Create a Home Gym on a Budget

You don't have to spend a lot of money to create an effective home gym. In fact, and I've used my current home gym to lose weight, get fit and reshape my body! Two years ago I was a couch potato, and now I run 5k races and practice martial arts. And my basic pieces of training equipment cost me less than $100.

You've probably seen home gyms on television that cost $500, $1,000 or more! And although you may like the convenience of exercising at home, few of us have the budget to create a state-of-the-art workout facility in our own house.

Here are the pieces you need to create an inexpensive home gym:

Cardio Equipment

Aerobic exercise will help you lose weight, build your endurance levels and boost your fitness. Some of the best cardio equipment is quite inexpensive--or even free!--like a jump rope ($10 at a sporting goods store) or exercise DVDs (free from the library). Choose a variety of DVDs so you can keep your workouts interesting a varied. If you find a DVD you particularly enjoy, consider purchasing it used from a used DVD store or an online auction. This allows you to own the workout video for a small financial investment.

Other possible inexpensive cardio workouts include going outside for a brisk walk or jog (or to your local park or track) for a free aerobic workout. You could also turn up the music on your stereo and dance in your home. Dancing is an excellent and fun aerobic workout. Finally, consider heading out to the park with your family. Playground equipment like jungle gyms and merry-go-rounds allow you to get a cardio workout while you enjoy time with your children.

Weight Equipment