What Equipment Do I Really Need?
This question can best be answered by asking another question – or two. What do I want to accomplish? Am I disciplined enough to use anything I purchase? Do I have room in my home? OK, that's 3 questions, but they are all important!
-What do I want to accomplish?
We have probably all watched infomercials showing tanned well-endowed bodies cheerfully going through their paces on the latest, greatest, new and improved version of something very expensive. Then we hear the attractive “only 6 payments of 50.00” or whatever the newest innovation in marketing is. Then we’re told ‘don’t wait, limited time offer” or only so many at this special price. So we rush to our phone and willingly offer our credit card number in exchange for the “latest & greatest”.
Two or three weeks later Fed Ex or UPS is at your door with this incredibly large (and heavy) box saying “sign here please” and away he goes while you scratch you head wondering ‘where m I going to put this’ and ‘how do I get it there’. Oh, yes, it says assembly required. YIKES!!
Is now the first time you ask yourself “What do (did) I want to accomplish? or “Do I have room?”
So, let’s rewind and start again.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH WITH YOUR EXERCISE PROGRAM??
Exercise can:
-be a great mood enhancer, depression buster, and stress manager
-lower bad cholesterol as well as blood pressure
- reduce back pain by strengthening your back muscles and improving flexibility
-enhance your immune system
- help you sleep better
- assist in a weight loss program
- improve strength and endurance
- tighten abs
- improve posture making you look and feel better
I’m sure you can add your own special needs to this list.
-What do I have room for?
I hope you really did consider this before that big box arrived! :)
You can accomplish almost all of the above with a few simple items that don’t require much room or a big outlay of cash.
 -some kind of hand weights – usually about 3 sizes will be fine – 1 lb., 2 or 3 lb., and maybe 5 or 8 lb weights will be all you need
-exercise bands (stretchy bands, again in various strengths)
-an exercise ball is very useful (and can be fun)
-an exercise mat if you will be on a hard floor or the ground
-VCR or DVD’s – head for your public library and try some out before purchasing your own. These provide a workout routine that you follow as the pretty models show you how. Lots of variations in levels and conditioning needed, thus my suggestion to try the library first. By the way, all you may want is peppy music to accompany your exercise sessions.
And, if you still think you want to purchase an exercise machine, maybe a trip or two to a gym, to try out various machines and a visit with a trainer will give you some guidance as you make your decision.
-Now the final question--
WILL YOU REALLY, REALLY (don’t tell yourself lies) USE A MACHINE?
Exercise equipment can be a time saver and a health enhancer.
BUT EXERCISE ONLY WORKS IF YOU DO!!
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