Our Homeschool Tools Fitness Editor has designed a program that requires a minimum of equipment, space, and individual assistance. Therefore students can perform training at times that fit into your home school schedule.
Wall Clock. A wall clock is desirable so students can time their own training activities. For example, students should warm-up prior to starting strength conditioning for 5-10 minutes of jogging, jogging in-place, or rope jumping. A conveniently placed wall clock allows a student to do his own timing. Battery operated wall clocks are available from Wall Mart* for $5.50.
Jump Rope. Rope jumping is an excellent exercise for warm-up and for learning coordination. Jump ropes are available from stores such as Wall Mart* and Sports Authority* for $3.50 to $9.00. Jump ropes come in a standard 9 foot length. Therefore, if your student is less than 5' 6", we recommend that the rope length be adjusted. LifeLine® provides jump ropes that cost $5.00 and come in several colors from Sports Authority*. You can buy two or more and adjust the length making a red one six feet, yellow one seven feet, etc.
Pull-up Bar. To perform a pull-up safely requires the use of a bar that is specifically designed for pull-ups. Bollinger® manufactures a bar that is easily installed in a doorway/archway and can be removed (unclipped) after the exercise is completed. (The mounting clips are semi-permanent but they can be moved as your student(s) grows.) The Bollinger® Pull Up & Chin UP Bar is available from a sports store such as Sports Authority* for $15.00, but it is limited to a 5' 6" student when installed in a standard doorway/archway. Bollinger® offers a $30.00 MultiGym for a standard doorway/archway that will accommodate a taller student. While the Pull Up & Chin Up Bar does not interfere with the operation of the door, the MultiGym must be removed (unclipped). My father installed our Pull Up & Chin Up Bar in a closet doorway. If installed in a doorway vice a flat archway surface, you need to shim out (approx. 1/2") with lathe or lattice trim to make a flat surface, use longer (1 1/2") wood screws, and drill a 3/32 pilot hole.
Stopwatch. Most aerobic activities do not need accurate timing. A wall clock or wristwatch can be adequate. But an inexpensive stopwatch is needed when accuracy is required. Also a stopwatch can be offered as a motivational tool when a student needs encouragement that he is improving his physical/aerobic fitness. Wall Mart* sells a rugged and easy-to-use Stopwatch for $7.00.
* Wall Mart and Sports Authority are stores used to show availability and cost, there are other stores with equivalent products.