Let’s get ready for 2012 – as it is only a couple of weeks ago. No – not that Mayan Stuff and the end of the world – BUT – what’s really important; getting your bod ready for summer 2012 and what fitness equipment you need for 2012 to get you there.
If you’re still running after the Holy Grail of being in buff shape; I’ve got good news for you. It’s always doable and it’s never too late.
But you do have to get started.
It’s the Holiday. It’s Winter. Fat creeps up on you in a loving way. It is what it is and all we can do, is deal with it.
First , you need the right mindset.
Then you need the right equipment.
Where I work in my day job – boy oh boy – do I see some humdingers.
We sell treadmills that upwards of $500 and ridiculous shaky things for 30 bucks.
Skip all that…
This is what you should be looking for.
I used to think the best investment was a good pair of running shoes.
Not anymore…
After nearly 20 months of use, I would not trade my Bodylastics bands for anything.
I’ve talked about it before. I’m just a diehard believer in this little system. I got the 134 lbs. set that came with 5 interchangeable bands. It all fits in a little bag but gives me a kick ass workout. I love it.
I compare that to the ridiculous Shakeweight dumbbell for 30 bucks and I can’t get over the people that actually buy it. I wonder if they still use it after a year and half.
So, if you’re looking for a home gym, then your best option is to get a Bodylastic set. For most, the 134 lbs. set is enough. For gals, the basic, 88 lbs. set for about 40 bucks should be good enough. For the studs, you can go as high as the 388 lbs. set – but trust me, for most of us; that 134 lbs. is plenty tough enough.
You can go here for all the details of what Bodylastics offers
For under 60 bucks, this is an investment that last a long time and give you a lot of great workouts along the way.
Good Pair of Running Shoes
A close second is the shoes. If you don’t have a good pair, go get one. I have a pair of New Balance running shoes that has great flexibility where the toes bend. It’s mesh design makes it very breathable. It’s light as a feather and nice solid, cushion for the heel.
This is my article detailing what I think makes for a good pair of running shoes
I bought it at a Sears Family and Friend night for about 35 bucks. Regular cost is around 69.99.
By the way, a great time to shop Sears is when they have their Family and Friend’s night. They do it every couple of months – lately monthly. It’s normally held Sundays from 6am to 9pm. You can get anywhere from an extra 5 to 20% off all prices – regular, sales, and clearance. Can’t beat it.
Head over and ask when the next one is.
Because…
They also have a lot of fitness equipment…
So the recap the 2 things you need most:
- Bodylastics Resistance Bands (60 bucks) and not Home Gym ($200 and up)
- Good Running Shoes (30 to 70 bucks) and not a treadmill ($300 and up)
Some nice to haves:
Iron Gym Pull-up bar is a nice to have. I’ve had mine for 2 years and use it often. It slips over the door frame and other than the black marks it leaves – no damage the door frame. It’s a bit pricey – about 30 bucks or so, but nice to have.
If money is an issue and you live close to a park – a better option is to hit monkey bars. When the weathers nice, I’ll take my Bodylastic set to the park and use it there. And I’ll use the monkey bars for pull-ups, hanging leg raises, dips, etc. Great way to get a good workout and fresh air.
Ab Wheel for 12 bucks will give you great ab and overall core body workout. It’ll also hit the whole length of your arms, shoulders, back, a little bit of chest, etc. It’s a fantastic piece of equipment for under 12 bucks.
Jump ropes are not for kids and boxers. Again, for under 15 bucks, jump ropes will work your whole body. I challenge anyone who thinks different to jump rope for 15 minutes non-stop. Most can’t do it for 2 minutes non-stop. But build up to 10 minutes a day and you won’t need that $300 treadmill.
So there you have it, my top 5 that you should get for 2012:
- Bodylastics – 60 bucks, or so
- New Balance Running Shoes – 35 bucks (on sale at Sears)
- Ab Wheel – 12 bucks (Kmart)
- Iron Gym Workout Bar – Under 30 bucks (Kmart, Walmart, Amazon, Anywhere)
- Jump Rope – Under 15 bucks (Anywhere)
Total Cost – Probably under 152 bucks for all.
This is a good investment. Nothing to break. Nothing that becomes a clothes hanger. Just good stuff that’ll last a long, long time.
Good luck.
PS
I recently wrote an article about the need to strengthen the hamstrings. In particular, for those of us over 50, strong, flexible hamstrings are key to keeping us upright, tall, and injury free. You’re welcome to hit this link to read some of my reasoning. But in weird mobius loop kind of thing, I’m also linking that article back here to show how Bodylastics Resistances can work in strengthening the hamstrings at home.
The following three videos show me doing a stiff-legged deadlift, lunge, and lying leg curls.
Deadlifts and lunges are key. I used say squat, lunge, and deadlift. At our age – my age – lunge and deadlift will get it done.
I also throw in lying leg curls just for variety sake.
Stiff-Legged Deadlifts:
And the lying leg curls:
