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Fitness on a budget: Low-cost ideas for shaping up

Gym memberships can be expensive. But there are other options for getting in shape. Consider these low-cost alternatives.

If the only thing keeping you from starting a fitness program is the cost of a gym membership, here's good news. You don't need to join a gym to take exercise seriously. Plenty of low-cost alternatives can help you get fit without breaking your budget.

Take advantage of everyday opportunities

You don't necessarily need special equipment for a cardiovascular workout. With a little foresight, activities you take for granted can become part of your exercise routine.

• Step it up. Take a brisk walk every day, whether it's a path through your neighborhood or laps in a local mall. Take the stairs instead of the elevator — or make a full workout of climbing the stairs. Sneak in extra steps whenever you can by parking farther away from your destination.
• Make a workout of household chores. Mow the lawn, weed the garden, rake the leaves or shovel the snow. Even indoor activities such as vacuuming and scrubbing count as a workout if you increase your heart rate.
• Join in the fun. If you have children, don't just watch them play. Join them for a game of tag or kickball. Walk them to the park. Dance. Take a family bike ride.

Consider modest investments

If you're looking for fitness bargains, these inexpensive exercise products may be a good bet:

• Dumbbells. Dumbbells are small, hand-held weights that you can use to strengthen your upper body. They're available in many sizes.
• Resistance bands. These stretchy cords or tubes offer weight-like resistance when you pull on them. Use the bands to build strength in your arms and other muscles. Choose from varying degrees of resistance, depending on your fitness level.
• Jump-ropes. Skipping rope can be a great cardiovascular workout.
• Exercise videos. Create the feel of a health club aerobics class in your own living room. Many videos are good for improving strength and flexibility, too. Pick a video that matches your current fitness level so that you don't get discouraged by exercises that are too hard or too easy. If you can, borrow the video from your library first or rent a copy to see if you like it. Make sure the video is endorsed by a certified fitness instructor.

Improvise

• Canned goods. Many canned goods can serve double duty as hand weights.
• Milk or water jugs. Fill empty milk or water jugs with water or sand and secure the tops with duct tape. To adjust the weights as your fitness level changes, simply add more water or sand. If you wonder how much weight you're lifting, simply weigh the jug on your household scale.
• Potatoes. A 5- or 10-pound bag of potatoes can provide added resistance for various exercises.

Even a low, sturdy step stool can become exercise equipment if you use it for step training — an aerobic exercise resembling stair climbing.

Be a savvy shopper

If you're interested in a specific exercise class or piece of equipment, shop around.

• Check out your local recreation department. Many recreation departments offer discounted fitness classes to local residents. If you live near a college with a fitness center, ask if the facility is available to community members. If you're a graduate of the school, you may qualify for an even better rate.
• Buy used equipment. Some sporting goods stores specialize in used equipment. Or check out listings for exercise equipment in the local newspaper or on office, store or college-campus bulletin boards. The same goes for online auctions. A word of caution about buying online, though — make sure the cost of shipping won't put the item out of your budget.
• Share costs with a friend. Trade exercise videos with a friend so that neither of you gets bored doing the same workout over and over again. Another option: Some personal trainers let you split the cost of a session with a friend or two.
• Know what to avoid. Some fitness products aren't worth buying, no matter how low the price. Don't buy herbal supplements or other products that claim fitness benefits overnight or promise to take inches off without diet and exercise. Also avoid exercise products that focus on one body part, such as abs or thighs. There's no such thing as spot reducing.

Exercise can do you a world of good. But it won't if you focus more on the trappings than on the actual physical activity. Don't get caught up in memberships or purchases you can't afford. Concentrate on your fitness goals — and how to achieve them without breaking your budget.