Most people spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on exercise equipment and fitness programs each year. What if I told you that all you really need to spend is $33 to achieve your fitness goals, would you believe me?
This isn’t a sales pitch. It literally can be done.
Achieving your fitness goals doesn’t happen from having unlimited access to every single piece of equipment ever made. Think about it. Gyms are filled with plenty of inexperienced people who end up spending months or even years using the wrong equipment. Even more people who are using the right equipment are still doing the exercises incorrectly. And don’t forget about the others who are still spending money on a gym membership and never or rarely even go. What do all of these people have in common?
They are not getting their money’s worth.
Accomplishing fitness goals actually happens when you start building enough stamina to learn to never quit. Determination and persistence is everything. So, don’t get lost in all of the shiny equipment.
Instead, learn how to look for the right equipment and use it efficiently. If you don’t feel like you know what you are doing, that’s okay…you are still working out so pat yourself on the back!
But seriously, we have all been lost at one point in our fitness efforts and that’s okay because fitness should be really be more of a lifelong journey of accomplishments – mixed in with some trial and error moments.
Just remember… no exercise is a waste of time because you are still bettering your health – no matter what. Although, if you have an opportunity to work smarter, not harder, you need to take advantage immediately.
So here is some SMART advice for you.
Your first step toward better health shouldn’t be necessarily joining a gym – it should be more about committing yourself to staying consistent with the right workouts and equipment. What better way to do so than by only spending $33 on everything you need to get yourself started.
This is all the equipment you actually need:
• Yoga Mat (average spend $10). Yoga mats are important to provide cushion during floor and core exercises. You will be surprised how the most effective core exercises aren’t actually performed on the floor, so don’t waste your money on all the gadgets.
• 1 Set of Free Weights (average spend $10). Pick a weight that matches your size and strength. If you are a beginner and/or petite, start with 5 or 6 lbs. weights. No need to exceed past 12 lbs. Free weights can serve a million different functions, you will be surprised.
• Jump rope (as low as $3). Don’t underestimate a jump rope. It’s a perfect cardio exercise that can do wonders for your legs and burn a lot of calories.
Can’t get outside or need to switch it up? Take advantage of your own stairs or download an app to learn some new cardio moves that can be performed right in your own living room.
• Resistance Band Loop (average spend $10). Select a band that is low in resistance until you become more experienced using it. Resistance bands are capable of copying many motions from weight and cable machines. They can also build muscles like no other. You just need to know how to do the right exercises and perform them correctly.
• Fitness App (free). Search the app store for the latest fitness apps. One of my personal favorites is the Nike Training app. It can teach you so many new workout moves – all for free.
= $33.00 total spent!
Each one of these pieces of equipment are actually multifunctional and can do more than what meets the eye. For example, you can use a free weight in place of a weighted medicine ball to do core work. Resistance bands can take the place of most machines and can workout your whole body – including your arms, core, glutes and legs.
Did you know that jump roping on one leg repletely can do more for your calf muscles than a leg machine? As far as ab exercises, don’t ever waste your money on odd pieces of equipment. Simple leg lifts and planking can build just the same amount of core muscle as anything else.
One last piece of advice. Any workout is better than no workout at all, but also keep this in mind – workouts aren’t as effective if you are still eating too much of the wrong foods, not working the correct muscle groups correctly or lacking overall consistently.
Also, don’t feel pressured that you have to look a certain way. If you enjoying running because it makes you feel good, stick with it. If you want a toned and defined body, it’s probably time to step outside your comfort zone and learn the right exercises to achieve your goal.
Think of your weekly workouts as a pie with 8 slices and you have to finish eating your pie each week. Each slice represents a muscle group – chest, shoulders, back, glutes, core, upper legs, lower legs and upper arms. Each piece of equipment listed above can be used to target each of these muscle groups and to build strength.
Now it’s time to find the right workouts and to learn how to do them correctly. Search Google, YouTube or any social media platform for tutorials, videos or blogs to find exercises/tips that magnify each muscle group.
Don’t forget. Staying consistent also means to keep building up your endurance. Don’t get caught doing the same exercises over and over. Find ways to challenge yourself. For example, add in more reps every few weeks or tweak a move to make it work more muscles.
You. Got. This!
Do you have more questions for Kelly? Message her on The Living Fit Blog Page on Facebook today!