Varied workouts on different types of equipment not only prevent workout boredom, but it also works different muscles for more effective results. With varied workouts, you can change your routine according to your mood, so you are less apt to dread your workout, which will help promote long-term commitment to exercise. Some low-cost fitness equipment to consider for personalizing your home workouts include a variety of weights, exercise mat, resistance tubes, Physio ball, ankle weights and a jump rope.

 

A variety of weights will allow you to perform a number of exercise routines, and stores easily out of the way. They also allow you to switch quickly between exercises and weights without having to move things around. When purchasing weights, experts suggest purchasing a 5-, 10-, and 15-pound set of dumbbells or a good-quality adjustable set.

An exercise mat is great for providing a cushion and level ground while performing yoga, Pilates and other exercises. A good mat protects the knees and tail bone during a workout and improves balance and control. The Pilates mat is thicker for even more protection of sensitive areas. Since the mat also absorbs perspiration, it can become slippery, so be sure to keep it, and the surface beneath it, clean. According to experts, be sure your mat is durable, long lasting, and easy to clean. Environmental friendly mats are also available.

Resistance tubes, also known as resistance bands, are great for providing versatility. They are great for resistance training, improving your range of flexibility and for performing Pilates and other light to moderate routines. Some bands come with attachments that allow you to strap them to a door or other stable surface for performing exercises such as standing chest presses, pull-downs, squats and various other shoulder and chest routines. According to experts, they are very inexpensive but sturdy enough to perform 50 to 100 reps with them.

A Physio or stability ball is a large ball that allows you to work on your core strength. By performing exercises such as crunches, hamstring curls, body bridges, squats and even dumbbell exercises on the ball, it forces you to stabilize, which engages the muscles responsible for building a strong core. According to experts, when selecting a ball, steer clear of transparent balls, because they can burst while performing exercises. Instead, opt for a high quality Physio ball from a fitness store or reputable web site which has been tested several times for stability.

A BOSU ball as it is often called, is a fitness training device, consists of an inflated rubber hemisphere attached to a rigid platform. It is also referred to as the "blue half-ball," because it looks like a stability ball cut in half.  It also engages stabilizer muscles and challenges your balance and coordination.  

Ankle weights added to your routine can increase leg and core strength during your workouts.  Used correctly they can challenge your leg routines and create long lean muscles in your legs.  They can also help strengthen your upper body when used while performing pull-ups, to increase arm and shoulder resistance.

No workout is complete without some cardio. A jump rope is the weapon of choice for many professional boxers, and not without reason. A jump rope improves cardiovascular fitness and tones muscle at the same time. According to experts, jumping rope burns more calories than an eight-minute mile run. Just 15-20 minutes of jumping rope burns off the equivalence of a candy bar. When selecting a rope, experts suggest a beaded rope for beginners, because it is fairly easy to control and holds it shape versus other materials. When jumping rope, always jump on a safe surface such as a section of plywood, wood floors or a mat to avoid injuries.

These are just a few fun ideas for incorporating budget friendly fitness equipment into your home workouts. Feel free to mix and match various low cost fitness equipment until you find your perfect combination.

Tilapa is a great fish for people wishing to incorporate more healthy fish in their diet. It is light and flaky, and without a strong "fishy" taste or smell. Tilapia is also relatively inexpensive and easy to find. This recipe combines some classic flavors I think you will enjoy tremendously.

As you experiment with cooking fish, add in other spices such as paprika, red pepper or chili powder. Fresh herbs such as rosemary, basil and even oregano can bring out the delicate flavor of fish without overpowering the fish.

Try to incorporate at least two fish or seafood servings into your weekly diet. You will find that not only will you begin to look and feel better, you will be able to think faster as well.


Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Ready In: 20-25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

4 tilapia filets
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 clove of garlic, sliced and chopped into small pieces
1 teaspoon fresh dill or parsley
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Rinse tilapia under cold running water and pat dry.
3. Pour olive oil into small skillet and sauté the garlic in the olive oil. Sauté about five minutes, or until garlic is light golden brown.
4. Remove from heat and add lemon juice.
5. Lightly salt and pepper tilapia on both sides of filets.
6. Place tilapia in a baking dish and drizzle olive oil, garlic and lemon mixture over the tops of the filets.
7. Sprinkle with dill or parsley.
8. Bake in oven until fish pulls tenderly apart with a fork, about 10-15 minutes.

Serve with whole-grain brown rice, grilled vegetables and a salad for a healthy, balanced meal.