Pump up without slimming your wallet
Whether it’s good times or bad, I’m fond of saying, fitness is a bargain. But for this column, you can take that literally -- and I’m not talking about scrounging up a dusty old Jane Fonda workout tape and a beat-up barbell set from EBay. Purchased new, the four products below will give you all-body, high-heart-rate aerobics, stretching/flexibility, and muscle toning and strength for a grand total as low as $117. You might even have enough left over to go out and splurge on a big dinner at Subway.
-- Roy M. Wallack
Gym dandy
Altus Athletic ADG Home Door Gym: Stretch-cord multi-gym with high and low pulleys that attach to a door.
Likes: Allows you to do many of the same movements that you would do in a gym: triceps extension/push-down, overhead pulls, cable crossover, seated and standing rows, chest press and more. It allows for back exercises, usually difficult to do at home. A smart, economical, space-efficient product that is a nice complement to dumbbells. Instructional DVD included. Easy setup. Beside handles, includes two ankle straps for leg exercises. Enough resistance for most exercisers save hard-core muscle men.
Dislikes: Can scar up the paint on your door and doorjamb.
Price: $37.99. (580) 482-0891 / (800) 654-9873; www.altusathletic.com.
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Get on the ball
Resist-A-Ball: A giant inflatable ball of durable rubber that provides a challenging, unstable surface for you to sit and lean on during a variety of exercises.
Likes: Your effort at maintaining balance during an infinite variety of body weight exercises gives you a highly “functional” workout that stretches, strengthens and builds coordination, all at once. Example: On a “Prone rollout,” in which the tops of your feet rest on the ball and you walk, dog-like, forward and backward on your hands, you work all the muscles of the upper body and the mid-section. The list of potential exercises includes sit-ups, feet-elevated push-ups, neck bridges, and more (see www.youtube.com/watch?v =2Ad_ENrflPk). Can be used to add instability to a dumbbell workout. When you are done with your workout you can even use one as a posture-straightening office chair.
Dislikes: None.
Price: $20.95 (55-cm. size). (800) 847-SPIN; www.resistaball.com.
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Strong medicine
Perform Better First Place Elite medicine ball: Weighted, inflated rubber ball.
Likes: Moving the heavy weight of the ball through various movements (figure eights, ball slams, squats; for many more, go to www.performbetter.com, then click on the Training Zone tab and from there, Medicine Balls) requires coordinated, all-body effort that builds functional strength and flexibility. This one has a good gripping surface and can be bounced, unlike a normal soft leather medicine ball. Two-tone balls come in a variety of weights, from 2 pounds to 12 pounds in 2-pound increments. You can also get 15-, 20-, 25- and 30- pounders.
Dislikes: None.
Price: $49 and $59 for 8- and 10-pounders (the most popular). (888) 556-7464; www.performbetter.com.
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Up in the air-robics
The Jump Rope Store Olympic Jump Rope: Segmented jump rope made of 1-3/8-inch-long plastic beads strung over a nylon cord.
Likes: Jumping rope is a superb aerobic and coordination activity that anyone can do anywhere. Most jump-ropes are dirt cheap; I like this one because the plastic beads give it enough heft for holding a natural momentum and tunnel shape, unlike light fiber ropes. Great for maintaining a rhythm and error-free jumping. Stores easily in luggage for travel.
Dislikes: Noisy on hardwood floors.
Price: $7.95 to $10.95 depending on length. (888) 456-7802; www.jumpropestore.com.
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