Fitness - for Free!

The start of a new year is the perfect time to begin an exercise program. Unfortunately, many people assume that the only way to exercise effectively is to spend a fortune on a gym membership or expensive fitness equipment. That’s simply not the case. There are many, many ways to get fit while spending almost nothing!

Here are some of my favorite strategies to burn calories—without burning a hole in my pocket.

• Sweat the small stuff. Find little ways to replace inactive behaviors with active ones. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, get off the bus one stop early, or walk to a co-workers’ desk instead of sending an email. Little changes add up to big results!


• DIY. Now is the time to tackle those big home repair projects on your to-do-list. Work up a sweat by painting the living room, stripping your wood floors, rearranging your furniture, or even just steam-cleaning the carpet.


• Get walking. Start your day with a brisk walk (or jog) to set your heart pumping while you enjoy plenty of fresh air and sunshine. Begin slowly if you aren’t accustomed to physical activity. Even ten minutes a day will make a difference.


• Refuse to sit still. Pace the room, pump your calves, march in place, or do simple stretches as your read, sew, or engage in other sedentary activities. You can fidget your way to burning hundreds of calories a week!


• Check it out. Choose from a wide variety of exercise videos at your local library. Just don’t limit yourself to one type of workout! Try your hand at aerobics, Yoga, Pilates, dance, tai chi, strength training, and more. While you’re at the library, pick up a few books that show you how to develop a fitness plan that works for you.


• Play with your kids. There are literally hundreds of fun, physical games you and your children can enjoy together. Hop scotch, jump rope, Simon Says, tag, freeze dance, dodge ball, Red Rover, Ring-Around-the-Rosie and hula hoop are just the tip of the iceberg. For maximum family fitness and fun, try a new game or activity every day. You can even invent your own!

How do you stay fit without breaking the bank?

Originally published January 2007.