I would like to exercise at home. I need advice on buying equipment on a budget.
It is not necessary to purchase expensive equipment to set up an effective workout station in your home. Many people do not have the space available to put up a multi-gym or large piece of equipment in their homes. Here are my home-based fitness bargain basement ideas to break a sweat without breaking the bank.

Dumbbells- Purchase two or three sets of dumbbells with various weights to accommodate for different exercises and muscle groups. And to get an even bigger bang for your buck, consider adjustable dumbbells that have various weighted plates that can be added to the bar. Filling up empty pop containers, milk bottles and tin cans with water or sand can be another option. You can buy free weights in department stores, most shop- at- home store catalogues and any fitness equipment retailer.

Jump rope- for about $15 for a rubber model and $40 for a leather rope, you can jump to your heart's content at a fraction of the cost of a high tech cardiovascular machine. And, if the technique is done properly jumping rope can be less stressful than jogging. Contact your local fitness equipment store or sporting goods department.

Resistance bands- there are many different types of elastic bands that are available on the market. On a real shoestring budget, you can purchase large elastic bands at a stationery store (size 106) and tie them together. For about $2.00 a box, you can make enough elastics for the whole family. The problem is that they are not too durable and it's difficult to achieve an optimum range of motion on many exercises. Another option is surgical tubing that can be purchased at a medical supply store for under $10. But my favorite rubber resistance tool is the dynaband or theraband . The band is a three-foot strip of latex that works the muscles without the fear of breaking.

Bodybar- this is nifty gadget that can be utilized in the same fashion as a weight bar that you put plates on the end. The bar is encased in a durable sponge that gives it a comfortable feel. Many total body strength training exercises can be done with the Bodybar.

Stationary Bike- if you already own a regular bike, try mounting it on a training stand for indoor use. Randy Murchison from Velo City tells me that stands range from about $130.00-$280.00. Some have a, CAAWS, girls body image,where to play sports, girls self-esteem, girls soccer, girls cycling, girls and nutrition, nutrition for active girls, Canadian Association for women and sport, girls@play, snowboarding, skating, boarding, girl site, sports girl, extreme girl, mountain biking, skateboards, surfboards, X Games">

Considerations if you are going to purchase an exercise bike:

The most inexpensive machinery of all is your own body and a little muscle power! Stair climbing can be done anywhere. Pushups are dynamite for upper body toning. Cruise by your local outdoor park and do a couple chin ups on the monkey bars. And walk whenever you can.