How to win, without a gym

So, you want to work out, but you have no gym membership, or even an inkling of getting one. Have no fear, there are still many great exercise “tools” that you can purchase to make your home workout friendly. All of this equipment can be found at your favorite local Sporting Goods store.

Remember, as with any exercise program, make sure you get the ok from your Doctor before starting.

For starters, everyone should own an exercise stability ball, or swiss ball. These come in various sizes based on your height and will cost you less than $30. Here are some great exercises you can do with your new stability ball.
http://www.ask.com/bar?q=exercises+you+can+do+on+a+stability+ball&page=1&qsrc=0&ab=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fexercise.about.com%2Fcs%2Fabs%2Fl%2Fbl_core.htm

Another necessity is exercise bands. These bands are affordable and great way to add in resistance exercises. I always suggest the bands with the fixed handles because they can also be attached to doors and poles. Some fun things you can do with your new exercise bands.
http://www.ask.com/bar?q=exercises+you+can+do+with+exercise+bands&page=1&qsrc=2106&ab=0&u=http%3A%2F%2Fexercise.about.com%2Fcs%2Fexerciseworkouts%2Fl%2Fblresistanceban.htm

Also important, the good old Yoga Mat. Perfect for stretching and Yoga poses, these mats are portable and are easy to store. If you think that you don’t like Yoga, give it a try. It is a great workout (even for the seasoned athlete) and it stretches and tones your body like none other. You don’t have to pay a lot of money to get started with Yoga either, you can find a Yoga DVD or even watch Fit TV….they have a great Yoga series called Namaste Yoga. You can also do Pilates exercises on your Yoga Mat!!

One last thing….dumbbells. These are great tools that you can find on craigslist for a discounted price or again at your Sporting Goods Store. Start off light and you can always add to your collection as you build your strength. Here are some basic exercises to get started with.
http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/dumbbellexercises.html

Once again, remember, when starting an exercise program it is important to make sure that you have the okay from your Doctor. It is also important to warm up and cool down and stretch with each exercise session.
Enjoy!