Workout Equipment
This is a list of the workout equipment I own, how I got it, and some suggestions I have for obtaining it cheaply.
Step
I purchased my first one on Craigslist from someone in my community for $10. Considering these things cost $50+ new, I would recommend a similar approach for those thinking about getting started with a step. I’ve found it to be indispensible for bringing variety to my routines, because not only can I do step aerobics, I also can do weight training and stretching on the step. Since I use mine so much, I recently upgraded to a full-size, 8-inch adjustable Pro Form step, which I got on sale for about $40.
Billy Bands
These are an essential tool for several Tae Bo workouts. In fact, if you are an intermediate or advanced exerciser, I would not even bother doing these workouts without the resistance bands. I bought an authentic pair on Billy Blanks’ website for about $20. One of mine snapped a few months after buying it, so instead of replacing it with another Billy Band, I bought a resistance band (see below).
Resistance bands
Although these can be used on their own for workouts, I bought them to replace Billy Bands that had snapped. I simply bought one with two sides and cut off one of the ends, tied it into a loop, and adjusted it so it was the same length and resistance as the Billy Band. Voila, $5 generic Billy Band.
Dumbbells
I have three pairs of neoprene dumbbells, all of which were purchased for $10 or less from Wal-mart or sporting goods stores. For my workouts, I find myself most often using the 5 lb and 10 lb weights, but the 8 lb weights do come in handy. I also have a York Adjustable Spin Lock Dumbbell set. Be aware that the bar and locks themselves weigh 3-5 lbs (I have not been able to find information on exact weights) even before you add the weights.
Fitness ball
I bought this 55 cm exercise ball for $5 on Craigslist, but they’re cheap at sporting goods stores as well.
Yoga mat
I lay this one on top of my step for weight training purposes. It was $10 at Wal-mart
Hand weights
I have two 1.5 lb hand weights that I use to up the intensity of and add more upper body components to kickboxing or step videos. These were under $10 for a pair at a sporting goods store.
Jump rope with step counter
This indispensable workout tool has a timer, step and calorie counter. It was $15 at Sports Authority. I carry one with me on vacation in case I don’t have room or time for a full-fledged workout.