A word about cost .............................................................................286
Popular classes ..................................................................................286
Choosing from Among All the Exercise DVDs .........................................294
Advantages of exercise DVDs ..........................................................294
How to choose a DVD .......................................................................295
Where to buy DVDs ...........................................................................298
Your DVD options ..............................................................................299
Our favorite instructors ...................................................................300
Important safety tips .........................................................................301Chapter 20: Designing a Home Gym.......................... .303
Planning Your Exercise Space ....................................................................303
Looking at the big picture ................................................................303
Choosing an inviting spot for your equipment ..............................304
Taking careful measurements ..........................................................304
Thinking about flooring ....................................................................305
Equipment Shopping Tips ..........................................................................305
Shopping around ...............................................................................305
Taking a test drive .............................................................................306
Looking for safety features ...............................................................307
Asking for a discount ........................................................................307
Checking out warranty and service plans ......................................307
Investing in Cardio Equipment ..................................................................307
Treadmills ...........................................................................................308
Elliptical trainers ...............................................................................310
Stair-climbers .....................................................................................311
Stationary bikes .................................................................................311
Rowing machines ..............................................................................313
Two cardiovascular bargains ...........................................................313
Buying Strength Equipment .......................................................................316
Exercise bands and tubes .................................................................316
Ankle weights .....................................................................................317
Free weights .......................................................................................318
Weight benches .................................................................................321
Multi-gyms ..........................................................................................321
Considering Flexibility Gadgets .................................................................324Part VII: Exercising for All Ages and Stages ...............327
Chapter 21: Fit Pregnancy: Exercising for Two................. .329
Understanding the Benefits of a Fit Pregnancy .......................................330
Working with Your Healthcare Provider ..................................................331
Great Activities to Consider During Pregnancy ......................................332
Walk this way .....................................................................................332
Getting into the swim of things .......................................................332
Prenatal low-impact aerobics or yoga class ..................................333
Continue lifting weights ....................................................................334Table of Contents xix