Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is challenging enough with our busy schedules and appreciation of comfort food at the end of a hectic day.  Add to that the end of outdoor activity that is quickly approaching those of us in the colder climates.  Sure there is skiing and sledding for fun and sport in the winter, but it is not as practical as going for a jog or bike ride in the morning and jumping on the trampoline with the kids.  This is the time of the year when many join gyms or renews their seasonal memberships in an effort to stay fit through the winter.  But what if you don’t have the money for your gym membership this year?  How do we keep our bodies healthy AND our finances?

We exercise at home.

Dust off that equipment you never use in the basement and make some use out of that money you spent.  Treadmills and ellipticals are among the most purchased and neglected products in American households.

If you don’t have at least one home gym staple, look into buying one.  If you find a good deal the payments you make on it will be significantly less than your monthly gym bill and you won’t be committed to a long term payment to guarantee physical activity.

If buying a piece of gym equipment is not in your budget, hope is not lost.  Dig out an old workout DVD. Remember how much fun they were?  And if you don’t have one, you can buy a workout dvd for under $20!  My favorite is Turbo Jam because it is so incredibly fun. And don’t forget, you can check out workout dvds from the library too, whether you want to try some out before you buy, or you plan to check them out for free and never buy one.  There is just no excuse for not getting busy to some exercise dvds.

Lastly, think about gym class.  Remember all the good old fashioned exercises we used to do in school?  Sit ups, crunches, push ups, arm circles, leg lunges, side bends… they all still work!  We just one day decided we were too fancy for them and had to get all complicated with exercise bands, balls, and “routines”.  Just turn on some music and go crazy.  Guess what!  You’re getting a workout!

I predict that, considering America is collectively pinching pennies right now, fitness at home, simplified workouts & back to basics exercise moves are going to be the latest trend.  Let’s all get a jump start right now!