What do I need to create the perfect home gym?

The most essential machine is the one you already have - your body.  However, to target specific muscles and to vary your routine you may want to add some additional equipment.  Below is a list of essentials.  If your budget is tight, start with Tier 1 and add tiers 2 and 3 later.


TIER 1

Stability Ball ($27 to $45)  This is a great tool for targeting your core and can substitute for a bench.  Heavy-duty balls, such as those by Sissel and DuraBall, are best.

Dumbbells (starting at $4.25 a pair)  If you have only one training tool, make it a set of dumbbells.  They're simple to use, versatile and a great way to increase muscle mass.

TIER 2

 

Medicine Ball ($20 and up)  These smaller, weighted balls have a great deal of versatility, and their shape  is ideal for core exercises such as side twists.  They Are available in a range of weights and some models even bounce.

Resistance Bands ($13)  These stretchy tools come in a range of types, sizes, widths and resistance levels.  Use the largest ones to make squats extra challenging; smaller sizes are useful for working your glutes and inner thighs.

TIER 3

BOSU Balance Trainer ($99-$120)  Short for "BOth Sides Up" a reference to the two ways a BOSU ball can be positioned.  It is basically a Stability Ball that has been cut in half.  Use it to make pushups and crunches more challenging, or stand on it to engage your lower body while doing upper-body exercises like bicep curls or overhead presses.

Mat ($16 to $25)  It can help relieve joint pressure and pain during moves that involve sitting, kneeling, or lying, or when you perform any kind of isometric exercise, such as a plank.  Also important, its nonskid surface will safeguard you against injuries.

What is your REAL AGE?

Dr. Oz always talks about REAL AGE on his shows.  So how do you determine your REAL AGE?  Well…your REAL AGE is determined by your health, habits, relationships, diet and fitness.

Dr. Oz along with Dr. Michael Roizen has a website dedicated to REAL AGE.  On this website you can take a test to find out your REAL AGE.  In addition to finding out your REAL AGE, you will receive a personalized plan to feel younger, and a list of what's making you younger or older.

I took the test and my REAL AGE is 31.8 (and I’m 37)!  To GROW YOUNGER it was recommended that I do the following:

• Get my blood pressure readings
• Have my cholesterol checked
• Pump up my potassium
• Up my calcium and D intake
• Vary my veggies
• Eat more grains
• Add another cardiovascular activity to week

I will make the necessary adjustments above and check my REAL AGE again in 90 days to see how young I've become.  :)

To determine your REAL AGE click on the link below.

What is Your REAL AGE?

The purpose of this blog is to create a community to discuss topics that are of interest to women.  Some of the topics I plan on blogging about are health and wellness, nutrition, style, money, relationships and interviews with local women entrepreneurs.  I am open to your suggestions.  So, please let me know some topics that are of interest to you.  xoxo