Today's lecture will be on the simplicity of inexpensive, yet extremely effective, pieces of exercise equipment for the home. 

My first recommendation is a foam roller, used frequently at Alliance Physical Therapy.  This hard foam tube looks like a giant hair curler from the 60's.  It's a terrific piece of exercise "equipment" costing about $15 to $20 and useful for stretching, strengthening shoulders and improving balance and foot/ankle reactions.

The second recommendation is a therapy ball.  This "tool" can be used for strengthening back and abdominal muscles.  Standing from knee-high to thigh-high, it is also a fun "toy" that gets the kids involved in exercise or serves as an excellent chair for those trying to improve posture.  Cost of good therapy balls range between $20 and $30.

Finally, I recommend an "Airex pad" for anyone wishing to improve balance or agility.  This includes everyone from athletes trying to decrease the frequency of ankle sprains to senior citizens hoping to "walk steadier."  This pad is made of a soft but durable material and sells for about $45.

Add your walking shoes, your floor and a few small dumbbells or ankle/wrist weights and you have everything you need . .  . for less than $100 and fitting into the corner of your shoe closet.  Call Alliance Physical Therapy if you have questions about your home exercise "equipment."

Yours in health,

Karen