Pull-up bars

There are many different types of pull-up bars.  If you exercise in your basement, there are a number of them that can be attached to beams overhead.  If you exercise in your apartment or in the living quarters of your home, you will probably want to buy a bar that can be fastened to a door frame.  Some of these --- like the one in the photo --- can be fastened at different heights in case you want to do seated pull-ups.  An important consideration when buying a pull-up bar is that it be strong.  Then, make sure that you attach it to the wall, ceiling, or door frame very securely so there is no danger of it falling down when you put your weight on it.  Here is the link for buying pull-up bars.

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The king of pull-up bars is the "All-in-one stand alone pull-up bar."  As the name implies, it's free standing and doesn't have to be attached to anything.  It's made of high quality aluminum and can support a 350 pound man.  It consists of seven pieces, all less than four feet long, and can be assembled in under a minute.  It's light, weighing under 22 pounds, and a carrying case for the pieces is available.  When assembled, it's seven feet high.  So, it's short enough to fit in your home and in most basements.  Of course, it can be used outdoors without any concern for corrosion.  Finally, it can be used for seated pull-ups as well as for push-ups and dips.  I bring one of these with me when I give a fitness demonstration.  A slightly cheaper variation of this bar can only be used for pull-ups.  Here's the link for buying these great pull-up bars.   

Exercise mats

The more sit-ups you do, the more you will want to use an exercise mat in order to provide some cushioning for your "tailbone."  Maybe some other bones as well.  I strongly recommend that you buy the folding type of mat rather than the type that you roll up.  It will lay flat on the floor rather than try to roll up on you when you are using it.  Also, get one that is at least an inch thick.  Two inches or close to it would be better.  Unless you are very short, I would recommend getting a mat that is at least six feet long.  Here is the link for buying exercise mats:

Click here for exercise mats.

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Push-up bars 

Push-up bars or handles are usually simple bars --- like the ones in the photo --- that are positioned a few inches above the floor.  They are easily moved around so that you can obtain the most comfortable hand spacing.  They enable you to stretch a little more deeply than when placing your hands on the floor.  They also will keep your hands clean if you exercise in your basement or out doors.  They are cheap and are worth the investment.  Here is the link for buying push-up bars. 

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Sit-up boards 

A sit-up board is usually a padded board that includes a means of anchoring your feet while you exercise.  Most of them are adjustable so that you can incline the board making the exercise more or less difficult.  In the Program, we didn't talk about doing sit-ups on an incline.  If they get too easy when doing them horizontally, that's the time to think about doing them on an incline.  From my point of view, the most important reason for buying a sit-up board is that you won't need someone to hold your feet down.  Here is the link for buying sit-up boards.

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A very cheap alternative to a sit-up board is the Everlast "folding sit-up bar."  This device clamps to the bottom of a door and provides a means of holding your feet down.  I strongly recommend it if you don't think you will want to do situps on an incline.  Here is the link for buying it. 

Running Shoes

Buy the best running shoes you can afford!  Generally speaking, you get what you pay for.  If you are middle-aged or above, you should get a shoe that had a lot of cushion built into it.  Take it easy on your joints!  If you are younger, you can be more careless in this respect.  Just get a shoe that is comfortable.  My favorite brands are New Balance and Mizunu.   Both brands carry wide sizes.  Mizuno is considerably cheaper.