The Realistic 5 Piece Home Gym

I have decided to create my own personal home gym space. I wanted to create somewhere that is dedicated to my fitness efforts - much like a home office is dedicated to productivity & organization. Plus, my personal trainer has shown me for years all these different exercises that utilize smaller objects and items found around the home. It's past time I that I be able to put that knowledge to good use.

I don't know about you, but I don't have an extra ten to twenty thousand dollars to drop on all the fancy equipment available out there just to be able to get an effective workout in my own home. I had to find the balance between the cost and what tools will get the most effective results. The key is to select tools that you can get a variety of work outs from, that won't take up a ton of space, break down or break the bank.

First, (rather obvious) make sure you have the space! Ideally, you will have an unused small bedroom available for conversion (which inspired this goal); but if not, a cleared space about 8x8 is good. If you plan on working out to a dvd - whether P90x or Yoga - access to a screen will be beneficial. If it's a dance workout system, perhaps like Zumba, I can tell you from personal experience that a carpeted floor is NOT your friend.

However, there are a lot of us out there that are hampered by the limitations of our habitation. In other words, you (like myself) might be renting an apartment, where the amount of changes you can make to a space are severely curtailed. Or you may simply not have the time or inclination to rip up carpet or to take up the entire square-footage of a bedroom as the Gym zone.  Going beyond the space, the tools make all the difference. I will outline several pieces to create the best low-cost home gym.

1. Most expensive first: A Bosu Ball. It looks like someone took an exercise ball and sliced it in half. Simple, right? Almost every move's impact can be doubled by performing it on this ball in some fashion. Balance exercises work out so many muscle groups. If you're a runner as well, you'll feel the new strength you'll achieve in your feet, ankles and legs. Really tones those areas. Not to mention the core and upper body workouts doing sit ups, Pilates, push-ups using it. And this takes up less than 2 ft of floor space, and can be leaned against the wall.  Some of these balls are simply that dome shaped balloon, while others have a solid rubber disc as a bottom. There are fancier versions with attachments for a stabilization bar. Prices range from the most basic (http://amzn.to/ofDxMF) at around $60-$70, to the full package with the bar (http://amzn.to/qnE0Kj) at around $120. Honestly, the best choice, and one I've used the most is the mid range option (http://amzn.to/nsj2ec) which can be found at around $100-$110. 
2. Skip the free weight set to start. I know, I know, this is counter intuitive. Every workout video from the 80's has some impressive set stretching the length of the wall, so you must need it right? Wrong. Using your own weight as resistance is more than enough to tone yourself. High repetition or holding is key. For example, holding a plank will make your body shake you'll feel it all over after a minute without the aid of extra weight. 
• If you really must, or you've been progressing for a while, you only need one set of soft grip low level weights - like 5 lbs or 10 lbs (the handles on these are handy http://amzn.to/qj2N38). Or purchase A Weight Bar - one that stretches from arm to arm for even weight distribution - such as http://amzn.to/opbl4p. 
• I have left out Kettlebells for a reason. I firmly believe the first few times you use those should be under the supervision of a professional - and therefore not in a starter home gym. It is far too easy to throw out your back or give you a hernia. Once you get the hang of it however, they are a fantastic tool. Here's an article that describes some great workouts with them: http://bit.ly/qSrgJ8
3. Resistance Bands & Pull Up Bar. This is what I recommend instead of weights. Using your own weight is better for strength work outs. Not only will you get varied weight resistance, but it will work your core and balance too. This is a basic package that comes with a storage bag (always nice) and several door-converters http://amzn.to/opbl4p. Here's a Pull-up bar - I know guys favor these for heavy upper-body results: http://amzn.to/nJNVMC
4. Jump rope. Yup, Rocky had it right. This is a great small space cardio workout. Make sure that A) your ceiling is high enough, and B) People downstairs won't be alarmed by the repeated impact (ground floor is best). Cloth rope works better than plastic or coated material, it shapes itself easier and is more forgiving. This is a great one - http://amzn.to/qrGoSE - and only $6!
5. Yoga Mat. More important if you don't have carpet. A higher density or thickness is nice if you have joint pain (like moi). An important anti-slip note: socks & a hand towel are a life saver if you develop sweaty palms or feet when working out. They sell Rubber Gym Mats (http://amzn.to/qjdOZH)too that are worth thinking about if, say, you have hard wood floors, live in an older house, or don't want the impact to carry or wear out your floor. 

That's it! Sure, there are some other great gear out there - and depending on personal preference, cash flow, and available space; there's nothing stopping you. But the tools listed here can cover a full body workout with minimal space or cost.