Fitting Fitness into Your Budget

There are many different ways to get fit for little to no cost

By Danelle Karth

I remember using the excuse, "Oh if I had more money, then I would loose weight and get fit. I would go to the gym or buy home gym equipment." But that phrase was just that...an excuse. I've found there are many different ways to get fit for little to no cost.

Free
Free is always good. There are days when the pocket book just can't be stretched any further. It is on these days that we make do with anything that has no price tag!

• Walking is a healthy low impact workout that can be done any place.

• There are a variety of stretches and floor exercises that can be done, some with little to no effort, and others more advanced. Crunches are but one option, as well as push ups and toe touches.

• Calisthenics such as push ups, mountain climbers, and other good exercises can help a great deal.

• Running is a good free option if you have good knees, hips, and ankles, and are not extremely overweight. If you are overweight, start with walking and work your way up. If you have knee, ankle, or hip problems you should talk to your doctor before running.

Inexpensive
• There are a wide variety of exercises that can be done using dumbbells. These can be picked up inexpensively at discount stores, and can also be added to a walking plan for a harder work out. My dumbbells cost ten collars.

• Resistance bands are another way to build muscles and develop toning. They come in packages (usually of two) and instructions on a variety of exercises. My set of two cost six or seven dollars.

• Pick up an exercise video. This could be aerobics, pilates, or one of the dance videos in a music genre of your choice. Any of them will help you tone muscle or loose fat (both of which are excellent for getting fit). You can even get videos on belly dancing and other fun types of exercise.

Biking
While a bike can cost more, it is a one-time expense. You can sometimes find good bikes for low prices in the newspaper and at garage sales. Biking can be a fun activity, something the whole family can enjoy together, and help you loose weight and get fit. It can also become a mode of transportation for short distances, saving gas money and helping the environment. Most important is deciding to do it and being disciplined enough to do it.

Online Resources for At-Home Exercise

• Stretches and floor exercises

http://www.womensheartfoundation.org       

• Calisthenics

http://www.targetwoman.com/articles/calisthenics.html 

• Dumbbells

http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/dumbbellexercises.html 

01/08/08  By Danelle Karth