What fitness equipment would you get for under $500?

contingencyplan
contingencyplan Posts: 3,639 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
You've been given $500 that HAS to be spent on fitness related equipment/supplements/supplies. The only rule is that it can not be something that takes up any floor space when not in use, so no squat racks or weight benches. Give me your list =)
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Replies

  • sjohnny
    sjohnny Posts: 56,142 Member
    Probably a used bicycle and if I had enough left new running shoes and if there was anything left weight plates.

    The bike would hang up in the garage, the shoes go in the closet and the plates go on the rack that's already there so no additional floor space needed.
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    Everything takes up SOME floor space. How much is too much?

    I'd go dumbells and a flat bench. The bench can be stood on its end in a closet or in a corner if need be, and if you had to you could get one of those all-in-one adjustable weight dumbbell sets (with the single pair of dumbbells that adjust to whatever weight you need).
  • TKHappy
    TKHappy Posts: 659 Member
    I would get a new pair of running shoes, a stability ball, a whole lotta dumbells, resistance bands and workout dvds that use body weight resistance!!
  • contingencyplan
    contingencyplan Posts: 3,639 Member
    Everything takes up SOME floor space. How much is too much?

    I'd go dumbells and a flat bench. The bench can be stood on its end in a closet or in a corner if need be, and if you had to you could get one of those all-in-one adjustable weight dumbbell sets (with the single pair of dumbbells that adjust to whatever weight you need).

    If it can be stowed away in a closet when not in use, it's allowed =)
  • Determinednoob
    Determinednoob Posts: 2,001 Member
    A gym membership. It fullfills the unrealistic restrictions of the question yet provides everything needed ;)
  • jmdax
    jmdax Posts: 119 Member
    PowerBlock Dumbells. For $500 you can get ones that adjust from 5-70lbs in 2.5lb increments. As performance and strength improves and money becomes available, you can expand them to 90lbs or even 125lbs if needed. Or you could spend a little less than $400 and get ones that adjust from 5-50lbs, which can expand in the future.
  • Fatal1ty2k5
    Fatal1ty2k5 Posts: 333 Member
    Start searching craigslist for the following..

    Power rack
    bar bell
    300lbs of weights

    I have found these on CL a couple different times for under $500 when toying with the idea of building a home gym.

    Edit: NVM lol after posting I saw the rest of your OP and the part about not taking up floor space...
  • dr3wman
    dr3wman Posts: 205
    $500 worth of Truetein Cinnabun! Pure heaven
  • ethansmug
    ethansmug Posts: 159 Member
    With those restrictions your best bet is to get the $500 all in pennies and just lift sack fulls all day =P
  • KINGoftheBUFF
    KINGoftheBUFF Posts: 67 Member
    Kettle Bells!
  • marypatmccue
    marypatmccue Posts: 521 Member
    All great suggestions... I'd definitely suggest weights of some kind... heard of Les Mills Pump?? It's awesome! You can get the delux version with everything you need for less than $350 I think, and that has weights, a step bench, and cardio as part of the program... and then I'd find out about good supplements!

    Ready, GO!
  • theresmynapkin
    theresmynapkin Posts: 183 Member
    I'd buy P90X, medicine balls, Kettle bells, more running shoes, GU energy gels (I've always wanted to try them!), more free weights :)

    In terms of exercise machines, definitely a spin bike and elliptical trainer (cheaper ones still do the job, and Amazon is great for discounts!)
  • Loulady
    Loulady Posts: 511 Member
    Hmm, for no floor space? Maybe an HRM, new workout clothes, entry fees into races or other events to train for and give me a goal to focus on.
  • Captain_Tightpants
    Captain_Tightpants Posts: 2,215 Member
    A new restraint headboard for my bed.
  • Discoveri
    Discoveri Posts: 435 Member
    Search Craigslist and you can find some great stuff that can be stowed away in your closet and you can buy so much more since you aren't buying it new. Alternatively a gym membership and sessions with a great trainer is another way to spend that cash.
  • jfan175
    jfan175 Posts: 812 Member
    A power rack, bench and an olympic weight set. You'll be set for life.
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    Kettle bells, a dip bar, a weighted vest, WILL POWER!
  • hesn92
    hesn92 Posts: 5,966 Member
    I don't think there's really anything that I would want other than a squat rack and weights and bars and things but you say those aren't allowed. lol. I'd probably spend all the money on new work out clothes and shoes.... or a gym membership for however long that lasts me.
  • mmychal
    mmychal Posts: 69
    My monthly gym membership.

    It's 24 bucks a month so that's 20 months of membership - almost two years. And they have a basketball court, swimming pool, racketball courts and al kinds of other goodies.
  • amytag
    amytag Posts: 206 Member
    Hmm...dumbbells, HRM or Fitbit, running shoes, and maybe some weighted ropes as I've heard they are awesome. But my absolute favorite is my stationary bike - not sure I could give it up, and it takes minimal space.
  • Dawnhasajeep
    Dawnhasajeep Posts: 180 Member
    Jump rope, a few free weights, yoga mat, new sneakers.
  • Brinasacat
    Brinasacat Posts: 505 Member
    Bump
  • stephyy4632
    stephyy4632 Posts: 947 Member
    A gym membership (here is around 360 for a family membership per year ) , some new running shoes , lifting gloves , and if I had enough left over one or two sessions with a personal trainer
  • chivalryder
    chivalryder Posts: 4,391 Member
    HRM, running shoes, and books. You can never have too much knowledge, and on top of that, equipment is useless if you don't know how to use it properly!
  • sunshine77493
    sunshine77493 Posts: 25 Member
    3 kettlebells (which are small enough to fit in your closet) say 15, 25 & 35 pounders; a good jump rope; medium and heavy resistance bands; 10 pound medicine ball; yoga mat; a step bench with risers that can go in the closet. All of these things can fit in a fairly small closet. Also, add in a good whey protein powder such as Jay Robb's. Depending on the deal you get on your kettlebells, you might add one or two more. That's it. You're set. Oh, you might need a kettlebell DVD unless you already know what to do.
  • runfatmanrun
    runfatmanrun Posts: 1,090 Member
    New running shoes, good set of dumbbells, a bosu ball. Yeah that's probably enough.
  • groomchick
    groomchick Posts: 610 Member
    Kettlebells!!! Good all around, no floorspace required!! :)
  • quixoteQ
    quixoteQ Posts: 484
    Pull up bar
    Push up handles
    Poster of Michelle Pfeiffer in catwoman suit
    Yoga mat
    Bowflex adjustable dumbbells
    $485
  • kalena1223
    kalena1223 Posts: 1 Member
    I agree with the folks that suggested resistance bands, dumb bells, fun exercise dvds that will show you creative ways to use them and I would add a jump rope to the list. Good luck!
  • bathsheba_c
    bathsheba_c Posts: 1,873 Member
    Hula hoop, dumbbells, leg weights, bike, resistance bands.

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