Health-and-Fitness online information.

Your commitment to lose weight doesn't have to slim down your wallet too. If you're hesitant to shell out the money for a gym membership, there are plenty of low-cost alternatives to help you get fit and stay within your budget. Health clubs and gyms offer a wide variety of equipment, but you can get the same results at home with a few low-cost exercise products. The Mayo Clinic suggests making modest investments in dumbbells, jump ropes and resistance bands, which will maximize your workout.

Used to strengthen your upper body, dumbbells are convenient because the small, hand-held weights come in different sizes. Jump ropes can give you a great cardiovascular workout; they are also lightweight and easy to travel with. Resistance bands can be used with an array of upper and lower body exercises that are a good strengthening tool for your body.

Another good investment are exercise videos. They can recreate the feel of a health club aerobics class in your own living room. Many are good for improving flexibility, strength and your heart. Choose a tape that matches your current fitness level so that you don't get discouraged by exercises that are too hard or too easy.

# posted by Medical Information : 3:38 AM