How does the use of a piece of equipment like the Soloflex compare to using hand weights and ankle weights? My membership to the gym runs out soon. I have a Soloflex at home (unused since our son went to college) and do not particularly want to invest in hand and ankle weights unless there is a good reason to do so. I am 56 and in excellent health except for being overweight.

You can try your son's Soloflex and see if it is comfortable and challenging for you. If he has the free weight attachments, that would be very useful. It may help to check out their web site before you get started.

If the Soloflex is not comfortable for you, I would recommend investing in free weights. (Your son may have some dumbbells around as well.) Dumbbells can be purchased for as little as $0.50 per pound at discount stores or you could try finding them used. Second Hand (Play It Again) Sporting Good Stores often have great bargains.