(Part 3) Best exercise & fitness accessories according to redditors

As someone who used to be a gym-rat and is now getting back into things as a grad student. Here is what I have to say:

Take it slowly. If you are intimidated by the gym, start working out at home. There are plenty of ways to work out at home and build up strength and flexibility. Get a yoga ball (I have this one in a medium but I am 5'6 so you'd probably want the smaller size: http://www.amazon.com/Gaiam-Total-Body-Balance-Ball/dp/B000VDTEDA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396055778&sr=8-1&keywords=gaiam+yoga+ball). Start going for fast walks.

Once you get to the gym, take it light. Go at a time when it isn't super-busy so you can explore with no pressure. Generally gyms have treadmills, bikes and ellipticals. You don't have to be the fastest person on it with the highest resistance.
Don't be afraid to ask people at the gym for advice on how to use a machine. If someone is just getting off of something and you want to know, just ask them. Ask one of the people behind the desk.
Anyone who judges at a gym is an asshole. I've been in different physical shapes of my life and even when I was lean and fast, I NEVER judged a soul in there.


I JUST started weight-training with a friend of mine and we are the tall awkward girls who are weak as heck. We always have to get modifications for out workouts but hey, we are trying. There are people in that class who could probably lift either of us over their heads with minimal effort but guess what, they (for the most) part aren't judgey. (Minus the girl who totally gave us a weird look when we said that we couldn't do a pull-up. And then the trainer said she sucked at them too. =P)

Head over to /r/xxfitness.

I assume he means these, https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Fitness-31086-Ab-Straps/dp/B00G8UGUAK

I'm not a triathlete (yet!), but I am a nationally ranked college swimmer. If you have 57 days, that gives you just under two months of swimming. I don't know how you're currently training for the swimming piece, could you elaborate?

Some of this advice probably won't be helpful in two months, but I hope it can help you in the long term.

(If this comes across as too basic, I sincerely apologize. I just don't know your swimming experience).

Swimming needs to come from all parts of your body. Running and cycling use your legs, but swimming will need to focus on a bunch of different muscles, as I'm sure you already know.

The forumla for speed in swimming is (distance per cycle) x (tempo). The farther you go with each stroke and the faster you take them will determine how fast you go. We'll focus on the first half of the equation first.

The front crawl emphasizes a six beat kick per one cycle. A cycle is two arm strokes. So every you pull your left arm and then your right arm, you need to have kicked six times (optimally). Some high quality swimmers can use a four-beat kick, but let's not do that. To raise your distance-per-cycle (DPC) you're going to have to work on your kicking and your arm strength. As I'm sure you know, the swimming kick is a straight leg press from the hip. Keep your core engaged and tight throughout the entire kick. Swimming is completely centered around the core and the kick. If you want to be a successful swimmer, you need to have a strong core. This will keep the muscular connection between each cycle, meaning you won't lose energy as you recover your arms.

To strengthen your core:

Grab a med ball of 8-12 pounds. Do each exercise for 50 seconds on, 10 off for 2-4 (whatever you're comfortable with) rounds.

Russian Twists w/ ball

Flutter kick toss ups (lay on your back, kick your legs in a flutter kick pattern, and toss the med ball up vertically from your chest)

Bikes w/o ball

Plank on front

Plank on left and right sides, holding ball in off arms

Seated rows w/o ball

Then do leg lifts. Lift to 6in off the ground, hold for 20 seconds, Then lift to 90 degrees, break for five, back to 6in to hold for twenty. Repeat.

Crunches w/o ball

Full sit ups w/ ball.

Bridges w/ ball (basically a sit-up where you lift the ball over your head)

We will do these exercises before every swim practice without fail. They suck, I know, but your six-pack abs will thank you for it.

Now kick-ass abs are great, but how do they help swimming? Swimming is primarily a core-driven sport, which is something a lot of people don't realize. You need to have a tense core (my coach likes to say engaged) through the entire swim. You cannot falter in this. The tense core allows you to rotate your hips on each arm pull (which you absolutely should be doing!) As your arm enters the water, your corresponding hip should be down towards the bottom of the pool/lake/whatever. To elaborate: say your right arm is entering the water above your head. At that same moment, your right hip should be down towards the bottom. As your right arm pulls down along your body, you need to snap your hips. This will involve pushing your left hip down towards the bottom as your left arm begins to enter. How does one do this? Well with an engaged core of course!!

Now this is all a lot, I know. But bear with me. If I'm rambling, tell me, and I can give some more succinct advice!

You'll need to strengthen your legs and your arms. Buy yourself a kickboard and a pull bouy. (I don't know where you're training, but for simplicity's sake, I'm going to assume it's a 25 meter pool). You'll want to use that gear by itself in order to strengthen your individual body parts. Paddles will help, but are certainly optional.

Now two months certainly isn't long enough for you to become Phelps, but you can greatly improve! I'm going to assume that a 150 meter distance is difficult for you. Well, you're going to have to get over that obstacle simply by swimming more. I don't know how else to do. I know that swimming at times just sucks, but I promise you that it does get easier!!


Try this: (If this is too hard, tell me)

(focus on good technique and feeling the water)

3x50 m swim on 2:00.

2x25 m swim on :45 (try to swim these faster, work up your aerobic base. You should not be at an anaerobic pace)

2:00 break to grab your kickboard and grab some water.

3x25 m kick on 1:30 (focus on keeping your toes pointed, your core engaged, and make sure you're kicking from the hips)

1x50m swim on 2:00. (focus on adding what you worked on during the kick back into the swim)

2:00 break to grab your bouy (optional: and paddles)

3x25 m pull on 1:15 (focus on high elbows, smooth entry of your hands, and good hip rotation! )

1x100 m swim on 3:00 (add everything together)

1x200 m swim on 6:00 (Just keep your head down, and push through this. It'll be over soon)

2:00 break.

(Go back to the top and repeat all of that three times, or as many as you're comfortable with).

1x50 m swim ALL OUT on no interval. Just finish and be breathing hard.

2x50 m swim on 2:00 to warm down.


Repeat all of this at least three times a week. Feel free to adjust the intervals to fit your ability level. If you give me more information on what you can do, I can taylor this more accurately to you.

Now that will help your arm and leg strength, and get you more comfortable with swimming for longer distances. If there is something you don't like tell me, and I can work with it.

Now there's one more thing you should get to address the second half of the swimming equation. You should pick up a tempo trainer. It'll beep on an interval. You should be breathing on every third arm pull, and you should be taking roughly 1.3-1.5 seconds per cycle. Set the beep to that time, and just swim with it in. Wear a cap, and let it beep over and over. It's terrible, I hate them, but they work and that's what makes them good. You can time your pulls with them, time your kicks with them, whatever. But the main point is to get consistent . You need to maintain a constant tempo throughout the swim. As you get better and stronger, you can increase this tempo. I'm a short distance sprinter, and I pull at about .9-1.1. You shouldn't be that fast, it'll only serve to tire you out earlier than you need to.


Alright I know that was a wall of text, and since it's one in the morning, it might be a bit difficult to sort through. I hope that it helps! Best of luck to you in your first triathlon!! If you have any more swimming questions, I probably can answer them, and I would be more than happy to help! Cheers!

Pull ups can be really, really difficult when you're overweight. It's usually very discouraging when you can't get up and over that bar. But believe me, when you do, you'll be thrilled. It'll all be worth it, keep it up.


Like another user suggested, get a resistance band assist like this: https://smile.amazon.com/UPOWEX-Pull-Assist-Bands-Powerlifting/dp/B078JNPPMT/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=pull+up+band&qid=1549827115&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1



And do negatives. (Start from the proper 'finish' pull up position. Chin over the bar. Use a stool or chair to get yourself there if you need to. Then slowly, and as controlled as you can, lower yourself to the starting, 'hanging' position. Repeat.)


You'll get there. Pull ups and dips are usually the hardest moves to do until that weight comes off!

Check out Anvil straps. Really good quality and very comfortable, would def but again.

https://www.amazon.com/Lifting-Straps-Weightlifting-Supports-Bodybuilding/dp/B013J4KIXW

If you can get a $20 fitness ball to use as a bench for DB bench presses and fly's, Body Beast would actually be a good program for you. It's designed for home users with dumbbells, pull up bar, and fitness ball.

Well, I mean how isolated are we talking here? Freestyle swimming is an excellent form of total body cardio but mostly uses the upper body. If you're really dead set on completely resting your legs, you can use a Pull Buoy. Personally, it would frustrate the hell out of me to use one of those for an entire swimming session though. The purpose of kicking isn't really to propel you, more to stabilize the rotational motion you generate when you pull. It's really pretty tame on the legs unless you're doing it wrong. /r/Swimming can give you more information.

Keep in mind that the body needs rest to be healthy and recover so you can run faster. I know there were times that I got 'addicted' to cardio and ran myself ragged chasing that runner's high. Don't forget that you can do too much. Improvements in fitness are not made during exercise, but during recovery.

These are what I use.

Even Cheaper. 2ft x 2ft x 5 inches

https://www.amazon.com/Sunny-Health-Fitness-Tri-Fold-Exercise/dp/B0016BUR9G/ref=pd_sim_200_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0016BUR9G&pd_rd_r=JCN81HC9NQRR7FPQPJ9R&pd_rd_w=48V3M&pd_rd_wg=jplx6&psc=1&refRID=JCN81HC9NQRR7FPQPJ9R

It's hard to say, but there are some exercises for strength training that you can try and see if they help.
-Put a towel on the floor and a 1# weight on the towel (a can of soup, bag of beans, whatever). Put your bare foot on the edge of the towel and use your toes to pull the weight toward you. The towel will bunch up under your foot as you go. You can sit on a chair or the floor, which by the way shouldn't be carpeted or the towel won't slide.


-Spill a collection of river rocks on the ground in front of you, pick up the rocks with your toes and put them back in the box. Dump them out again and repeat for hours of fun.


-Sit and hold the ends of a long theraband in your hands with the ball and toes of the working foot in the loop at the other end. Ankle flexed (dorsiflexed). Curl your toes into the band as you apply resistance to the band with your hands. Do 20x or so. Plantarflex your ankle (point it) and repeat the toe curling against resistance. Theraband comes in many different tension levels so you can choose which feels right. Amazon has a variety pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LX4KRA/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_x_3MzZxbCJ1CB9C you would want the lighter-resistance selection so the red/yellow/green pack not the blue/silver/black pack.


-Once you gain some strength in the tiny intrinsic foot muscles, ballet exercises are absolutely awesome for foot strength. Learn and do tendues and degages. A real ballet teacher would be able to show you how to do them with good technique and we're always starving so we're not too expensive for a couple half-hour private lessons. Tell the teacher you just want to learn how to properly point your foot. The challenge is that with a bone spur I wouldn't want you to primarily haul up on the calcaneus with the Achilles, but it would be valuable to learn to reach out and down through the foot to point.


-This little book will help! https://amzn.com/0984372415

I use this and love it https://www.amazon.com/Limm-Exercise-Resistance-Loop-Bands/dp/B0136PR5TO

These are great.

My wife and I got these after my old bands from Gear Fitness snapped during Chest and Back (the bands were a few years old). We only use them for pullups currently as we are unable to do pullups to this point. These bands clip into the main bands so you can make your band go to 150 pounds of resistance.

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078JFSN9Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I suggest straps with a small amount of padding. I had ones without and they would eat up my wrists, but the padded ones are great.

I have these, and I like them.

For festival camping I actually bring a fold-able exercise mat that I have. Basically can be used as a 1" mattress. I like a firmer bed so it works fine for me. Here's basically the one I have -

http://www.amazon.com/Everlast-Folding-Exercise-72-Inch-24-Inch/dp/B000O2GCS8/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1464119105&sr=1-3&keywords=exercise+mat+fold

This one looks promising as well -

http://www.amazon.com/Sunny-Health-Fitness-Tri-Fold-Exercise/dp/B0016BUR9G/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1464119114&sr=1-1&keywords=exercise+mat+fold

I have a door frame pull up bar (like this) with some ab straps. The pull up bar is excellent at hanging clothes on. I'm guessing it could also be used for exercise.

$20 OBO. Please don't make me move this to the new house.

The mats you linked to are made from EVA foam not PVC.

You can find it used in exercise mats like this if you are going for thick stuff.

If you want it thinner you can also get it like this

TheraBand Professional Latex Resistance Bands For Upper Body, Lower Body, and Core Exercise, Physical Therapy, Lower Pilates, At-Home Workouts, and Rehab, Yellow & Red & Green, Beginner Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LX4KRA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_x3lKyb62SFBRQ

• Mats like these for your playspace.
  
  
• Future prescription lenses you put over the standard ones so you don't need your glasses. (VR Lenslab should have that covered)

I'm not going to pretend they're anywhere as nice as some of the other options in this thread, but I've been using the AmazonBasics mats in a condo and they've been totally fine, easy to store, and obviously cheap.

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Exercise-Foam-Interlocking-Tiles/dp/B0719B8HQZ/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1543340409&sr=1-4&keywords=amazon+basics+mat

I like doing farmers carries with weight plates and holding them with a pinch grip (don't know if that is an actual term, just the best way I can think to describe it.

Also I would do barbell curls with just my wrists. So sit down on the bench with your forearms flat on the bench with your hands hanging just past your wrist and curl the bar while keeping your arms flat against the bench.

You can also get a grip strengthener



I got botox shots in my hands 2x a year for about 10 years so I had almost no grip when I started training.

Also, you can buy wrist straps for grip assistance as well.

Buy a light band like this: https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Pull-Up-Assisted-Pull-up-Resistance/dp/B00KLMU4NA/ref=lp_3407931_1_14/134-6758505-1488342?s=exercise-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1520165760&sr=1-14&th=1

Do three things with your band.

1. Simulate your bench press movement with the band instead of a bar. Do A LOT of reps. I normally do one straight set with a band of 75 reps.
   
   
2. Band pull-aparts
   
   
3. Shoulder dislocations

I've been working out at home since 2013, and have collected most of what I need to workout. The only thing I'm missing is a rack, due to space concerns. Everything I have fits in my closet space. I have the following equipment:

• Powerblock Travel Bench - legs fold and lock on pins, it slides under my bed or in the closet
  
• Ab Roller - any cheap ab roller will do.
  
• Folding yoga mat - I pull this out for deadlifting and when ab rolling to give my knees a break from wood flooring and carpet. Again, any mat will do
  
• Standard barbell - mine holds... 250 lbs I think? Not a ton, but it works, and deadlift is probably the only lift I can even approach that kind of weight. More would be nice, but for that I'll need to start over with olympic gear.
  
• Dumbbells
  
• Around 200 lbs of standard plates in 25, 10, 5, and 2.5 lbs increments
  
• Foam Roller (18 inch model will do, I have 18" and 36" black), lacrosse balls, and Body Back Buddy - for trigger point therapy.
  
• Lifeline Power up Chin-up straps - I don't have any door frames that will support a pull up bar, and live in an apartment so don't want to damage the frames by mounting a permanent bar. These flip over a door and will support pullups, chin-ups, leg lifts, etc, and will work on any three-hinge door.
  
  Granted, you can't get all of these things on your budget, but I'd recommend a pull up bar (or the straps if your doorframe won't support it), some dumbbells (you can buy a 40 lbs set for around $40 in most stores), an 18" foam roller and lacrosse ball, and get some extra plates over time with the excess to get you started (only buy the extra plates when you cap out the 40 lbs, and only if you're going to continue exercising).

you can go and buy a set of plastic clamps on amazon for like $10, something like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6A5032/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B01N6A5032&pd_rd_w=SHCkJ&pf_rd_p=733540df-430d-45cd-9525-21bc15b0e6cc&pd_rd_wg=tsMsm&pf_rd_r=3683MZ0FD377R5R2KQY2&pd_rd_r=97e2ae1e-5648-11e9-9cc9-7768f6408781

Straps. $7 amazon, Harbinger 21501 Heavy Cotton Lifting Straps (Pair) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001181RSY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3MuPCbK5N5EBA

I use interlocking mats, whenever I need to put it up, I can take apart the chunks and stack them into a 1ft cube! They are already no-slip so they work pretty well to hold the pieces.

I use this mat and this steamer. You can buy a blocking mat anywhere online but the puzzle mat is the exact same thing and it's much cheaper. I steam block all my acrylics with the hand steamer and for my wool I just get it wet in the sink with cold water, pat out the excess, and then pin onto the blocking mat and let dry.

if you decide to buy some---i went with bodyelastic brand. There's a lot of cheap ones out there but I think it's worth spending a bit of money.

Well does this fit your budget and surface area requirements? AmazonBasics Exercise Mat with EVA Foam Interlocking Tiles https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0719B8HQZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_u34KAb1RN0QK3

Harbinger for cheap or make your own for even cheaper

i suggest working out with one of these as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Bracoo-Adjustable-Waist-Trimmer-Black/dp/B005VRLT6Q/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1408455662&sr=1-1&keywords=waist+wrap

you are young enough to where that skin could stretch down potentially. You lost alot of weight pretty quickly, and you can try this cheap workaround to the loose skin. If after about 3- 6 months theres no improvement, along with your bulk, then adding muscle may be your only option next to surgery. Rub alot of cocoa butter on the skin as well and keep it moistorized along with drinking alot of water to help the elasticity.

the resistance band sets usually have little diagrams and instructions. you may also want to look into a variety that provides like a door hook which opens up the potential exercises even more.

you can just google resistance band exercises and you'll get a bunch of useful results.

i have these. my situation is a little different as i have a home gym set up to do barbell movements and dumbbells. i use the bands and a handle i made from the rope i had in a noose from back when i was planning to kill myself (sadly, its no longer long enough but oh well) to do face pulls by attaching the bands to the barbell when its on the squat rack. i use a similar set up for tricep push downs and a sort-of cable curl. they're amazing for band flys to hit rear delts as well.

Grilled salmon with a lemon garlic butter drizzle. Baked asparagus with a bacon and goat cheese crumble. Risotto. A nice red wine.

Chocolate sushi for dessert: a chocolate shell stuffed with cheesecake and a warm raspberry compote.

[eta my <$15 item] (http://www.amazon.com/Speedo-Pull-Buoy-Blue-Grey/dp/B001M5TY1S/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=EQJTOLVDS2H1&coliid=I221XY9AQJTA14&psc=1)

EDIT: I'm not trying to be a salesman. I spent enough money on bands to know what works best for me. Just sharing my experience so others don't have to buy mediocre bands they end up giving away or let slowly rot in a closet.

Bodylastics stopped selling their older lines on Amazon and now only sell their military themed "warrior edition" resistance band sets there. I find that interesting, seems like once they came out with the "warrior edition" everyone just stopped buying the plain ones.
Link: https://www.amazon.com/Bodylastics-Strong-Man-Warrior-System/dp/B006O0GDMO/

EDIT 2: Those bands I linked above went out of stock, a new batch came in, and I made another order on July 5th and there were 17 left. Now it's out of stock a few days later and this time a notice saying they don't know when they will be in stock again. Here is link to Bodylastics own website where they still have them in stock for the same price:
http://www.bodylastics.com/collections/tube-resistance-bands/products/bodylastics-warrior-resistance-bands-kit

Supposedly based on feedback by military and security personnel these new sets have natural 'camo-based colors' based on dark greens and various shades of brown/tan for the bands, the handles are black and OD green instead of blue and black, the carabiners and other metal hardware are coated black instead of being shiny raw stainless. Even comes in a camo bag. It seems to be mostly advertising but the colors do look much better to my eye than the older neon band color theme, the new bag is better than the old ones I have by a long shot and the new handles are textured whereas my old ones were a soft foam around an ABS cylinder.

You can save money and get the Black Mountain resistance bands, they are not as well made on the accessories and the bands don't have the good anti-snap Bodylastics copyrighted. Very few people have BM bands snap as long as you are sensible with them anyway and BM has much heavier 45-50lb bands available. After handling them both I'd say the Bodylastics is more for your money, the better handles, anchors, and the band barrier make it way better bang for your buck. If money is tight the BM bands will do in a pinch and are functional, I'd suggest anyone to spend $12 on a set of Bodylastics handles to use with your BM bands if you go that route.

For you working out on a ship you should be fine. Fits in a fairly small bag, not heavy, and you can get a good workout as long as you can get something like a ~5ftx5ft space near an anchor point. I've been in cramped conditions before. Actually can make it easier, lots of places to anchor the bands. The ankle straps I end up using as anchors occasionally, just wrap them around a solid leg of say a bunk bed or part of a metal storage rack. The larger Bodylastics set has a band barrier with it, those are $12 or so alone and that thing does it's job well. It allows you to wrap bands around rough stuff like timber posts or stand on them for curls and overhead presses without damaging the bands.

nice! I'll definitely check them out. I was looking here: https://www.amazon.com/Red-Monster-Pull-up-Resistance-10-50lbs/dp/B00KLMU4NA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1472814045&sr=8-3&keywords=serious+steel or elitefts bands because of amazon gift cards. Just sitting on it a bit to make sure they see usage, but I feel banded bench/DL would help improve my explosiveness.

I love youtube workouts (although, I've been a total lump for the last 3 weeks). For when you're feeling low energy, I recommend:

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1. Fitness Blender. They have a huge range of workouts at different levels of intensity. I did their barre workout the other day--I found this workout really easy pre-pregnancy, but it was actually pretty challenging for me at 9 weeks pregnant...
   
2. Yoga with Adriene. Good range of easy-to-moderate yoga routines. I always feel relaxed when I do these.
   
3. Pilates. I haven't fully explored youtube's pilates offerings, but I've found a few videos I like. I linked to one of them here.
   
4. Resistance Band workouts. I lifted heavy prior to getting pregnant, but I don't plan to continue with that during the pregnancy (although, from what I understand, if you're used to it, it's perfectly safe--I just feel better not doing it because I'm anxious). So, instead of heavy lifting, I plan to get in my resistance training with resistance band exercises. Nicole Perry on youtube has some good workouts using resistance bands.
   
   ​
   
   For those who want more of a challenge, I highly recommend Melissa Bender. I *love* her workouts, but they've been too high intensity for me during my first trimester. I hope to get back on the wagon if I'm feeling better in a couple months. She was pregnant a couple years ago and has a bunch of her pregnancy workouts compiled in a playlist, so I plan to start with those: Melissa Bender Pregnancy Workouts Playlist
   
   ​
   
   *Obviously, some of the above workouts will have to be modified if you're too far along to be lying on your back, belly, etc.
   
   ​
   
   Edited to add: Melissa Bender also has a couple standing core workouts (i.e., creative core exercises that don't involve lying on your back!).

I have been watching other people post their gym spaces and others looking for advice on what to buy and thought I would share mine. FYI - I have to leave the majority of the space open for my wife to do Barre and other body weight workouts.

I have a Titan heavy equipment list:

Titan X3 squat stand with spotter arms (also have 2 pairs of the sandwich j-cups

Titan X3 half rack conversion with pipes (for potential future use)

Titan X3 jhook style plate holders

Titan v2 hefty bench

Titan weight tree

Titan bumpers (4x45, 4x25, 4x15)

Christian Fitness Factory rubber coated iron (4x10, 4x5 and 2x2.5)

Christian Fitness Factory micro plate set

Rogue B&R 2.0 bar

Titan mini bar jack

Ironlab barbell collars

3/4 inch plywood sheet for squats, OHP and deadlifts

3/4 stall mats in 2'x2' pieces to use as a mobile platform with plywood

A variety of mobility equipment (Triggerpoint core roller, the Orb ball, band set by UPOWEX)

Sleeves and wrist wraps by Stoic

Adipower squat shoes

Cap kettlebells (25, 35 and 45) from Walmart for less than $1 a pound

​

If you'd like to bring your own to the gym you can get cheap ones like this

https://www.amazon.com/Greententljs-Barbells-Weightlifting-Training-Neon-Green/dp/B01N6A5032/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1542142523&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=olympic+clips&psc=1

​

much easier to move

$500 home gym challenge
Coming in under the wire here.

I optimized for someone just starting out, and tried to balance between strength, conditioning, and gymnastic tools. The goal is to be set up for a good while without getting bored.

I’m a female so I opted for the 15kg bar :) but hey, it’s my gym, after all. One could switch the kettlebell out for a heavier bar.

$149 squat rack with pull-up bar

$149 iheartsynergee s-2 15kg bar

$120 for 240 pounds of secondhand plates

$18 rings - hang from chin-up bar

$33 resistance bands set

$5 jump rope

$25 20# kettlebell


Total:
499.18

(Edit: list formatting)

No bench - a quality bench is at least $60, but it only buys you one exercise. Can do floor presses for a while.

Spent bit more money on the bar - will support #1500 so should last a while. The squat rack also allows for hanging rings or resistance bands from the bar to do pull-ups or ring exercises.

Enjoy! Thanks for the fun challenge.

Links
Squat rack $149
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Fuel-Pureformance-Deluxe-Power-Cage/47905228?athcpid=47905228&athpgid=athenaItemPage&athcgid=null&athznid=collection&athieid=v0&athstid=CS020&athguid=86944921-576-166cc91c2608a6&athena

$5 jump rope https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B9ZP98N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_IoL2Bb69ZM0B3

$150 15 kg bar s2
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072J4KT4F/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_qpK2Bb8DGD0G8

Titan gym rings and straps
$18
https://www.titan.fitness/gymnastic-rings-with-straps.html

Titan kettlebell
https://www.titan.fitness/cast-iron-kettle-bell-20lbs.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4aXF1IGy3gIVibfACh3i7QR6EAQYASABEgJuCPD_BwE

Assistance bands $33
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078JNPPMT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_bLK2Bb6TGGBRD

looped resistance bands

Tube resistance bands

These are the exact ones I have

Yeah I play most games seated these days. But when I do plan to stand for an extended period I use a anti-fatigue floor mat to let me know where I am (I usually turn Guardian off) and to keep my feet comfy.

Something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Exercise-Foam-Interlocking-Tiles/dp/B0719B8HQZ/ref=sxin_3_ac_d_rm?ac_md=0-0-cHV6emxlIGZsb29yIG1hdA%3D%3D-ac_d_rm&crid=114KNJK5HMLO3&keywords=puzzle+floor+mat&pd_rd_i=B0719B8HQZ&pd_rd_r=73f09734-f5f7-4e20-9fd2-8923ab9d0fed&pd_rd_w=hi4Ze&pd_rd_wg=RlJ2j&pf_rd_p=983984df-2ad2-4c97-ba7f-4c5a90291c2b&pf_rd_r=3XCK2WRX379XAD97MHGT&psc=1&qid=1569773173&s=gateway&sprefix=puzzle+floor+%2Caps%2C150

Good god that's a long link... Anyway not that particular one, that's just an example, I shopped around for a set that was 1" thick instead of 1/2" like most of them listed on amazon. I have some 1/2 laying around that I already had and its ok but really thicker is more comfortable. Only problem is I get so worked up playing beat saber that sometime I start pulling the puzzle pieces apart, so maybe something that is one solid piece would really be better.

Yeah, you know, straps. I thought it was clear in context of hitting the gym.

These are the ones I bought. Got em at the beginning of the summer and they've broken in really well. 10/10

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBbSV-ZndRs

I do a similar thing to this. I just bought a cheap one on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KLMU4NA/ref=twister_B0064DPLMY?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Try it out. And try filming yourself up close and seeing if your form changes at all. It was so slight for me I couldn't tell when I filmed from normal range, but I noticed during my sets and when I filmed up close that my chest was sinking in and my shoulders were coming up too high.

A binder of workouts would be good. His own gear would be a great gift: they sell pull buoys, fins, [kickboards] (http://swimming.epicsports.com/prod/32101/the-finals-kickboard-swim-training-aids.html), and a mesh bag to put it all in.

Swim lessons aren't a BAD idea, but sometimes swim instructors aren't very good. What your husband probably needs is an actual coach. I know there are some sites (can't find them right now) that you can send in an underwater video of his swimming stroke to be analyzed by a professional (but that might be annoying?). This site has lots of swimming technique videos. I have some of these videos and they are actually pretty good.

I hope that helps!

These are really good, been using them over a year

Mine: https://www.amazon.com/Lifting-Straps-Weightlifting-Supports-Bodybuilding/dp/B013J4KIXW

Very cushioned around the wrist, and very long straps. I don't know anything about brands, but some people like less cushioning and shorter straps.

if you're hanging from the chinup bar then yeah it's entirely possible for your grip to give up first. dead hangs are good for them, so it's kind of a 2 in 1 exercise. You might look around your gym and see if they have some ab straps so you can still do your leg raises after your grip gives out.

I usually do my leg raises after deadlifting so my grip is usually only good for like a single set or a set and a half anyway, so the ab strap things can help quite a bit.

That could be true, or it could be bro science. I don't honestly know.


Not always; you might have to spend some time hunting for it. I, personally, have had some hip/pelvic issues and some weaknesses in my glutes/hip flexors. This rehab routine (with [Theraband resistance bands] (https://www.amazon.com/TheraBand-Professional-Resistance-Rehabilitation-Portable/dp/B000LX4KRA/ref=pd_lpo_328_lp_t_4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=J85ZTG1ACQEXBRNS8T49)) seems to slowly be doing the trick for me.


You might want to invest in a foam roller and do some dynamic warm ups before squatting. I don't know what your form looks like (it might not be as good as you think it is) or what you normally do in preparation for squatting so I can't give you too much in the way of targeted feedback.


Also, spend more time in the squat position whenever you can and try to sit less. Sitting tightens the hip flexors and makes for unhappy squatting.

Buy a pack of resistance bands off amazon for like 30 bucks, you can do pretty much any exercise in any direction you can think of anywhere you want. Gyms aren't always accessible and its too easy to fall into the trap of not going to the gym, which is why most dudes get fat when they get older. I've been using these ones for a year and prefer them since the load starts off easy but gets insanely hard at peak contraction

https://www.amazon.com/UPOWEX-Pull-Assist-Bands-Powerlifting/dp/B078JNPPMT/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=resistance+bands&qid=1555829802&s=gateway&sr=8-8

Straps might help.
Here's a couple: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001181RSY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_oOI7Ab0H362C3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BA0QDBI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0NI7AbTY8FP9D

Contouring can definitely make for a more masculine face, but if people can tell that you're wearing makeup, you're not going to pass. Period. Now, passing isn't the be-all, end-all for most genderfluid or genderqueer individuals and if it's not for you, then that's great, go for it! You'll look androgynous and awesome. But people will read you as female. If you want to pass, people need to not be able to tell you're wearing makeup. For binding, if you don't have the money/ aren't fully committed to binding yet, I have had great success binding with [this] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005VRLT6Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1).

Thank you! This is what I used to block - it was pretty easy (my first time using wires, but definitely not my last).

Mats - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GNAGRKI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (much cheaper than designated "knitting" ones)

Wires - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001JSQZ88/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (I think there is a smaller set available, too)

If you're a cheap ass like me, I got this rope off Amazon and have been happy with it. I'm 6'5" and it's just the right length out of the box.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DAMWXLO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://amzn.com/B00K0OQ3ZM

I've never used them, so maybe someone else can vouch for effectiveness in using these to get around a hand injury

I'd look up resistance bands on Amazon and find some of the higher reviewed ones. There are several brands of bands that seem equally good. The trickier part is figuring out what level of resistance is right for you for the specific exercise you're using them for. Bands come in different levels of tension. I use a couple different bands by this company: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KLMU4NA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_iVfFyb9FA9GHP

they come in different sizes. the smaller ones are harder to balance on. so as a novice, i'd start with a 75cm one.

brand doesn't matter so much as long as it's anti-burst.

here's one for $20

I looked at those on amazon. The second review describes them as being extremely weak compared to the former product.

I realize a single Amazon reviews can be very misleading, but it scared me enough to want to come here and see if anyone knew of a really solid brand.

I just bought a pair of these and they’ve been doing the job:

Harbinger 21501 Heavy Cotton Lifting Straps (Pair) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001181RSY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_jyhwDbVYDWQN1

I'm considering getting something like this has anyone ever used one before/know if its worth it?

Been planning to start this but taking 8 classes this semester is really giving me a hard time to have a set routine. Would it be possible to ask for advice on how to go about in beginning. I have free time from 7-8 PM + on MW then afternoons on thursday/Fridays and as well as weekends. I'm quite tired when I just arrive home that all I do is shower and lay in bed at times. I really want to change this. I used to be able to go to the gym with my previous schedule but that was when I still had time to go to the gym in the morning. This is why I mainly planned to do bodyweight fitness but as I've mentioned, I've barely even started. I think this starting is anxiety induced as well as I'm not sure if my starting weight is adequate enough. I'm 5'3, female, 160 lbs(to be safe). The equipment I have:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00091RXN2/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and
http://www.amazon.com/Crossfit-Jump-Rope-Mastering-Guarantee/dp/B00DAMWXLO/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1396298098&sr=1-1&keywords=master+of+muscle

Would this be enough to progress? How much time should I allocate for exercising? I'm sorry if the questions and my text is really sloppy. I just don't know what to do anymore, please help.

Work out thing I have more stuff on my WLs, but it's pretty spread out. I think I have a workout DVD and an ab wheel, and a yoga mat. Yoga mat that I'd probably prefer. But choose what you'd like!

Imagineiff Or Marital Reaction or I've never or What's yours like? or Smart Ass.

As you can tell, I like me some games too. :)

<3

Is there any real benefit to these "waist trimmer" belts?

http://www.amazon.com/Bracoo-Adjustable-Waist-Trimmer-Black/dp/B005VRLT6Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1370902144&sr=8-2&keywords=waist+trimmer

http://www.amazon.com/SPRI-ES501R-Xertube-Resistance-Attachment/dp/B0000AJ050
http://www.beachbody.com/category/fitness_gear/bands_balls_weights.do
http://www.amazon.com/SPRI-ES501R-Xertube-Resistance-Attachment/dp/B0000AJ050
Walmart should have them too i think.

I love these things. I throw them around my neck when I walk the dog and hook them on a tree or bench. Or, they come with an attachment that you can hook into any door. http://www.amazon.com/SPRI-ES501R-Xertube-Resistance-Medium/dp/B0000AJ050/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1464275495&sr=1-4&keywords=exercise+tubing+with+handles

>do i have to buy one of those drafting tables with an angled surface so that i dont have to bend my neck?

short answer. yes.

you also need to stretch and exercise. learn exercises specific to artists, particularly hand and arm resistance exercises. every few hours i use something similar to this which is little more than a stretchy piece of plastic i loop around a door handle for resistance training.

also be sure to work out your thighs, butt (seriously), and back. back strengthening has a cascading effect. i do a few different kinds of push ups, floor stretches for my legs and ass, and yoga for overall mobility (and cause yoga rocks).

stretch before you sit down for a long haul as well, and stop at least once for a good hour long loosen up if you're working all day.

something else i do is if i am going somewhere local i take my bike instead of a car, or walk. running is good too.

so just exercise. it's something literally every single person has to do to stay healthy. so just learn about it and get crackin'. /r/fitness is a good resource, but it can be hard to sift through all the weight training stuff.

If you want to build up some arm/should muscle quickly in the pool, spend $10 on a nice set of paddles, I like these and do some pulling sets. If you're working out at any kind of a decent facility, odds are good they have pull buoys for public use, but it is still worth getting your own. Put the pull buoy between your thighs, just above your kness and (protip) cross your legs loosely at the ankle. Now do this set (I call it a 1/1-5/5): Swim one 25 easy and one 25 fast, then two 25s easy and two 25s fast... all the way up to 5/5. That's a 750 meter set and you WILL feel it and it will feel amazing and get you jacked quick.

Note: I see your are swimming in a 50 meter pool, so adjust the set for that or else you will end up with a 1500 meter pull set (which is totally fine, but will likely be your entire workout). Also, my definition of jacked may not be your own- I've been a swimmer forever and a day but I'm a girl, so our definitions of big shoulders probably differ. Also, I wrote this like you are a less-than-competitive level swimmer, apologies if you aren't.

I've had rotator cuff issues for years from running my right shoulder ragged throwing baseballs and benching like an idiot.

In recent months, I've used a resistance band at my gym to stretch a bit before benching or doing dips, and between sets. They are pretty cheap on Amazon.

If you go into YouTube, you can check out a bunch of shoulder and rotator cuff stretches that you can do with or without resistance bands.

For me, I've found using the resistance band and doing a broom stretch (which I guess by definition you could do with a broom handle like the guy in the video) as well as this stretch (which you could probably also do with a bath towel) have done wonders. The only difference is that in the second stretch, I'll have my hands about a foot apart and gently pull-up with the higher hand and pull down with the lower hand.

You may also wish to change up the angle you do the pushups, since, for example, the angle of the flat bench jacks me up in the rotator cuff, but I have no discomfort in incline. Maybe place your feat on a step or on your couch, and keep your hands on the ground.

This shit really worked for me, though, so check out the resistance bands at your gym, or drop the $10 for one.

I know some gyms, like Chikara Crossfit, who use padded mats since they can't drop the weights. Don't quote me, but it's something to do with being in a basement or having windows for walls. I do not remember what I heard.

Anyways, doing a easy google search for the keywords "padded mats" gave me this first link to amazon for a 24"x24"x5" for $29.

We can probably better help you in the future if you post whatever image you are referencing when you state "I saw..."

A kid at my school has these, similar. He's able to do most stuff with em, I wonder how you bench tho, clasp or something?

Try some Exercise bands, such as THESE, attach it to a pull up bar, put one knee though (full hip extension) and cross your legs, and work your way down in resistance.

My bike and fluid trainer sit ontop of a fold-up exercise mat. It's the perfect size, and it has handles which makes it easy for me to slide it over to wherever i want (i.e., in front of the TV).

http://imgur.com/a/guLlW

I've used that set up in the winters and then mostly year round (moved to an area I'm not comfortable riding in) for a few years. Used it on wood floors and carpet, and it's been perfect on both. And during the time that I had it in my living room, it made it very easy to move it out of sight for a bit if necessary without taking the bike off of the trainer and what not.

Something like this, except I paid less than $30 for it I think:

https://www.bodybuilding.com/store/harbinger/tri-fold-mat.html?skuId=HARB2170110&PLASKU=HARB2170110&mcid=CG_PLA_US_GS_harbinger&bbdevice=c&bbskuid=harb2170110&gclid=CNiq5pPKiNQCFVhMDQodhyMDrg


Edit: Here's one for $25

https://www.amazon.com/Sunny-Health-Fitness-Tri-Fold-Exercise/dp/B0016BUR9G/ref=sr_1_10?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1495630683&sr=1-10&keywords=exercise+mat

Have you tried straps? I'm talking about these. They really do make a difference, despite upper body strength!

Get some lifting straps to help with the later reps/sets when your grip starts failing. They work great. But don't rely on them too much.

I actually just purchased a new jump rope a couple of weeks ago, Master of Muscle. I haven't given it a full run through yet but will be competing with it in a wod-style competition this weekend. After that I will be writing up a thorough review on my blog (won't link it here so it won't be spam but you can find it on other posts of mine if your interested).

It's a very fast rope. I am actually having trouble keeping up with it but it may be my nerves from trying to use it competitively. My fiancee picked it up and doubled her dubs instantly, and it hasn't tapered off yet, so I wouldn't call it a placebo effect.

EDIT I will say that I have been wanting an RPM rope but haven't justified the price tag. The gym owner at our box has an RPM and I've used it sparingly, and enjoy it but I haven't used it enough to say it's any better/worse than the cheaper Master of Muscle rope.

It's amazing what exercise bands will do for you:

http://www.amazon.com/SPRI-ES501R-Xertube-Resistance-Medium/dp/B0000AJ050/ref=sr_1_3?s=exercise-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1413093735&sr=1-3

I covered it with those interlocking gym mats like here and used carpet tape to keep them in place 🙃. My basement carpet is angry on the knees.

Some kinds of barbell collars might be a worthwhile design to look into. The kind that wrap around the cylinder and provide a lever arm to pretension and lock it into place(like this) would be my choice. There's also the kind that slide onto the end and are tightened by a screw with a lever in it(like this).


Figure out what loads you need to support and try to estimate the clamping pressure required.

Machines might be your best bet. And this is where the Smith machine can actually come in handy. But like I said, if it's worth the small investment to you then some kind of hooks should allow you to do barbell deadlifts and other pulling movements Harbinger Lifting Hooks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K0OQ3ZM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_GHb.Bb7DVEZ6T

I have a bad lower back, not upper, but found that all those "lumbar support" items for office chairs actually made my back pain worse including making my upper back feel "stiff".

​

I know it's a different type of pain, but I found that using "pull up assist" bands to do squats and various back exercises helped my back pain more than anything else.

​

https://www.amazon.com/UPOWEX-Pull-Assist-Bands-Powerlifting/dp/B078JNPPMT/

Got these from amazon for 25$

They’re pretty great and durable, best thing is that the handles allow you to stack them.
You get 10,20,30,40 and 50lb bands by default.
So you can combine the 20 and 50 for 70, I haven’t tried combining three bands though.
Never needed that heavy haha

I’m currently in love with my home gym. I have an adjustable bench with dumbbells from 5-40 lbs., a 30 lb kettlebell and exercise bike. I mounted hanging grips and ab straps to a 2x12 on my ceiling for pull-ups, ab work and spinal decompression. And.. one of the coolest things I did was I installed a 2x6 on the wall from floor to ceiling. I put hooks with caribeeners every foot and bought two packs of resistance bands with tensions from 5-50 lbs. got it on amazon, along with extra grips. You can stack bands for more tension, ie 50 & a 30 and the possibilities are endless and it was cheap
UPOWEX Resistance Bands Set – Include 5 Stackable Exercise Bands with Carry Bag, Door Anchor Attachment, Legs Ankle Straps & Bonus eBook – 100% Life Time Guarantee (Resistance Band) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078JFSN9Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_SBONBb3M86ZT1

Haha, no worries. I use these, they're fine. The plain cotton ones might be even better from a durability standpoint.

if you HAVE to use straps, there are a brand that are padded, and they do not unduly chafe my wrists. I only use them on high rep, snatch grip deads.

Well, if you figure the apartment/sound thing out, this rope is a good one to get. I've had mine for about 6 months or so and it's great, I recommend everyone who's into jump roping to get one of these. Fast, quiet, durable, easily adjustable, and comes with a small bag. What more can you ask for.

There are a lot of options on Amazon, ranging from children's playmats (which many people review as blocking mats!) to exercise mats. I bought this set because the Add-On price was great. So far, they have been performing great! For what it's worth, I don't even use a towel, and I have had no dyes transferring.

If you want to look at something else, many exercise foam mats pieces are all black like this. But many of these are textured.

Overall, I would say just find some foam puzzle play mats you're happy with! I thought about getting actually branded blocking mats but find nothing lacking with the foam puzzle play mats! Unless, of course, you really like the grid on mats specifically made for blocking.

Those work as I've used them in gyms. Alternatively, you could spend $10 and get actual collars that work well: Greententljs 2 Inch Barbell Clamps Quick Release Pair

• Resistance loops
  
• Foam Roller
  
• Fancy beef jerky
  
• HP Funko Pops
  
• Blender bottles
  
• $5 Steam games

Theyre pretty spongy. I bought them from Amazon, you can find them here. I must say my cats have already torn holes in the mats with their back claws, so theyre not as durable as I hoped.

edit: I'll probably go with the horse stall mats here in a couple months.

resistance bands. https://www.amazon.com/Bodylastics-Strong-Man-Warrior-System/dp/B006O0GDMO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1506396538&sr=8-3&keywords=resistance+bands+bodylastics

all i need is a door.

goal eventually is to build a garage, and in there will be a gym and mancave.

I've sprained both of my ankles unfortunately. One due to ice in the winter, the other because I had become too reliant on my good ankle and I rolled it when it was too fatigued. Two ankle injuries at the same time was no fun.

If physical therapy is an option, I definitely suggest it. If not, there are some exercises you can do at home that will help with stretching and building strength.

First, do the ABC's with your foot. Literally imagine yourself drawing the letters of the alphabet with your big toe, using your ankle to maneuver your foot and keeping the rest of your leg still. Make the letters as big as you can, so you actually feel your ankle working into areas that may be tight or sore. Do the letters lowercase, uppercase, backwards, whatever. It's really easy and you can do it sitting down while watching tv, sitting in class, at work, etc.

Another option is getting an exercise resistance band like [this](TheraBand Professional Latex Resistance Bands For Upper Body, Lower Body, and Core Exercise, Physical Therapy, Lower Pilates, At-Home Workouts, and Rehab, Yellow & Red & Green, Beginner Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LX4KRA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_2BxZzbJK4T7Z5) and using it to doing exercises like this. This was like 80% of my physical therapy, along with heel stands and lunges. However, even though you can do this stuff at home, I still suggest physical therapy. It'll force you to keep up with the exercises and help you track your progress. It'll feel like you're not doing anything that's helping, but I promise you are. I didn't keep up with my exercises after my second ankle sprain, and I've noticed a sharp regression in both of my ankles, even though physical therapy helped me get one of ankles back to 99%.

I didn't actually get knee surgery, just a minor injury. Only hurts when I squat/kick, and it's pretty much healed up now.

Resistance band is basically a long rubber band. Pretty good bang for the buck as far as possible exercises go, basically one restrain one end (either with arm,feet,doorknob) and pull using either arm or leg. Variations an that theme get a couple different muscle groups.

I've been trying to exercise my pectorals with it, although I haven't been terribly disciplined. I'm not sure if I need to lose weight exactly, just need more muscle and less fat. Which is why I'm not sure if dieting is the right way to go, or what kind of exercise to do exactly.

This Balance Ball kit would so help me to actually start working out some. It's right around the $20 limit. And I've been eyeing it for a while now because I need to start getting more active.

This contest is awesome, and I wish that healthy things (food, equipment, etc) wasn't so darn pricey!

those are still $180 for a set.


As opposed to something like this is it really that big of a diference:
https://www.amazon.com/UPOWEX-Resistance-Bands-Set-Attachment/dp/B078JFSN9Z/ref=pd_bxgy_200_img_2/131-6843662-5014232?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B078JFSN9Z&pd_rd_r=cf844588-5608-11e9-9d51-d3ea2da26719&pd_rd_w=11bQK&pd_rd_wg=0V2Hf&pf_rd_p=a2006322-0bc0-4db9-a08e-d168c18ce6f0&pf_rd_r=583VK2FXR25HWTBCY1PJ&psc=1&refRID=583VK2FXR25HWTBCY1PJ

Resistance Bands. bodylastic has a great set of like 21 pcs and they are awesome. plus ofcourse your traditional bodyweight exercises.

http://www.amazon.com/Bodylastics-Resistance-components-membership-LIVEEXERCISE/dp/B006O0GDMO/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_5

I'm 6'0" too. http://www.amazon.com/Jump-Rope-Mastering-Training-Guarantee/dp/B00DAMWXLO/ref=sr_1_4?s=exercise-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1425264013&sr=1-4&keywords=jump+rope

So I bought one of [these guys] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000VDTEDA/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). sitting on it isn't difficult at all—unless you want it to be. You can hold your abs in to make it a bit more active and sometimes I rest my forearms on my desk and lift my feet up off of the floor. That give you a REALLY great workout. But honestly, I've noticed a difference just sitting on the thing without doing anything special. This ball in particular came with a workout DVD too in case you want to make the ball multipurpose. I've found that sitting on the ball works in two ways for me, it strengthens my core (my physical therapist told me a weak core is part of the problem with my back), and it's just more comfortable to sit on and takes stress off my back.


I'm 5'5-1/2 or 5'6 depending on who's measuring me lol and my desktop is 76cm high and I ended up going with the biggest size ball (75cm). The next size down (65cm) was alright, but I prefer to sit pretty high at my desk. From what I've read online (and what felt most comfortable to me) I make sure I can sit with good posture, bend my elbows to a 90 degree angle, and rest my forearms on the desk without raising my shoulders or doing anything funky to my posture/arms/legs.

Holy crap, that was long winded. I guess I'm just a huge advocate of these things since it has helped me tremendously (and for only 20 bucks!) Is any of that info helpful?

Ladies in this thread, is this the right one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000VDTEDA?cache=708c62f98e65ec4d5f83c838fbfbbbd8#ref=mp_s_a_1_1&qid=1393766161&sr=8-1

Are you a male? Men's most underdeveloped muscles tend to be their lateral hips/core. But either way...

I would suggest getting a rubber band like this. ... I do these and my old pain from tearing ligaments, collegiate track & field overuse, pain, etc is gone.. wish I would of done these a long long time ago.

Or you can save yourself 25 bucks.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G8UGUAK

I over estimated most of the prices, but these are things I figured I would need in a home gym if I ever build one. If you take out a few, you can make it fit your budget.

Home gym Equipments
Adjustable dumbells: $100 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0087T8UOE/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
Power Rack + Bench: $310 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B01MR0BM7X/ref=olp_twister_all?ie=UTF8&mv_style_name=all)
Olympic Barbell: $101 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B005PGBFQW/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
Weights: $264 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00ZKJ08I0/ref=olp_twister_all?ie=UTF8&mv_style_name=all)
Clips: $20 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000BJKWXK/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
Weight Tree: $56 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000ASDXP6/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
Mat: $44 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00KHT4L1I/ref=olp_twister_all?ie=UTF8&mv_color_name=all&mv_size_name=0)
Lat Pulldown/Leg Extensions/Leg Curls/Preacher curls/cable flys : $420 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00JGRBSS6/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
Decline Bench/Ab crunch: $40 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0744FP4RF/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
dip accessory: $40 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/ol/B00B29F5JE/ref=olp_tab_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
Hanging knee strap: $20 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/ol/B00G8UGUAK/ref=mw_dp_olp?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
Ab/ decline Bench: $750 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00U1WJCFQ/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
Treadmill: $3100 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0010XI81E/ref=dp_olp_refurbished_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=refurbished)
Seated Cable Row: $400 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000M0GWUK/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new)

About $2629 without treadmill, and $5729 with treadmill. Another few hundred for some mirrors and paint.

You know, I have never attempted either exercise. I will definitely try the Zercher squat, that looks perfect for my circumstances, and for deadlifts I think I am going to buy some straps like http://amzn.com/B00K0OQ3ZM for the time being.

Thanks for the advice!

I sold my home gym and replaced it with this. Total replacement for your gym equipments. Got mine around 45$ awhile back I think. Don't be fooled, they have different tensions, check their other sets for even stronger resistance. Won't ever snap but if they ever do, they will replace it for you guaranteed free with a lifetime warranty. >4.5 stars Amazon rating.

And also maybe a pull-up bar. That's all you need.