You don't need an expensive gym membership to stay in shape. Invest in a few versatile pieces of exercise equipment that you can use at home for a fraction of the cost. To save space and money, choose versatile equipment that can be used to target a variety of muscle groups. Talk to your doctor before making changes in your exercise program, especially if you have injuries or health problems.
Stability Ball
A stability ball is a large air-filled rubber ball that will help add intensity to your weight-training exercises. Stability balls may also improve balance because many stability ball exercises involve balancing your body weight carefully on the ball. Up the ante on your floor exercises by incorporating a stability ball into your workout. Lie down on your back on top of the stability ball with your knees bent and both feet on the floor, shoulder width apart. Cross your arms in front of your chest and do crunches, creating more resistance than regular crunches on the floor.
Resistance Band
Resistance bands are long, thin, rubber tubes or sheets that you can grab onto or tie onto your hands or feet. Resistance bands will add extra intensity to the exercises you would normally do at home, like pushups. Wrap the resistance band across your back, then hold both ends with your hands. Get down on the ground in the pushup position, pressing the ends of the resistance band between your palms and the ground to keep them sturdy. As you push up, the band will push against you, helping you get a better workout.
Dumbbells
Turn every exercise into an arm-targeting workout with hand weights, or dumbbells. Purchase a few dumbbells in varying sizes -- do bicep curls with the heavier dumbbells and save the 1- and 2-lb. hand weights to add even more intensity to your resistance band exercises. Hold a 2-lb. hand weight in each hand, then lay a resistance band out on the ground in front of you. Stand in the center of the band, then hold each end of the band, along with the hand weights, in each hand. Bend down into a squat, then straighten your knees, tightening the resistance band, straightening your legs and arms simultaneously.
Elliptical Machine
If money is no object, purchase an elliptical machine to use in your home workout room. An elliptical machine works the same muscles as running or jogging, but also minimizes impact on the knees and back. Opt for an elliptical machine that has arm poles that move back and forth along with your legs so you can get a full-body workout.
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