From the category archives:

Starting out

Building Your Home Gym on Budget

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

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Ask Kcurly: Getting started!

by Kcurly on January 28, 2010

I received an email from “B”:

Hi, I just saw your blog! I need help, Im trying to loose 50 pounds, i currently weigh in at 233, I hate the way I look, Im so self conscious, I have a terrible self esteem,and its starting to effect my everyday life, even my marriage. I need help before this gets worst, how can I start, I tried but I continue to fail, got any advice for me!

B thanks for the email. The only thing you can do it start to change your life. I have suggestions below, but there is no secret or gimmick, there is only you who can do this for yourself.

As for your self esteem, this is something you need to start working on now. Your weight loss will help you feel better about yourself, sure, but there are many people who lose the weight from their bodies, but still carry the weight of being self conscious.

List your best features about yourself and focus on that. Try to find some cute outfits, wear some pretty jewelry. I know you don’t want to buy clothes until you lose weight, but sometimes we have the issue of  making ourselves dress down because of our weight. Being overweight doesn’t mean you have to dress like a potatoe sack. Go to some consignment stores, you may find a deal.

And while you are pointing out to yourself the good features, you can start working on improving the health and state of your body. Anyway, please stay in contact if you have questions…you can do this!!

Ladies, please share with B what helped get you started on the road to health!

Make a plan. Sit down, find a plan that fits your lifestyle, and plan it out. From the food, to the exercise, everything. You may want to start planning out your meals each day and keeping yourself accountable to it.

Avoid temptation. Get foods that are not on your plan out of your house. Take a different way home if it avoids going by your favorite fast food place. As you get more used to your new way of eating, you will be stronger at handling situations where you overeat.

Get a buddy or join online support group. Getting support can make or break weight loss efforts for some people. I had to get help from online support groups. It helps to know someone is going through what you are. It also helps with accountability if you know someone else is watching.

Don’t give up. How long have I been trying to do this? Years. I’ve stumbled many times, and so will you (more than likely). It’s not easy to lose weight, or everyone would be able to do it. If you fall of the horse, get right back on. Don’t wait until tomorrow, do it right then.

Get educated. Read, read, read about changing your eating. Learn why certain foods and habits are bad. An excellent book is You: On a Diet. It is a wonderful resource and can change your life. You may also want to look into obtaining the help of a trainer and dietician.

Incorporate exercise. You don’t have to run marathons or be a bodybuilder. Fifteen minutes of walking a day can start you on the right path. Incorporate a little weight lifting twice a week and you’ve got a firm foundation to start with.

Be realistic. Don’t try to start a plan that is going to be impossible to stick with more than a few weeks. This is a life change and it should be treated as such. Also, remember that weight loss takes time and you may not lose every week.

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