Women at work and their tips, challenges, advice, complaints, and experiences

While perusing Working Mother magazine last night, I spotted an article focused on helping women figure out the most effective way to get fit.  Their point was that you should choose a method (from personal trainer to walking/jogging with a friend) that best suits your personality type and budget.  While I'm glad that they offered further insight on how to decide what's right for you, I was disappointed in their home workout options, which were limited to investing in equipment such as a treadmill or other spendy item and exercise videos.

What ever happened to the less expensive items?  There are plenty of them out there; you just have to be willing to take a moment or two to think about it.

Better yet, save yourself the thinking time.  Here's my personal list of the five fitness products you need to set yourself up for success at home, each of which is under $100.  (In many cases, significantly less than that!)

1. Yoga/Pilates mat: This isn't just for yoga, folks.  Use it to give yourself an extra layer of cushioning while stretching, doing crunches and pushups, or with a step for cardio workouts.  Especially handy if you've got wood flooring rather than carpet.  And no, a towel or blanket won't really do the trick if you're actually doing yoga.  Trust me, I've tried.  Companion purchase: treat yourself to a carrying strap or bag.  It's worth it, for trips to classes or just for storage.  (I bought a bag when I bought my mat, and not only does it hold my keys and ID when I go to the gym, it's also very handy for hanging the mat up out of the way when it's not in use.)
2. Dumbbells: you can pick these up at a store like Target inexpensively.  If you're just looking to tone, you'll be using less weight and doing more reps, so you can use something as small as a 2-3 lb. weight.  Planning on working your way up to bigger numbers in the future?  You might prefer to grab a set like this 32-lb. package Target offers; for $50 it includes three pairs of dumbbells of 3, 5 and 8 lbs each.
3. A pedometer: See that groovy looking gadget in the photo above?  That's the Champion C9 Bubble Pedometer.  Clip something along these lines onto your belt or waistband and see if you can reach 10,000 steps in a day.  Always encouraging to know you're working out just walking down the hall to make copies, right?  See what your average is each day for a week, then challenge yourself to walk 10% more each week.  A stroll through the park with the family dog each Saturday could lead to walking marathons as you meet and surpass each new challenge!  (By the way, that Bubble goodie is only $20!)
4. A jumprope: Buy a fancy deal for more, or just hit the kids' aisle (or borrow one from your kids - challenge the whole family to a jumping contest!) and grab a basic jumprope for a couple of bucks.  Once you get back into the swing of things, you'll feel like you're back in sixth grade.  Legwarmers and '80s hair optional.
5. A fitness ball: These can be had for under $20, but for $40 or so you can get a set that includes DVDs and all sorts of other goodies.  Good for stretching out, balancing, and making those crunches and other basic (free) exercises pay off more.

It goes without saying that you should definitely invest in one more item if you're going to start a fitness program, even if it's "just" walking: a good pair of shoes.  While fancy stuff can cost you quite a bit, a sturdy pair of cross-trainers can easily be had for under $100. 

And a freebie bonus item for your home "gym"?  Your library card!  Before you do invest in fitness DVDs, the last item mentioned in Working Mother's article, you can use your local library to check out various programs and types of workout options.  Not sure if yoga will stretch you far enough?  Try before you buy.  Does that core workout instructor look a little too hardcore for you?  Sit through her workout on the library's nickel before you spend your own.  I've found favorites this way and learned what is definitely not for me, all for free, thanks to the library's request system!