Within Reach

This weather is horrible. It takes some real strength to endure this b.s. let me tell you. All misery aside though, it will end. Before you know it, the sun will be shining and the clothes will be shedding. This is typically my favorite time of year. All the beautiful women of New York City unleash their power upon the world in the form of cute skirts, shorts, and tank tops. Men also hear the call of spring and summer. We think about showing off our assets just as much as women think of showing off theirs.

This naturally means its time to work-out and shed off the winter layer of insulation that’s formed on many of our bodies. As my girlfriend says, “If you can pinch more than an inch…” then the body needs tweeking.

How do we work out if we don’t have time to go to the gym or the budget to even join one? By simplifying the matter and bringing the gym within reach. You can spend less than $100 and have pretty much all you really need to get into great shape.

Here is a home gym that works for anyone. The big blue ball, called various things including a stability ball, resistance ball, balance ball etc. is the perfect foundation for any home gym. You can pretty much do anything with that ball and call it exercise. The dumbbells are 5 lbs., but you can get any weight you wish, depending on your current level of fitness. I’m in pretty good shape and a set of 5-10 lbs. would suit me just fine. The resistance bands (lying on the blue ball) can be manipulated to do a multitude of exercises and the resistance can easily be changed. Ankle weights are optional… I have been known to wear them for hours at a time and do butt extensions and leg curls. Finally, the exercise/yoga mat helps when you need to floor exercises.

A rough price list for all the items was compiled from Target and Modell’s. This is thanks to the fact that they are both conveniently in the same mall and carry sporting goods, not for any preferential reasons. For online quotes go to Target.com or Modells.com.

Resistance Ball: $15-$30
Resistance Bands: $10-$26
Ankle weights: $10-$25 *get a set made from durable canvas or leather. Just trust me.
Dumbbells: $3-$11 individually
Mat: $18-$30

It’s not thousands of dollars like the Bowflex or a treadmill. It’s much more versatile than a bench or one of those ridiculous abdominal machines. It’s closer than going to the gym. Nice and simple solution to the nagging question: “Can I pinch more than an inch?”