Exercise Without Breaking Your Budget

A quality workout does not require an expensive gym membership or pricey fitness equipment.  There are many low-cost alternatives that will help you get in shape without breaking your budget. Here are a few exercises that require only your body weight:

• Squats.
• Lunges.
• Pushups.
• Abdominal crunches.
• Triceps dips.
• Back extensions.

Do-It-Yourself Weights 

Cardio options include jumping jacks, jogging, marching in place, side steps, knee lifts, power squats or anything that gets your heart rate up. Go a step further by adding common household items to your workout. Take two cans of soup out of the pantry—one for each hand — and turn the soup cans into free weights that can be used to tone your shoulders and biceps. If you have yellow pages or (any thick book), or a gallon water jug, you can transform your legs and abdominals by using these items during a squat routine to work the lower body.

Videos

Those household items also work well if you are doing side bends to strengthen your oblique muscles. Popular workout videos — yoga, dance-fitness routines and stretches — are also available at the public library or online free of charge.

Fitness Goals

Remember, getting in shape doesn’t need to be expensive. Don’t get caught up in memberships or purchases you can’t afford. Instead, focus on fitness goals and concentrate on achieving those goals without breaking your budget. An open mind combined with creativity can jumpstart your journey to a healthier, new you. Remember to consult your physician before starting a new exercise routine.

About the Author

Georgelena Saborio is an exercise physiologist and supervisor for the Employee Fitness Department at Baptist Health South Florida, a position she has held for 10 years. Ms. Saborio received her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology and is a Certified Exercise Physiologist with the American College of Sports Medicine. At Baptist Health, she provides and oversees all fitness events and the Employee Fitness centers. She has served as a member of the Chamber South Wellness Committee for four years, assisting and providing fitness programs and education to its members and the community.