by Kcurly on February 17, 2010
Please ignore my ghetto weights...they look terrible, but they're still heavy!
I do belong to a gym, but I have not always. Why have a home gym?
Cost. Money being tight as a stay at home mom, I could not reasonably afford the monthly gym memberships. Especially since all of the gyms in my area required a contract and sign on fee. Signing a contract would leave me worried that I would not always have the extra money every month for the membership.
Convenience. No driving to the gym, especially if it’s a long commute. If you’re working out early in the morning, you can use your own shower afterwards instead of the one in a locker room. I know I hate driving in bad weather, so having workout stuff at home helps during those stormy days.
Comfort level. Let’s face it. When you’re overweight and just starting a workout routine, it can be a little uncomfortable working out in a room of fit people. Even though I firmly believe that this should never be a reason to avoid the gym, working out at home can at least relieve your mind of that worry.
Kids. I know, I know, a lot of gyms have a daycare, but personally I don’t trust them. None of them ever seem to be well organized, and who knows how clean they are? Working out during nap time can be a lifesaver.
I started building my gym slowly. First, I purchased used DVDs from a local consignment shop. Stores like Walmart also have pretty cheap workout DVDs. I tried to make sure to read the back of the cases to make sure they required no extra equipment. You would be surprised at the workout you can get from just using your own body, a television, and a cleared away space in your living room.
Once a little more money came along, I decided to incorporate some weight lifting, and purchased some dumbbells. I also ordered one DVD that required weights. I eventually purchased a step bench and a nice step DVD. I sold the step bench once I bought The Firm TransFirmer system, as it came with 2 benches (pictured in the first picture).
One of the highlights of my home gym was the addition of Yourself Fitness to my DVD library. It’s actually not a DVD, but a game. I know it’s available on the Playstation II, Xbox, and PC. (I will try to do a review on it sometime). I found it used on eBay. I must say, it’s very motivating and has the option to incorporate a stability ball, weights, and a step bench. There is even a yoga option. The workout was never the same, so it helped when I found myself getting bored.
Yourself Fitness
While we’re on the topic of computer games, I’m sure everyone is aware of all of the interactive video games out there. DS and I frequently play Dance Dance Revolution (you can see the pad for it in the first picture, the big black square against the wall). A Wii is also wonderful, for both the Wii Fit and its own dancing game.
Here are some items you might want to consider for your home gym.
- Weights (kettlebells, dumbbells)
- Resistance bands
- Jump rope
- Step bench
- Stability ball
- Pull up bar
- Yoga mat
- Trampoline
- Hula hoop
Of course, the purchase of a treadmill or stationary bike is always great. After looking on craigslist, I was able to find a older, medical grade treadmill for $150 bucks. I figured if it lasted 3 months, that would equal the amount of a gym membership each month. It ended up lasting a year. Sometimes you just have to dig!
My old treadmill. I ended up giving it to the goodwill. It still worked (ok), I just didn't have the room.
I don’t have a treadmill anymore, but I have a trainer for my road bike that lets me ride it inside (pretty much, it turns it into a stationary bike).
Other tips for working out at home:
- Join Netflix or rent some workout DVDs from your local video store. Netflix has a wide selection of DVDs, including some Biggest Loser workouts
- Check out sites like swaptree where you can get rid of DVDs that you’ve grown bored with and get new ones!
- If you don’t have weights, use cans or milk jugs
- Make sure your area is safe and that there is no clutter on the floor for you to trip on
- Keep hydrated!
- Choose workout DVDs that are fun so that you are enjoy your workout
by Kcurly on December 23, 2009
I was recently asked how much I spent on preparing for my triathlon.
Here’s a general breakdown of what it cost:
Swim Lessons: ($60)
I took 3 total and then just practiced on my own. I’d had lessons a few years back but never really was able to swim well. I did have some of the rudimentary things down so I didn’t need as many lessons. I still couldn’t really swim after the 3 lessons, but just started making myself practice and eventually got the hang of it. I consider this an investment that would reap the benefits over a lifetime, so I didn’t mind spending the money.
Swim Equipment:
I already had a swim suit, but no goggles ($5) or headgear. I went through two swim caps before I realized that I needed one with a chin strap ($15). I also needed earplugs because I get dizzy if water gets in my ear. The ones at the stores were the silicone ones and didn’t work as well as ones I found online ($13 with shipping). I used the ones below, but there are others that also work well.
I also got some other minor things like big towels, flip flops to wear at the pool side.
Running:
If you already run, all you need there is your running shoes. I had 2 pair since I run as well, so nothing spent there. However, if you are just starting to run, you probably need to get fitted for running shoes. I did not do this when I started running and sprained my ankle because I land of my feet oddly (I walk on the outsides of my feet). I got fitted for shoes and have not had any trouble since. They run about $70-110, sometimes more.
Now, some of you lucky people just buy shoes out of the store and never have trouble. However, if you start having any knee pain or other trouble, please get fitted.
You may also want to buy an outfit to run in. I know that my thighs rub together so I have to have pants or shorts that don’t ride up when I run. Compression shorts are great for that. The ones I have are pictured below. But just run in what you’re comfortable in.
A good sports bra is a must, especially if you are well endowed. TheEnell and Moving Comfort series have great support.
Bike:
Ok, here’s where it can get expensive. You generally want a road bike when racing, but you can use a mountain bike. The road bikes can get extremely pricey, up into the 1000s of dollars. I was browsing around and finally a guy at one of the bike shops suggested a bike online that was a good starter bike, but not as expensive as most of the ones I’d seen.
It’s on a site called bikesdirect.com and it’s called the Dawes Lightning 1000 ($389). I bought it online (shipping was free) and took it to the guy at the bike shop who put it together for $40. Most bike stores will assemble bikes. You can also browse craigslist and bike shops for used bikes. However, it’s very important that the bike fits you because having the wrong size can cause injury. The bike that I got had height recommendations, so I used that. The guy at the bike shop had me sit on it and adjusted it before he sent me home with it.
It’s also perfectly acceptable to use your mountain bike that you have in your garage. I would just research to make sure that you’re properly fitted to the bike and also take it in to make sure your breaks are tightened, etc. for safety.
Other biking necessities:
- Helmet- $40
- Biking Gloves- $10 These keep you from hurting your hands if you fall. They also help with chafing
- Cargo bag- $15 To hold all of your necessities including flat tire equipment
- Flat tire stuff (tubing, pump) $30-40 I still don’t know how to change a flat tire, but I have the general idea. The guy at the bike shop said that he gets one every 600 miles. I guess I’m not there yet!
- Water bottle, water bottle holder- $15-20
- bike computer– $20 To track mileage
- Biking shorts – (on sale) $20 Have extra padding, because your behind will be hurting until you get used to it
- Shades– $25 – Keeps the bugs and sun out of your eyes
Race Day Related Items:
- Triathlon registration fee- $50 (I registered early so it was cheaper)
One day USAT membership- $10
Sports drinks– $10
Energy gels–$20 for a whole box. I’ve got plenty left
Transition Bag $30 to put all of your items
Hotel room $60 I split it with my friend
Tri-suit $30 …I found this one on ebay, they normally run a lot more than that. They are neat though because they have padding in the crotch for the bike and you can swim in it. It’s good for not having to change clothes in between each leg of the race.
- However, my friend just wore her bathing suit and then put on biking shorts after the swim. That’s perfectly fine. You have to find what works for you.
Wet suit–this is not at all necessary and not even allowed if the water is above a certain temperature. They can run 300 dollars, so I rented one for $50 and didn’t even end up using it because the water was too warm.
- Everything listed above is not necessary, but just my own experience. And there are a few things not listed that I bought that didn’t work out. I consider this all a one time investment into my health and fitness. I also plan on doing more triathlons, so it’s all money well spent.
There are plenty of websites to get information from (see this post) but here are some good books that I read:
A lot of people also like this one:
