[TomAwesome]

I was in Phoenix (actually Mesa, but close enough) for a couple weeks recently. One day while I was there, we went to a gym. I'm quite far from anything resembling being in shape, but even though I got tired embarrassingly easily, I actually really enjoyed it. Since then, my body has been kind of bitching at me because we didn't go again while I was there, and I don't feel like paying for a gym membership down here. I actually spent the last half hour or so jogging in circles in my room like a jackass because I was getting a bit stir crazy.

Anyway, aside from a treadmill I can probably get for free, I have no equipment, but I'd still like to encourage this sudden urge to stop being so sedentary. I know some of you are really into fitness, so I was wondering if anyone had any sites to recommend that could get me started as far as stuff I can do without equipment, like calisthenics or something, and maybe what dietary supplements would help get my body working better.

While I'm at it, if this goes well and persists, can anyone recommend any home-gym equipment that works a fairly complete range of muscles and doesn't cost four figures? I've seen a few for $400-$500, but if they're crap, I'd rather stay away from them.

[s7eve]

Get some free weights and a bench ftw.

Free weights are better as you also build your balance muscles and you can start off with a modest budget and build from there.

[B Lopez]

I'd honestly get a chain gym membership. 24hour fitness, Right Stuff etc. But then you have to discipline yourself to go.

They're cool because you can get into any of them anywhere. Especially cool if youre traveling and need a shower or stretch somehwere.

[7StringofAblicK]

Cheapest, most effective way to workout on a bugdet (at least to stay in shape and tone):

Run. Build up endurance and keep your heart rate up for at least 30 mins
Abs. Crunches, side bends, get some 5lb dumbells to do some exercises. There are tutorials all over the internet on good ab routines
lastly and MOST amazing - Pushups. Yep. Best way to work your biceps, triceps, chest, and shoulders ALL at once. Check out some fitness sites for proper technique and different ways you can do them.

I do inwards (hands close together) for tri's, wide-spread (for chest and bi's) and standard shoulder length for an all around good workout. I do 50 of each in a set of three - so altogether 450 over the course of the routine.

it's a lot, but with headphones you can bust them out in 3-5 songs

[TomAwesome]

^ I've got a treadmill and a pair of 15 lb dumbbells I've been using every night. I have trouble with crunches because it hurts my tail bone (I guess I could get a mat) and with push ups because it messes with my wrists, but I found out that if I grab onto the dumbbells, they give me enough finger clearance from the ground that I can do them like that for now. I guess now it's mainly just a matter of finding more ways to make proper use of the dumbbells. I'll probably try Google again tonight.