Create An Easy Home Gym

Minna Lessig Shows You How

(CBS)  For many, finding time to make it to the gym is extremely difficult. No more excuses! We now have a solution to that problem. The Early Show Fitness Contributor Minna Lessig visits on Monday to share how to turn a part of your home into a gym for an affordable price.

A balanced fitness program includes strength training, cardio, and flexibility exercises. On Monday, Minna explained the most popular items you should have if you want to lose weight and tone from the comfort of your home.

The following items are relatively inexpensive and provide functional training:

1. Set of Dumbbells
   It is important to get a good range of dumbbells - 3 pounds, 5, 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, etc.. You need heavier weight to be able to grow with in your workouts. As you begin to work out, you are going to grow and need to challenge your muscles by providing more resistance.
   
   
2. Regular Gym Bench that is adjustable
   This bench lies flat, inclines, and can be adjusted to be upright. It is better to get an adjustable bench because you can work different parts of the body.
   
   
3. FIT Ball
   This is great for ab exercises and working the core. It can also be used as a bench to do weight exercises on. You are getting a better workout by using the ball than a regular bench because it is a stability type of exercise. In the beginning, you might not have the balance to use it as a bench, so Minna suggests working up to it gradually.
   
   
4. Medicine Ball
   This is great for functional exercises that target the core. Start with a 5-pound ball. This is also good for specific training exercises. For example you can mimic movements of swimming or golfing to gain strength.
   
   
5. Exercise tubing
   Tubing is cheap and great for resistance training.
   
   
6. Pull up / Chin up bar
   This bar can be drilled into the doorway of your home. Use for pull ups, chin ups, and hanging abs.
   
   
7. TRAINER
   Bike attachment that turns your regular bicycle into a stationary bike
   Will be used for cardio. Treadmills can be up to $5000, elliptical trainers are $1000. This gives people an affordable way to get a quality cardio workout. The trainers range from $169 - $300.
   
   
8. Step Bench
   You can get good cardio and weight training workout by using this bench. The only thing required is simple steps. Weights can be added to get more resistance.
   
   
9. Jump Rope
   Another excellent cardio option.
   
   
10. Harbinger stretch Mat/Yoga mat
    This is a 1-inch-thick mat that sticks to ground. It provides a lot of support and cushion for spine. Good for stretching, yoga, and Pilates.
    
    
11. Mirror
    This is good because it is important to see your form when working out. The mirror is also very motivational. It is important to watch how the body moves and see results in action. Minna suggests using a full-length mirror or mirroring one side of the wall.
    
    
12. TV-VCR/Stereo
    Minna suggests having a TV-VCR and stereo in your home gym. This gives you the option to play workout videos or watch your favorite TV program when working out. Playing your favorite music is also extremely motivational.

Home gyms add convenience to the lives of many people, especially mothers who are constantly on the run. It is easy to put dinner in the oven and work out in your gym for a little while; wake up early in the morning and work out before waking the kids, etc.