4 Fitness Investments

Affordable At-home Fitness for the Busy Parent

By Tracy Simmons

Think you don't have time for exercise? Well, think again! As a busy parent, you may find it difficult to fit exercise into your hectic schedule. Between picking up the kids from school and taking them to dance lesson, you barely have time for yourself, let alone exercise.

What if you could work out in minutes a day in the comfort of your own home for less than $100? Would you do it? Of course you would. All you need are the right tools! Staying in to work out is a great option for busy parents, as it can be done anytime with little or no equipment. It is also easy to incorporate into your daily schedule, and it can be done as a family. By investing in a few key pieces of equipment, you can get a complete workout at your own time and pace.

Working out at home couldn't be easier with so many resources available to you. Here are 4 fitness investments that are a great place to start! Be sure you are in good health before your start any fitness program, and consult with your doctor if you have any concerns before you begin.

Fitness DVDs are a great choice, as they can give you motivation, a great workout and help you safely perform the exercises. How do you choose the right video? First, you need to decide what kind of exercise you think you would enjoy. Are you feeling energetic? Go for a dance-based or aerobics-style video. Do you want to work on strength? Pilates is a great choice. Then, make sure the workout is appropriate to your fitness level. Do some research on the Internet, and check out your options to make sure you are getting exactly the kind of workout that you want.

Why not get kids involved too? "I had my kids make up the exercise routine and let them play fitness instructor for the day," says Deanna Nicol, mother of two from Hamilton, Ont. "I got to spend time with my kids, and we had a great time."

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