Frugal Fitness Ideas

With new gadgets, gear, gym memberships and fitness programs blasting the airwaves each day, it may seem like getting fit is an expensive proposition. Not so, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are plenty of inexpensive -- or even cost-free -- ways to get fit. You can do cardiovascular as well as strength-training exercises without breaking your budget.

Step it Up

Use a walking program. This is a low-impact exercise that does not require you to pay anything or to practice before you perform it. Since it is a weight-bearing exercise, it will help increase your bone mass, notes "Walking for Better Health" author Satish Goel. You can walk individually or with a group, such as your family. In inclement weather you can walk in your home if space allows or in an indoor space such as a mall. In good weather you can walk near your home or workplace, on a park trail or at a high school track.

Cheaper Choices

When cost is a concern, choose activities like calisthenics that don't require much equipment or special facilities. Or, choose those that require a minimal investment such as a jump rope, resistance bands, a fitness ball or an exercise DVD or podcast. If you want to lift weights but cannot afford dumbbells, use common grocery items like vegetable cans, bags of pet food or rice, or bottled beverages. If you are time-challenged, work no-cost body-weight exercises into your day. For example, use lunges instead of walking as you put each load of laundry away in your house and perform squats as you fold items.

Community Resources

Visit your local library. You'll be able to find fitness DVDs as well as books that outline fitness routines that you can perform at home. Also investigate resources available in your local community, such as park and recreation programs, work site programs and community education programs. Searching online for free workout programs is another option.

The Outdoors

Enjoy the great outdoors. Make a workout out of your chores such as raking leaves or shoveling snow. Run around with your children as they play tag or join their game of kickball. Go on a hike or climb the steps at your high school football stadium. If you have a bike, go for a ride. Go to a local lake if it's warm and take a swim or just walk through shallow water because it provides resistance.