In today's economy, many people can't afford a health club membership. Some people don't live near a health club, or can't seem to find the time to go to the gym. One convenient solution is to work out at home. Since exercise equipment can be expensive, most people think it would be too costly to have a home gym. It is also difficult to find the space for a home gym. You don't need weights, treadmills and other expensive fitness equipment to get a good workout. You can start a home gym for less than fifty dollars by using resistance bands.

Resistance bands are sometimes referred to as “exercise bands,” or “tubing.” With resistance bands, you don't have to spend much money and you don't need a lot of space. Some people have the misconception that a workout using resistance bands is not as good as using free weights or machines. Done properly, you can get a great workout. With weights, you know exactly what you are lifting. With resistance bands, there are different bands with different levels of tension. By using proper form and the right tension, your muscle fibers can't tell the difference between weights and the resistance bands, and the bands are easier on your joints.

You can perform the same exercises as you do with free weights, by using the correct position for the bands. The bands can be attached to a door for such exercises as tricep pushdowns. You can also stand on the band and grip the handles for several different exercises, including bicep curls. With the resistance bands, you have a wider range of motion than with free weights or machines. You can create the resistance from all directions. There are a number of exercises and workouts available to you.

The resistance bands come in different colors based on the tension level---light, medium, heavy, and extra heavy. It is best to have several different tension levels for a range of exercises. Although you can buy individual bands from stores like Target or any sporting goods store, most of these are not complete systems. The most complete home gym system I have seen is from Bodylastics. The Bodylastics Basic Tension Tube System (under $50) comes with the following:

 1 Yellow elastic band (5 lbs.)
1 Green elastic band (7 lbs.)
1 Red elastic band (13 lbs.)
1 Blue elastic band (19 lbs)
2 Foam Covered Handles
2 Ankle straps
1 Door anchor
1 Bodylastics User book
1 Travel Bag
1 Year access to online university

The Bodylastics system includes a unique type of door anchor which enables the bands to be safely attached to the top, side and bottom of the door.

In addition to making a great home gym, the Bodylastics system is great to take with you when you are traveling. It doesn't take up much space and only weighs around 2 pounds. Regardless if you are just starting to exercise, or have been doing it for years, resistance bands are great for all fitness levels.