Cheap Exercise Options

You don't need to buy all kinds of fancy equipment or join an expensive health club to get in shape. Today we're going to take a look at a few ways you can get some exercise without lightening your wallet.

• Go outside
  - It sounds cliché, but the great outdoors is nature's gym. Go for a walk or a jog in a nearby park. Use any hills or rough terrain you may have to get yourself some strength training. Instead of driving, walk to any places that are relatively nearby. You'll actually be saving money while you work out. Take advantage of what happens to be in your area. Beaches, parks, hills, and many other natural formations can provide you with a variety of exercise options.
  
• Swim
  - Swimming is excellent exercise. All you need is access to a swim suit and access to a pool. Many YMCAs and community centres provide pool access for a much cheaper price than joining a gym. In general these centres are much cheaper than health clubs and they provide you with the many of the same services. Look around.
  
• Go back to the basics
  - Push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks, tricep dips and many other exercises can be done by only using your own body.
  
• If you're using equipment, stick with what's simple
  - Skipping ropes or resistance bands are much cheaper than fancy health clubs and expensive machines. An exercise ball does not cost very much, but it is very versatile and can be used to work out various body parts.
  
• Use what you have around the house
  - Instead of a Stairmaster or other stepper, walk up the stairs in your house. You can repeatedly walk up and down the same couple of stairs at the bottom for a work out that is just as good as one you would get using a machine. Think of other things around the house that you could use to exercise with. However, do not use makeshift weights. They will not be accurately weighed and, if they are an awkward size and shape, you may drop them easier and injure yourself.
  
• Watch exercise classes on television
  - Rather than heading to a gym for an exercise class, watch a workout show on TV or buy a DVD and follow along. You can get a great, consistent work out this way for very little money. You can also use the Internet to find workout routines for free.