It would be nice if all of us could afford to have the neat work out tapes and all the recipe books at our fingertips. But, I for one, and I know others can't have those things. We've used the libraries, we've borrowed, we've made things up....REcipes are available on line like crazy, so I don't think it's the recipes and food that are the problem. I think it's the idea that we really don't know what to do for exercising and if we are benefiting ourselves or just going through the motions. I read once that doing it wrong is almost like doing nothing. Some of us can't walk as we should, that is a stretch.... So I am asking this wise group, what would you do if you could have the
nicetites of exercise equipment, gyms etc to help you get in shape?

Hi,

Everyone has posted great ideas the only one I could think of that was not posted was if you have stairs in your home or office go up and down a few times that is a sure way to break into a sweat and also Marching in place is great!!

ttfn
Patty
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While I do have access to a gym, be it a modest one, at home, space and money are very limited. I don't by with *nothing* but I do get by with the bare minimum.

Right now I have dumbbells ($4.47 ea at Wal mart) and a balance ball ($11.88 at Wal Mart). The next thing I'm getting is some tubing. Then I should be set. Those items can be used in such a multitude of combinations and ways!

For other things, I use my creativity. For instance, use a chair for triceps dips. I saw a move that works your trapezius, and called for two sets of those plastic stair steps. I used two small toolboxes that were the same size instead.

For guidance, I do buy magazines (Muscle & Fitness HERS, Shape, though I miss SI for Women!). However, those magazines' websites have many workouts available for free and ready to print.

I punch the ones I like and keep them in a 3 ring binder, organized by equipment (are dumbbells needed?) and then by position (lying down, standing, sitting in a chair). That way I can flip through moves without interruption.

I checked out a great book that illustrated strength training moves, aimed at kids. I photocopied all the ones that used no weights or just dumbbells and put them in the binder too.

I used to get my exercise videos from the library, and I still do when I want to try something new. But for Christmas, my mom and I got each other yoga videos. Now we swap them as needed.

The middle school near work has a lovely quarter mile track. It's more a winding asphalt path, with great views. I like to walk/run it after work, and look at the mountains and watch the kids practice.

On the weekends (when I'm not in training), I go hiking or play soccer. The women on my team are quite an inspiration -- some are old enough to be my gramma and have never before played sports.

For something more mellow, I walk the dog Uptown (about 2 mi RT) and get coffee. Soon I hope to bust out the mountain bike and give it a go again. And now that it's getting warmer, I'll be crashing the pool at the hotel near my house again .. heheheh

We are lucky enough to have a second hand store devoted entirely to sports equipment. I am hoping to get a bike in a few weeks. My gym membership is up, and with dh still searching for a job, I can't really renew.

Laurie

Prevention magazine and Shape Magazine both have websites with reprints of workout articles.

My sister lost 20 lbs when she quit her job and cleaned houses for a year. Pull weeds, wash windows, wash the car, scrub the bathtub, kitchen floor... (think of it as burning cals, strength training (if you have to apply pressure), flexibility, stamina and cleaning all in one)

Denise

You know, I don't know if you live near the beach or have a pool, but I have heard that walking in the water is so much easier on your knees and joints. My grandmother had to do that after she had her knees replaced as did my grandfather, it was part of the therapy.

[This message was edited by Stacy on March 25, 2004 at 06:58 PM.]

cobismom,
Would biking (indoors or out) work for you?

For me it's my knees. Both should be scoped, but, I live a devout cowards life after four surgeries, I feel I have given my best in that area. I wear support braces when I walk now...and that helps keep them warm and supported against going out. But distance is a problem...so I take very short, but, many walks a day when i am not swimming.

My main concern was to voice the concerns of people who are too shy to ask for suggestions about equipment, tapes, videos etc. for themselves. Just the messenger in part of this, and asking for me.

Spring brings garage sales and that brings out of hybernation all of the fitness stuff people like myself have bought and never used. The garage sales are a great place to get that stuff very cheap. Also, your local cable station should broadcast exercise shows each day. I know we have 2 or three. That may even be better for you. Walking is still best though in my book. If you could get out when the weather warms up, just start out short distances and work your way up, your heart will thank you.

quote:

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Some of us can't walk as we should, that is a stretch....

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Hi cobismom,

Are you having trouble walking or with your knees? I only ask so that we can taylor the answers more specifically to your needs. I can certainly relate if this is the case. I have a bum knee and have to be really careful.

I lost my weight walking. I did not have any equipment or a gym membership. I am looking forward to warmer weather because I get up at 5.30, dress and walk for about an hour outside. It is amazing to see changes in nature over the 4-5 months that I do this.

Regarding recipes- kd often posts a some here. You can also look on line on www.foodtv.com. Type in "Cooking Thin" under recipes and you'll get a great many!

Walk, walk, walk. Even if it's only in front of the TV for a short time.
Situps, pushups, jumping rope, and jumping jacks are also wonderful exercises.
You can do bicep curls, tricep work and shoulder presses with soup cans.
You do not need fancy equipment nor a gym membership to get a good workout.
There are also great exercise programs on TV that you could tape for variety.