Get fit without breaking the budget.

Looking to get in shape without breaking the budget? As long as the only thing that has seriously stopped you from starting an exercise program is the cost of a gym membership, there is some good news. There are many low cost options to keep you fit and healthy. Here’s my top 5.
1. Look for opportunities to move more around the home. Everyday activities can be turned into an advantage to get some cardiovascular (anything that gets you huffing and puffing) exercise. Use the week-ends to make a workout out of household chores. Put your iPod on and do the lawn mowing, garden work, vacuuming, and scrubbing. All these activities that have to be done can be made more enjoyable when you know you are getting your heart rate up for a workout. If you have children, join in with them for a game of tag or kicking a ball. It may also be a good time to dust off that bike in the garage and take the family out for a bike ride or take a walk to the park with the kids to shoot some hoops or climb the equipment.
2. Improvise. Make do with some of the household items around the house to perform upper and lower body exercises. Your pantry is full of items that you can use for hand-weights. A couple of cans of baked beans, a bag of potatoes, or a bag of rice will work just fine. Try filling an empty milk bottle or jug with water or sand and secure the tops with duct tape. (For accuracy of weight use a kitchen or bathroom scale).You can add more water or sand as you get stronger. Use a stable chair or bench to perform dips, push ups or step ups.
3. Purchase your exercise equipment on the cheap. Consider buying used workout equipment that was once hired by a reputable company. The classifieds are also a great place to get a good deal. You can pick up some great bargains, but words of warning...do your homework on the item to avoid disappointment. Many department stores have discontinued lines from time to time so it is worth checking out some good buys. Think about purchasing some inexpensive items to add to your workout. Dumbbells, skipping ropes, exercise DVDs or resistance bands are all products that may be worth investing in.
4. Share the costs of the workout with a friend. Most Personal Trainers can train 2 people in one session. Swap your DVDs with your friend or workout together at home. Go out for a run or walk together, or follow some of the council equipped workout apparatus at your nearest park.
5. Workout at work. Chat to your HR person or wellness co-ordinator about getting a Personal Trainer to come to your workplace at a time that suits. Working out with a group spreads the cost out and gives you the expertise of a qualified trainer for guidance and encouragement.
Written by Chris Bakens from Healthy Executives –Specializing in healthy initiatives in the workplace. Fit for work, healthy for life.