Have a Plan B to keep fitness plan on track

In this time-starved world, finding the time to go to a fitness center to train can be tough. What with the early rise for work, the post-work commute, the kid taxi, the trip to the club — it can quickly begin to become a chore.

It's always good to have a Plan B, when it comes to fitness. If you can't train at your usual time, have a backup plan. If you can't use the equipment you want, have a second option. If you are having difficulty getting to the club to train, and if you have the room, maybe a home gym is just what you need.


Here's some inexpensive equipment to get to make it work.


Total gym: starting at about $399

 This is one of the only "As Seen On TV" fitness product I actually like. I've personally worked out with this unit, and I gotta tell ya — it's the real deal. It uses your pulleyed bodyweight and folds up nice and tight for easy storage. Plus, Chuck Norris endorses it, and we know how much he rocks.


The Kettlebell $29 to $59

One of the most versatile fitness tools available today. It's kind of like a handled dumbell with the weight in the front. When you get it moving, the weight begins to pull you in the direction it's going, causing your core to constantly react. Love it.


Resistance Tubing $7 to $25

Lightweight, portable and easy to use tubing is a mainstay in my personal training. The resistance increases as the tube is stretched so the end of the movement is the hardest part, which is ideal for complete strength development.

Weighted Vest $79 to $199

The weighted vest puts a new spin on bodyweight training. These vests can hold 5 to 20 pounds, and advances in construction materials have improved breathability and ease of use. Sprints and sports drills with the vest will get you in amazing shape.

Medicine ball $25 to $72

I love the good ol' medicine ball. It's durability and compact size make it an extremely useful fitness tool. It's use can include power, strength and endurance training. Med ball slams are an excellent anger management technique.

Punching Bag $59 to $149

I've said for many years that a fighter's workout is hard to beat, and heavy bag training is one of the biggest reasons. Heavy bag workouts build superior speed, power and endurance in the upper body muscle groups, and will leave you feeling like a champ when you're done.


So there you go. For around $600 you can have a fully functional home gym that will produce results time after time after time. Get the whole shebang, and it will pay for itself in the form of not having to miss workouts because you just couldn't make it to the club.

Hit your gym first thing in the morning to get a nice boost to start your day, or hit it as soon as you come home to work off the day's stress. The convenience factor is ridiculous. Leave yourself no room for excuses, and give yourself a ‘Plan B" for success.


Chad Smith is a Hagerstown personal trainer, and co-owner of Home Team Fitness LLC. Visit his website, www.hometeamfitness.net, or find him on Facebook www.facebook.com/hometeamfitness.