to get a stability ball

JANETW4

7/23/2009 5:05:31 PM

What about pushup handles? A cardio machine can be a huge expense and in this economy, how about some more wallet-friendly solutions. The website over at perfectpushup.com has some links to some educational content, some of it a bit "out of the box" ... love the jump rope idea!