By Pyc Fitness
©2004-2008
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.
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. So take advantage of everyday opportunities.
Step it up
Take a brisk walk every day, whether it's a path through your neighbourhood 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 further away from your destination.
Workout doing household chores
Try doing outdoor household activities. Mow the lawn, weed the garden, rake the leaves or clean the pool. However, 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 soccer, walk them to the park, dance with them or take a family bike ride.
Equipment on a budget
If you're looking for fitness bargains, these inexpensive exercise products may be a good bet:
* Dumbbells: These are small, hand-held weights that you can use to strengthen your upper body. They're available in many sizes.
* Resistance bands: These are stretchy cords or tubes which 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.
What are your goals?
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.
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