“Make Yourself at Home”

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Saving money while staying fit can be a tricky balance, especially if during these tough economic times, a gym membership is no longer an option. But you can bring the gym home with you. Here are a few strategies to consider.

Invest in Elastic Bands- Bands are great, in that they provide increased resistance throughout the range of motion, unlike free weights. Plus you can hit all muscle groups.

Bodyweight Exercises- Few people realize how important manipulating your own body is to achieving the physique you want. When was the last time you tried a set of pushups and bodyweight squats to failure?

Try this: tomorrow morning, jog in place for 1-3 minutes, then do as many pushups as possible without stopping. Do the same with squats and situps. Repeat the sequence 3 times and log your numbers in a notebook. The next day, make sure you do at least one more repetition of each exercise than you did the previous day. After 30 days, you’ll be asking yourself, “Who needs the gym?”

Neighborhood accountability: Even though you workout at home alone, ask friends to join you on this bodyweight challenge. Compare numbers and encourage each other. It’s a neighborhood watch program (everyone keeps an eye on their waistlines).

Let me know how you’re doing and send me your questions.

Pena