Everywhere you look there seem to be commercials for getting in shape and feeling better about how your body looks. Commercials can be persuasive, but you should always rethink spending the extra money before you purchase anything that you think will make your losing process easier. In fact, you don’t have to budget a lot of money just to get into the shape you want to be in. These ten simple tips will take you from a budget crisis to a fun workout in no time at all. You might even be surprised as to how easy it is to spice up your workouts without having to drive out of your way to head to a gym.

1. Utilize the Outdoors
As kids we couldn’t seem to wait to get outside and play. It is just too bad that this excitement doesn’t carry over to us being an adults. The great outdoors is one of the best gyms you can find that actually won’t cost you a dime! It doesn’t matter if you live in the country or in the city as there are plenty of places to workout while you’re on a tight budget. For starters, you can easily take the sidewalk for a comfortable jog or a brisk walk before you start your morning routine. Of course, if you don’t like running on flat surfaces you can easily find a field to sprint through, which will give you an entertaining run that will provide you with so many health benefits. Don’t like simple runs? Well, if you have a park nearby your home try using benches as obstacles to improve your jumping skills. You might want to make sure no one is hanging around the park first. There are also a multitude of rock walls to climb, monkey bars to work on your upper body and plenty of sports courts and fields that are completely free to use.

2. Buy Used Gear
A lot of people get in the mood to work out around the New Year, which is beneficial because that is generally when tax returns start to come in. So, many will get their return, blow it on workout gear and find by the end of the year they’ve only used it a few times. Although it is nice to have workout gear in the home you don’t have to immediately go out and buy brand new items. In fact, if you buy used workout gear you will get more of a feel for the type of equipment you want in your home without having to spend a whole lot of money. Usually, if you frequent thrift stores you will find that it easy to find a wide assortment of gear that will help you maintain and sculpt your body. You might also try out local sales, like on Craigslist, for people who might be a bit more open to the price you are looking for.

3. Little Items
You might be surprised to know that there are a ton of little items you can use for working out. These items are generally found around the house anyway, and if you don’t have them they will cost you know more than $20! One such item is a jump rope. Jumping rope is one of the best ways to do a cardio workout, so get jumping! Even if you don’t have a jump rope you can easily substitute with a piece of rope. A basketball, or other form of ball, are also awesome ways to get a workout that will give you lots of results. Sports balls allow you to utilize fun aspects like dribbling, kicking, throwing and catching while you run and keep moving for an extended period of time. The key is to have fun and the workout will go faster. You can also use things like bottles of water as light resistance training as you do yoga or Pilates. For women, you can always vacuum and do household chores in high heels, which will add to your muscle movement and keep your calves feeling strong.

4. Free sources
We live in a world where there are a lot of free forms of information available to you. One simple source is turning on your television. If you have basic cable there is a wide selection of workout shows on many public access channels. Try to check your local listing for something you might be interested in doing and record or tune it at the time slot. If you have extended cable then you will have a huge selection to choose from. There are many channels that are dedicated to workout videos alone. This is a great way to experiment with your workout needs and find something you really enjoy doing. Of course, if you don’t want to watch the TV while you workout out, or can’t find what you’re looking for you can always hit the world wide web. Usually, you can find a workout for just about anything, which includes dancing, stretching and how to improve your sports techniques.

5. Join the YMCA
If you still want that sense of community while you workout you might want to look into joining the YMCA. This program caters to the community so you won’t end up spending a whole lot of money on a membership that you might not even use. Most YMCAs hold classes, have a pool and will let you choose from a wide selection of workout gear. Of course, not all centers are the same so you might want to do a tour of the facility and ask about services provided before you actually order the membership. A lot of center will charge you the same amount for a full year that you would pay for a month at other gyms. You might have to sign up for classes if you want to attend them so make sure you know what your schedule is going to look like before so you won’t end up trying to crash courses that are already too full.

6. Start a Support Group
For many, losing weight or bulking up can be tough without a support group. If you’re trying to bypass a personal trainer or a gym altogether then you might want to start a support group. This is generally free to do and can contain people you already know or reach out to the community. If you’re looking to join a group straight away you easily look around for group in your area via the classifieds, gym postings or on the internet. Most people are open to letting new comers in so don’t be shy. A support group can be as small as your relative or close circle of friends though, so don’t think you have to add a lot of people you will be uncomfortable with. A support group with have you on your toes more often and will help talk you out some of those purchases you think you need. You can also use one another’s home gym and exercise videos.

7. Change Routine
Sometimes a little change in routine can go a long way when it comes to losing weight. In a lot of cases you don’t have to even by workout gear to get a few inches off your body. For instance, instead of taking the elevator or escalator to work every day you can opt out for the stairs. This will get your blood pumping and metabolism working so you can burn more calories throughout the day. Another simple trip is to park at the back of the parking lot wherever you go. This will allow you to get a good chunk of walking in, especially if you have a big day of shopping ahead of you. Purchasing a workout ball for Pilates can be a great benefit too, because you can easily sit on this instead of the couch to workout your core. Of course, changing your diet up does help a little too. For instance, drinking an extra bottle of water in place of a can of soda can do a whole lot of good. You might also switch from black tea to green tea to boost your metabolism and give you a little extra energy.

8. Go for a Swim
Whether you’re looking to lose weight or build muscles, going for a swim can help you get a complete workout without any extra equipment. The best part of swimming is it is absolutely free if you can find the right place. Living by the ocean, or near a river, stream or lake can really give you the power to work your body without ever having to pay a cent for the workout. Generally, swimming is moving water provides you with more resistance so you can get a more intense workout without having to pay a whole lot of cash. You might always make sure you have at least one other person with you though because swimming alone can be incredibly dangerous. If you have your own pool you can get in a work out every day without ever having to spend any extra money. Of course, buying a pool pass generally doesn’t cost a whole lot and might even give you access to lap pools that will make your workout turn into a hobby.

9. Cycling
If you own a bike then you have the capability to workout while getting your every day business taken care of. Most towns and cities have a place for cyclist to ride, even if it ends up being the sidewalk. Bikes help you get you cardio workout so you can lose weight faster without taking more time out of your day. Bikes also help work your leg muscles so you will be more fit for other activities like climbing, swimming and lifting. The best thing about biking is you won’t have to spend as much money on gas just to go from one location to the next. You might even find a whole lot of new areas to explore that you never had the chance to see in your car.

10. Memberships
Some people just don’t want to give up their membership to the gym. There are ways around spending a whole lot of money there though. You might want to check with your insurance company prior to purchasing a membership. A lot of insurance companies will offer you 30% off your purchase because you are making an effort to stay healthy. Of course, you could always ask around your place of employment or clubs to see if they also give you a discount for gyms. Many places will even offer military discounts for active duty and dependents so there is no harm in asking. There are also many different promotions and coupons that will allow you to save a whole lot of money on your gym membership purchase. The key is to shop around and wait for the right moment before you buy a membership anywhere.

It might be too late to working on the bikini body, but it isn’t too late to get into a healthy routine. With these tips you will be on the right track to fitness without having to empty out your bank account. Above all, you will have a whole lot of fun finding your healthy niche and improving the way you feel about your body.

Author: Chelsey McQuitty