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There's No Place Like a Home Gym

At-home Fitness for Dads-to-Be

By Mark Stackpole

It's not uncommon for fathers-to-be to experience some of the same symptoms as their pregnant partners. A "sympathy pregnancy" can include things like morning sickness, sleep disturbances, mood changes and, of course, weight gain.Midnight cravings can quickly turn into a family affair, with both partners munching on pickles and ice cream or peanut butter pizza. Before he knows it, a supportive father-to-be may find himself with a growing belly of his own. And let's face it, a "pregnant" man is not nearly as beautiful as a genuinely expectant woman.

In addition to concerns about his appearance, too many tasty treats (or not enough of the healthy stuff) can contribute to very unsavory problems such as heart disease, diabetes and even certain types of cancer.

So what's the best way for a dad to get his waistline down and his heart rate up? Gym memberships can get expensive, and what new dad has the time to get there every day for his workout?

Working out at home may be a better alternative, but many families are intimidated by the high cost of fancy machines, not to mention the space they take up. Relax, Dad, you can pull yourself together at home without a strain on your wallet or your square footage.

Don't like the idea of a huge, expensive weight machine in your living room? No problem. "The weight bench, dumbbells and machines are absolutely not essential," says Derek Dodd, a registered nurse and certified fitness trainer. "They take up space and are not convenient."

Dodd, who in December 2004 was named by Men's Journal as one of the Top 100 Trainers in the nation, has a much more manageable set of requirements for weight training – resistance bands. Resembling elastic bands with handles at each end, resistance bands can be used to work the entire body and will store easily once the workout is over. "The major advantage to using them is their convenience, portability and usefulness of getting a total body workout without gyms or health clubs," says Dodd.

Want to see more?

• Is Joining a Gym Right for You?
• Heart-healthy Fitness: Great for All Ages!
• News About Nutrition: 9 Recommendations From the 2005 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee
• Talk about it!