Complete Your Home Gym With These Inexpensive Equipment

One of my partner’s resolutions for the year 2019 is to achieve his ideal shape! With this goal in mind, he enrolled in a nearby gym and set a schedule for his fitness regimen. To support this, he and I exercise at home with the following equipment.

Do not worry! You do not have to break the bank to get ripped.

YOGA MAT
Price: S$9.90 at Decathlon

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Investing in a Yoga Mat is a must due to its versatility. Not only can you do all sorts of yoga poses in a non-slip surface, but it can also protect your joints as you exercise. Exercising on a yoga mat goes beyond the practice of yoga. You can do push-ups or ab crunches while on the mat.

PVC HAND WEIGHTS
Price: S$13 at Decathlon

Easy-to-grip hand weights or dumbbells need no introduction! They simply add resistance to your cardio routine or strength training. You may also step up your yoga poses while holding a pair or two-pound weights!

JUMP ROPE
Price: S$2.50 at Decathlon

There is a reason why boxers incorporate the classic jump rope to their training. It improves a range of skills such as balance, stamina, endurance, and coordination. Not to mention, this lightweight and tangle-resistant rope is adjustable for different heights.

RESISTANCE BANDS
Price: S$3.90 at Decathlon

Resistance bands are cheap, convenient, and light. Toss a couple of resistance bands in your drawer to enjoy the 20 to 50 pounds of resistance in aid of your strength training. Research about the poses that you can do with it.

AB WHEEL
Price: S$10 at Decathlon

The Ab Wheel is one of the as-seen-on-TV products that actually work. It earned the hearts of many due to its ability to tone the abs. If you are sick of crunches, this alternative may be perfect for you! Made of stainless steel or heavy-duty plastic, it is durable enough to last.

MEDICINE BALL
Price: S$4.90 at Decathlon

While I will not require you to spend a huge amount of money on a full set of medicine balls, you may invest in one or two of them. Medicine balls are about the size of a Basketball, but can weigh from 2 to 30 pounds.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Use these weighted balls to support your ab exercises. Ultimately, it is fantastic for building your upper-body power. Try throwing it against the wall or to a partner.

Sources: 1 & 2

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7 Low-Cost (or Free) Ways to Lose Weight

One of the top 10 new year’s resolutions of a million people is to lose significant weight. This may be an ongoing resolution that has yet to happen, therefore the decision to lose weight is becoming more emotional.

Along with the article called 5 Ways to Shop for Healthy Foods Without Spending Too Much“…here are 7 Cheap Ways to Lose Weight…

1. STREAM FREE EXERCISE VIDEOS

Watch free exercise videos on youtube and across the Internet. Personally, I recommend Cassey Ho’s Blogilates as she incorporates Pilates, Yoga, and Cardio workouts. Aside from free exercise videos, the Internet is abundant with free or cheap Fitness Plans and Health Information. So, your only job is to make sure that the website is credible.

2. GO MEATLESS ONCE A WEEK

Nutritionist Rania Batayneh says that a sure way to burn off pounds and to save money is by going meatless once a week. You may substitute meat with tofu, beans, and mushrooms.

3. GROW AND COOK FOOD BY YOURSELF.

Growing your own food is organic at its finest. If you do not have a backyard or an apartment balcony there are community gardens for you to plant your own seed.

Image Credits: woodleywonderworks via Flickr

Image Credits: woodleywonderworks via Flickr

By dinner time, you can browse online (e.g. Kraft Recipes or Eating Well Recipes) for healthy recipes and cook your own food.

4. GAGA OVER GREENS

Kale, arugula, and spinach are some of the most nutritious and affordable foods you will find in a grocery store. As the color of the vegetable gets darker, the more nutritious it is because of its antioxidants and beta-carotene.

Image Credits: Wonderlane via Flickr

Image Credits: Wonderlane via Flickr

5. BUY CHEAP GROUP WORKOUT DEALS

Take advantage of a low-cost workout class if you are undecided and you do not want to spend hundreds of dollars for a gym membership. Groupon.sg is rich with Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, and Boxing Classes that range from $28 and below.

For example, here is a “Four 60 mins. Boot Camp” pass at $19 only! It will not only push your limits but it will also aid you in losing weight. Usually, newly opened gyms or studios give 1-week free trial so you better watch out.

6. RUN, JOG OR CYCLE OUTDOORS

The healthiest way to lose weight is neither crash diets nor starving yourself. But, the healthiest way is the gradual increase of exercise. As you increase the exercise intensity and duration, you will change your own body mechanism in time.

Try walking or biking to work if you live within a few miles. If that is not an option, then skip the elevator and take the stairs instead. Not only will you save on gas, but you’ll burn calories as you go.

Image Credits: Fit Approach via Flickr

Image Credits: Fit Approach via Flickr

7. EXERCISE AT HOME

Stay fit in the comforts of your own home. You may choose to buy bargain workout DVDs or use the resources you already have.

For example,

Use paint cans or bottle with rocks to work on your biceps.
Find a stable bar at home for chin ups.
Or, do sit-ups and push-ups without any equipment.

Image Credits: Jordan Misner via Flickr

Image Credits: Jordan Misner via Flickr

You are now looking to the future with hope and expectations. What better investment could you make than with your own health?

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