Resistance Bands
Here's a compact, lightweight tool to help you work both upper and lower body muscle groups. The Figure 8 made by Simple Fitness Solutions is a rubber latex tube with soft handles that comes in six resistance levels. A brochure included with each order demonstrates exercises that will strengthen your lower back, buttocks, legs, chest, mid-back, shoulders and arms. With the optional door strap, you can multiply the bands uses.
Cost: $9.95-$12.95 each
To Buy: Go to www.simplefitnesssolutions.com, or call (866) 283-4242.
Massage Balls
After exercising, or simply driving all day, give your back and shoulders a break with these massage balls. Made of firm plastic with rounded spikes, these balls reduce muscle tension by working on trigger points and breaking up knots in connective tissue. These are small enough to be put between your back and seat and rolled around on the upper back for some quick relief.
Cost: $5.95-$6.95
To Buy: Go to www.simplefitnesssolutions.com, or call (866) 283-4242.
Pedometer
Walking is the most basic of exercises and can be done just about anywhere. Once again, the key to success is not focusing on only really far or long walks. Make every step count by literally counting every step. Park your truck a little farther from the travel center every time you park and you'll add a few more steps to your day. Wearing a pedometer can help give you an idea of how many steps you take in a day, and give you the motivation to try and increase that number. Most Americans average 3,000-6,000 steps a day, but 10,000 a day is the recommended amount to maintain a healthy fitness level. You can find lots of different types of pedometers, from digital to those that come with a radio. Oregon Scientific makes an affordable, lightweight, yet durable model.
Cost: $14.98
To Buy: Go to www.amazon.com
Workout Belt
Protecting your back needs to be a priority when you lift weights. This belt by Nautilus offers lightweight stability in a durable high-quality nylon. It quickly adjusts with a hook and loop fastener.
Cost: $24.95
To Buy: Go to www.amazon.com
Cold Gear Shirt and Leggings
In winter, it can be easy to use the weather as an excuse not to exercise. But if you have fun gear that you look forward to wearing, and it also makes working out more comfortable, you'll be less likely to put it off. Under Armour is well-known among serious athletes for its quality weather gear. Their men's shirt is made of nylon, polyester and elastane, offering warmth without weight. The thin thermal construction keeps you warm while also wicking moisture away from your skin, to keep you dry. Compression design provides optimal fit. The leggings are designed to lock out cold and maximize moisture wicking. Compression design helps bolster muscle support from waist to ankle.
Cost: shirt, $59.99; leggings, $49.99
To Buy: Go to www.amazon.com
Weightlifting Gloves
These Diamond Tac gloves increase grip strength while decreasing fatigue. They feature a terry cloth thumb to mop sweat from your brow, rubberized reinforced canvas on the thumb and forefinger and synthetic leather palm. All Diamond Tac gloves come with a 12-week workout CD that also shows proper lifting form and contains a nutrition tips section.
Cost: $12.99
To Buy: Go to www.amazon.com
Faith-Based Fitness
Kenneth Cooper is known as the "father of aerobics" and has been at the forefront of health promotion for 30 years. In this book, he offers a comprehensive fitness regimen, including specific workout schedules, that uses spiritual motivation to achieve health goals. The Christian orientation Cooper gives to fitness sets this book apart.
Cost: $12.99
To Buy: Go to www.amazon.com
