Are you looking to save time and money?  These five pieces of equipment are all sold for under $100. The best part… each of these pieces of equipment can give you a full ½ hour intense workout.   Hire a trainer for a few sessions to learn how to use them, get ideas and routines from videos, and Google also gives many variations on workouts to keep your workouts fresh.

1- Kettlebell- $10-$100

A kettle bell is one of the most effective tools for getting in shape. The weight is centered below the handle. When you swing the kettle bell, nearly every muscle in your body has to work hard to counteract the momentum.  This can be not only a great strength and conditioning workout, but also a cardiovascular challenge!

Because kettle bells are so versatile and portable, you can take them with you to the gym, do it in your home, take them to the park or anywhere that has a small open spot.

The cost of a kettle bell can run an average of $10-$100, depending on  the weight purchased.  I bought mine at Big Lots and saved a bundle.  I would suggest you ask a trainer for advice on the amount of weight you should purchase.  You can get kettle bell as low as 5lbs. and as high at 60lbs.

2- Medicine ball- $20-50. 

Medicine ball can be used for circuit training(strength and cardio), plyometrics (power) and strength training.

For the most part, medicine balls are between 2-25 pounds and the standard ones are approximately size of a basketball. They come in different textures and different sizes. A medicine ball can be fitted with, or without, a handle (or two). Other variations, known as powerballs or slamballs, may have a rope running through the ball.

The cost of a medicine can run an average of $20-50.  This product can be found on line, at Target, or go to the Big Lots (again you best bet for price). I would suggest you ask a trainer for advice on the amount of weight you should purchase.  You can also Google a great workout routine.

3-Bozu average of $100

The BOSU acronym stands for "Both sides utilized," or as "Both sides up." The Bosu has one side that is completely flat, and can lie flat on the ground. The opposite side is the ball side, which is essentially an exercise ball cut in half.

The BOSU is a versatile piece of equipment .The BOSU is a challenge for balance. Your body is forced to recruit numerous core and stabilizing muscles in order balance. You can also perform high impact jumping on the bozu for cardio workout.  When jumping on the BOSU, you challenge core stabilization as well as hip, leg and ankle stabilization. You can also do multiple exercises that combine strength activities for lower and upper body workouts.

This is a one size fits all piece of equipment. The cost can run an average of $100.  This product can be found on line, Target, Wal-Mart, or many of your sporting good stores.  You might even find a good deal at the used sporting goods stores in your town.  A good starting workout might be with a trainer, but the are plenty of great videos and of course Google at no costs at all.

4- Resistance Bands$10-$20

These are very light weight, durable elastic bands with handles on each end Tubing is elastic resistance that can be used to create simple and effective exercise resistance training programs that you can do anywhere.

This type of resistance training enables you to work all major muscle groups. Unlike weight machines where your body has to adapt to the path of motion provided by the given machine, tubing provides you with exercises that adapt to the way your body is structured.

There are many different resistance tubing offered for the upper and lower body.  The cost can run an average of $10-$20.  This product can be found on line, Target, Wal-Mart, or many of your sporting good stores. 

5-Resist a ball   $30- $40

This inexpensive and versatile Ball can be used by all, regardless of age or fitness level. Due to its round shape, the workout ball consistently challenges balance while targeting specific muscles or groups of muscles.

The Resist-A-Ball exercises provide a total body workout. Abdominal, back and trunk work is an integral part of Resist-A-Ball workout. There are at least 200 exercises that can be done on the ball.

Choosing the right size is a key element to a purchase of a ball.  To size your ball, sit on the ball. Your knees need to be parallel with the height of the ball when they are in a 90 degree angle. There other important element in purchasing a ball is to make sure it is a burst proof ball. You make find a cheap ball for $10…but buyers beware. This product can be found on line, Target, Wal-Mart, or many of your sporting good stores. 

By Carolyn Phillips

Carolyn Phillips has a 20 year history as a certified personal trainer with the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and Certified Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant, teaching lifestyle management, nutrition, weight training, cardiovascular, fitness testing, and behavior modification.  Carolyn is featured on WFSB Channel 3’s, Better CT and on radio 96.5 TIC FM with Damon Scott as the fitness expert every Wednesday.

Carolyn Phillips is founder and CEO of Fit Behavior (http://www.fitbehavior.com) and. Carolyn’s Menu of Life (http://www.Caroylnsmenuoflife.com) The facility has a 13 -year history and has been awarded winner of the best place to workout and best Pilate’s studio by the Hartford Magazine and voted best by The Hartford Advocate for its nutrition and cardio program. Carolyn won the prestigious 40 Under Forty award from the Hartford Business Journal for outstanding leadership in the greater Hartford area.

Carolyn has over 25 years of combined comprehensive sports and education experience.

• ·         2000-2010 ACE Certified Personal Trainer
• ·         2010 ACE Certified Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant
• ·         2007-2010 Featured on Better CT Channel 3 as a Fitness Expert
• ·         2009-2010 96.5 TIC FM's Damon Scott radio show as the weekly Fitness Expert
• ·         2007-2010 The Mary Jones Radio Show, WDRC-AM 1360 - guest Fitness Expert
• ·         2008-2010 West Hartford Community Television - Fitness Expert and Group Instructor on air
• ·         1990-2010 Guest Speaker on ESPN, WHCN, WCCC, WDRC
• ·         2002-2010  President - Board of Directors at Chrysalis Center Inc.
• ·         2009 BS in Organizational Leadership, Quinnipiac University
• ·         2007-2008 Published writer for Natural Nutmeg Magazine
• ·         2007-2008 Nutmeg Community Television - Fitness Expert and Group Instructor on air
• ·         2000 40 Under 40 Award from the Hartford Business Journal
• ·         2004 Licensed Professional Mountain Biker
• ·         1998-2004 CT State and Regional Mountain Bike Champion
• ·         1990-1997 CT State Bodybuilding Champion and National Competitor
• ·         1974-1980 VT State Gymnastic Champion and Junior Olympics Competitor
• ·         3 years coursework in Health Sciences

·         Currently studying for Master's Degree in Nutrition

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