What Are Some Must-Have Pieces of Equipment for a Home Gym?

Working out at home has a number of advantages of working out in a gym. The main reason people generally like to workout at home is because it saves them a lot of money. Gym memberships are not cheap and although you get access to a number of different machines, you don’t really need them and you probably don’t even use most of what you see in a typical gym. You can get a highly effective workout with a few simple, inexpensive pieces of equipment.

  • Dumbbells or Hand Weights. You can find dumbbells just about anywhere. You don’t have to visit a specialty exercise equipment store to find them and they are very inexpensive. If you’re looking for a heavier set – say over 25# – then you may need to visit a sports equipment store. Dumbbells should definitely be at the top of your home gym equipment list because they can be used to complete hundreds of different strength training exercises. Strength training exercises will build muscle and help your body burn more fat. If you don’t want to spend the money on dumbbells or hand weights right now, you can substitute soup cans or water jugs.  A great space saver is an adjustable dumbbell.  A pair of adjustable dumbbells will take up about 75% less space than a collection of set weight dumbbells.
  • One Cardio Machine. I’m not a big fan of running outdoors. If you’re like me, you can still get some great cardiovascular exercise by investing in a cardio machine. You might choose a treadmill, elliptical or recumbent bike. Just choose something you think you’ll get the most use out of. If you’re looking for cheap home gym equipment you can visit second-hand stores, garage sales or ask friends or family members if they have something they aren’t using – chances are you’ll find something fairly cheap. You don’t have to buy exercise equipment brand new!
  • Jump Rope. Jump ropes are very handy to have because you can get a great cardio workout using them. You could jump rope as a warm-up or as your cardiovascular workout for the day. It’s easy to change up the intensity to keep things interesting and you’ll be making your heart stronger too.

All things realized, you can furnish your own home gym at a fraction of the cost of a monthly gym membership. You don’t have to start with everything and it doesn’t have to be fancy. Just start slowly if you need to and build up your equipment as your budget allows.

Using Protein and Exercise For A New You

There are hundreds of protein powders on the market these days – there is a lot of talk about how they don’t bulk you up, but in my experience unless you are trying to gain weight I would be careful about the type you choose.

It is not really hard to incorporate enough protein into your daily diet. However it is convenient for those of us who are time deficient (ie are parents/students/work full-time or just plain busy) to simplify matters by using protein powder as supplement to your protein intake.

If you are striving to reduce your body weight or even to maintain the weight you are currently at (don’t we all know how quickly that can fluctuate?) I would really recommend the best low carb protein powder that you can source.

There are a variety of ways to factor it in you can use it to replace your lunch, make sure you have a nutritious morning and afternoon tea, fresh fruit or a cup of veggie soup, or use it morning and afternoon between main meals to sustain your energy levels.

Nutrition alone is not enough to re-sculpt your body shape or shed unwanted weight you may have gained you need to use this in combination with an exercise program. It does not have to be complicated you don’t need a personal trainer, you don’t even need to join a gym. You do need to commit to getting out there and revving your metabolism with brisk walking at least most days with the weekend for resting or whatever works best for your timetable. I know this isn’t easy for people with family or in a cold or hot climate or if you don’t really feel like you want to walk around without a walking partner. That is why leasing gym equipment benefits most people in innumerable ways – you can find 20 minutes to work out without having to drive to the gym or organize child care. You can even be around to turn the oven off – it really is an excellent opportunity to follow through with your better health and fitness ambitions.

Affordable Home Exercise Gyms

What inspired me to start working out at home was getting fed up with the cost of my gym and being annoyed by how crowded it was.  I wanted to make a home exercise gym that I could comfortably work out in whenever I wanted.  At first, it is daunting because of the cost of some of the larger and better gym equipment out there.  Your first few purchases have to be affordable and highly effective at the same time.  Here are some of the best gym solutions:

Stamina InStride Plus Electronic Stepper

Cardio machines are often bulky and take up a lot of space at home.  The Electronic Stepper pictured to the left takes up 197 square inches of space!  That’s insanely tiny.  Its inexpensive and is a great start to every home exercise gyms.

Other items to consider at the always useful resistance bands.  You can use a resistance band at home to replicate dozens of exercises that you would normally perform with a dumbbell or barbell.  But if you want to use weights, go for an adjustable dumbbell.  The great thing about using adjustable dumbbells is because it is an investment.  You can always add on to it and it can be used for so many different exercises.  And then the weights can also be used if you get a barbell later on as well.

Weider X-Factor Door Gym

One of the best starter items out there is the Weider X-Factor Door Gym.  It easily attaches to your door and becomes an exercise gym.  Using resistance band technology, it creates a workout for your entire body and takes up barely any space.  It cost equates to about two months of a gym membership.  It will work as an effective workout device while you save up for something that works you a bit more.

Cheap doesn’t always equate to good quality, so be sure to do your research before purchasing anything.  Always remember to start with exercise gym pieces that are versatile and work many muscle groups before purchasing pricier equipment that works only certain muscle groups.  Versatile options are always the best gym solution.  Home exercise gyms aren’t usually built in a day, so take your time to make sure that yours is catered to exactly what you need.

10 Pounds Gone in a Week

People want to have fast weight loss. No one really wants to have a long road for weight loss. But I would like to tell you, weight loss is a road better taken slow. The shortcuts always have risks, but this could also be a way to jump start your weight loss. This is how to lose weight the fast way.

Ten pounds gone in a week, is an achievable goal. Never think that you can’t make it, if you’re already thinking that you failed, you will fail.

Limit

You will have to limit the amount of food that you will eat. Instead of having heavy meals, try to cut it to halves. Limit alcohol, sodas, and carbonated drinks. You should limit carbohydrates if you really want fast results. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy. If you cut that from the diet, fats will become the source of energy and the one that is burned.

Change

Change the diet that you have, if you usually eat fast or processed foods. Try to change it to vegetables, lean meat, fish, and fruits. Have these servings in small size and well distributed during the day. It is better to separate meals several times a day in small sizes, to maintain the heightened metabolic rate, and decrease hunger pangs.

Move

In every opportunity, try to move and break a sweat. Exercise is the best way to burn calories. If you are planning to lose ten pounds in a week, then make this the most active week of your life. Try to jog, run, hike, bike, etc. Walk to work, climb the stairs, play running games with the kids. There are a lot of ways to move.  You could also exercise in your home fitness gym or get a good workout in using your home gym machine.

New

Try something new. Try to make up your own diet plan that you would really love, and that has low calorie level, but high nutrition level. Have fresh fruits, instead of powdered juice. Create shakes made up from different fruits. Try green tea, said to increase metabolic rate. The thing here is to open your mind to different healthy and natural approach.

Once you get these things done during your first day, then you are on the right track on how to lose 10 pounds in a week. Try to get the goal and after that, another approach will be introduced to you.