Home Exercise On a Budget: What Do You Recommend?

FatOldBat
FatOldBat Posts: 3,307 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Is there a decent treadmill, for instance, that won't break the bank?

Replies

  • crazorbaq
    crazorbaq Posts: 74 Member
    If you are set on a treadmill, try 2nd hand shops. We have one from here called Play it AGain sports, 2nd hand used sports/exercise equipment. I have bought a couple of treadmills from Walmart and they are good for the price. However, you just CANNOT beat going outside to walk/run, whatever. Right now i am walking outside with ankle weights/wrist weights and get in a really good workout. :)
  • choijanro
    choijanro Posts: 754 Member
    you can also do some bodyweight exercise & watching zumba :)
  • bcf7683
    bcf7683 Posts: 1,653 Member
    Jump rope is GREAT. And they're cheap. You can find programs online that incorporate body weight, dumb bells and jump rope.
  • lilRicki
    lilRicki Posts: 4,555 Member
    There's lots of ideas on Pinterest too, the health and fitness section has printable plans of action :) good luck!
  • cheeky0122
    cheeky0122 Posts: 38 Member
    There's also TONS of websites and videos that go over body weight exercises, or circuits. Even if you don't have weights around the house, grab a bag and fill it with soup cans or a jug filled with water. If you're on a budget and want to work out at home, google is your best friend (:
  • bokodasu
    bokodasu Posts: 629 Member
    Good treadmills are expensive, and bad ones are bad. :(

    I recommend bodyweight exercise, because it's as close to free as you can get. They do tend to get you with the "stuff you have around the house" that actually requires trips to two hardware stores and a Sports Authority to actually acquire, but most of the time you can work around that. I think I've paid about $100 for all my stuff, because I got it over time watching for good deals. (Exercise bands, chinup bar, adjustable dumbbells, an HRM and a couple of books, nothing major.)

    PLUS you can pack it all away in a box or a closet or something, unlike a treadmill which tends to turn into a clothes hanger in short order.

    I've used and like Never Gymless and You Are Your Own Gym, which also has an app. There's also Body By You by the YAYOG guy, which I haven't used, but is supposed to be tailored more for women.
  • whatjesseats
    whatjesseats Posts: 228 Member
    Walk or run outside; it's free. For exercising in the home, there are a lot of great free workout videos on YouTube, and many use no or minimal equipment. I like Fitness Blender.
  • FatOldBat
    FatOldBat Posts: 3,307 Member
    Thanks, and you're right about walking/running outdoors. I'm thinking ahead to the next NJ winter when sidewalks and trails vanish.
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    Thanks, and you're right about walking/running outdoors. I'm thinking ahead to the next NJ winter when sidewalks and trails vanish.

    This is a great way to "walk" indoors: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rnB9rDRrCM

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjduJjO1pLg&feature=related

    These DVDs sell for around &10 at Target, Wal-Mart. Your local library should have a bunch. If you want to run (indoors) look for a mini-trampoline.
  • JulieAnn72
    JulieAnn72 Posts: 795 Member
    I honestly wouldn't bother with the treadmill unless you're really looking to get into running and want to be able to train in the winter.

    I recommend just using things like fitnessblender.com, YouTube videos and the Skimble Workout Trainer app. You can get a variety of cardio and strength exercises from those things, and you really don't need any equipment except maybe a mat, some dumbbells (if you want) and maybe an exercise ball or other little equipment as you move along and see what sorts of exercises you like.
  • sarah2002
    sarah2002 Posts: 77 Member
    Check out your local library for exercise DVDs. I use those a lot in the winter when it is too cold and dark to run outside. Also, if you have cable, sometimes it will have a fitness section with free workouts.
  • itsscottwilder
    itsscottwilder Posts: 317
    Is there a Play it again sports in your area?

    Rowing machine is my favorite.
  • BattleTaxi
    BattleTaxi Posts: 752 Member
    There is a group on here that adds daily routines to do. Also, there is a channel on youtube that posts weekly videos! They even have a lot of the Jillian Michaels routines! Most you may need to "invest" in would be some 2-5lb hand weights, depending on your strength. But if you had to really be on a budget, I've used stuff like bottles filled with rocks or cans of soup! :)

    http://www.youtube.com/user/BeFit
  • brookehe
    brookehe Posts: 413 Member
    How about FREE??? The library loans exercise videos. You can also challenge yourself to scour your local thrift shops for tapes and equipment too. I scored two DVDs for a quarter each and a brand-new 3 pack Leslie Sansone Walking Program DVD set for $2 (no treadmill required!) Hope this helps. :smile:
  • tmm_0127
    tmm_0127 Posts: 545 Member
    You should search for exercise videos on youtube. Fr-fr-fr-freeeee! :)
  • toothpastechica
    toothpastechica Posts: 250 Member
    If you are looking for budget skip the treadmill and run outside! I also do squats, push ups (sometimes), sit ups, planks etc...all free, and I use free apps to motivate/challenge me. I also have pilates videos that I picked up at the second had store for a dollar each and use zumba for the xbox Kinect (since my hubby has one I might as well use it!)
  • corgicake
    corgicake Posts: 846 Member
    Craigslist. It's my go-to place for most big ticket items.
  • Beautifullymadetoday
    Beautifullymadetoday Posts: 36 Member
    try dancing its free and you will have a blast just remember to smile, it makes it all the more fun
  • Doskymom
    Doskymom Posts: 6
    Are you interested in workout DVDs at all? I would go to www.collagevideo.com and look at the clips of the workouts and see which ones might interest you. There are lots of places that sell DVDs for less than $10.00. E-bay and Amazon are two that have good prices.
  • Beautifullymadetoday
    Beautifullymadetoday Posts: 36 Member
    :tongue: oh my goodness i love your pic that dogs the cuttest thing i eva seen lol
    :laugh:
  • jimmmer
    jimmmer Posts: 3,515 Member
    Kettlebell. Full stop.
  • nichi123
    nichi123 Posts: 244
    Check out YouTube. Tiffany Rothe is great. I use the free ones on 'Fitness TV' on Sky. They're amazing!!! Walking too (although I know it's outside!) Good luck!:happy:
  • olerolls
    olerolls Posts: 70 Member
    I wouldn't bother with a treadmill, personally. Too expensive, too bulky and results aren't that great.

    There is a ton you can do for free... there are a lot of great fitness channels on YouTube. Also check out Blogilates, You are Your Own Gym (book or iPad app) for bodyweight exercises, search for kettlebell routines, etc.. There is SO much out there that can really give you a great workout for little to no cost.
  • JaneLane33
    JaneLane33 Posts: 80 Member
    Thanks, and you're right about walking/running outdoors. I'm thinking ahead to the next NJ winter when sidewalks and trails vanish.

    This is a great way to "walk" indoors: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rnB9rDRrCM

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjduJjO1pLg&feature=related

    These DVDs sell for around &10 at Target, Wal-Mart. Your local library should have a bunch. If you want to run (indoors) look for a mini-trampoline.

    I like the Leslie Sansone "walks" for when the weather is bad. After a few times I get to know the routine and I mute Leslie's chatter and put on my own music instead. I'm not a treadmill fan I find it boring.
    I got a good deal on several workout dvds from half priced books.
  • contingencyplan
    contingencyplan Posts: 3,639 Member
    For cardio: A good pair of shoes and, if it tickles your fancy, a jump rope. Combine that with suspension trainer. All you need.
  • SwitzEngine
    SwitzEngine Posts: 3,418 Member
    You don't need to spend a lot to be able to work out. There are so many exercises for cardio and strength available. It is more a question about your motivation to do it and about the determination you have. I didn't go to a gym for the past 12 years. I have my workout at home or in the nature. You can always buy a DVD for motivation. There are heaps to chose from. But the most important thing is that you listen to your body.

    Buy a HRM for a propper insight to your body. I use one for every workout and I can adjust the intensity to whatever my goal is. If you wanna loose fat you have to be in the fat burning zone. For cardio you have to be higher but u dont burn as much fat. This things are cheap and I guess in the US you get them from WalMart or so
  • LydsVille77
    LydsVille77 Posts: 126 Member
    Nike Training Club app is FREE and uses mostly body weight. I swear by it...
  • debbiewsharpe
    debbiewsharpe Posts: 486 Member
    Obvously you have internet access. Go to youtube and type Leslie Sansone Walking video. There are many to choose from. Also, many other types of exercises (all free). It doesn't take a gym membership or expnsive equitment. Loose clohing, tennis shoes and videos will work. I have been using the waking vide and have lost weight. Eat right, track you food on MFP and walk. Good luck to you.
  • MamaMaryC
    MamaMaryC Posts: 142 Member
    Wal*Mart has some exercise machines for a decent price. I had a stair stepper that was $97. It lasted for years, till I gave it way.
  • cartoontree
    cartoontree Posts: 27
    30 day shred was £5/$7 on amazon or is free on youtube, all you need is small dumbbells and it is hard!

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