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Frugal and Free Fitness

Keeping in shape doesn't have to cost you a lot of money. With these money saving health and fitness ideas below you and your family can start out 2012 by getting in shape FOR FREE or almost FREE! Plus, working out as a family brings you closer together and helps keep you motivated!


CHEAP WORK OUT ITEMS:

These items can transform even the area between your TV and coffee table into a fully functional gym. Stash them in a closet or a bin under the bed when you’ve finished your workout. Some of these items can be purchased at Walmart for next to nothing. You can also check out Thrift Shops and Garage Sales to find them even cheaper!

Resistance Tubing/Bands

“Tubes are a compact alternative to weights,” says Brooke Marrone, a personal trainer in New York City, so you can use them for full-body strength training. They come in different resistance levels. For about $30, you can get a set containing weights that are light (for when you’re just starting), medium (for upper- and lower-body work), and heavy (for more intense lower-body training). Tip: Look for padded handles to ensure proper grip, which will help you to maintain good form. I found a set here for under $11 and it comes with a door attachment and exercise charts!

Jump Rope

Inexpensive (about $8 or LESS) and lightweight, a jump rope is one of the easiest tools for high-intensity cardio. “ Jump for 30 seconds or more in between sets of upper- and lower-body resistance work,” says Marrone. Bonus: Circuit training burns extra calories. If you have a Dollar Tree or Dollar Store nearby you can find jump ropes for only $1.00! You can also GO HERE and find various types of jump ropes, different colors, sizes and more for under $6.oo!

Yoga Mat

The slightly sticky surface keeps you stable during stretching and core-strengthening moves, such as planks. “If you’re slipping on a carpet, you end up gripping with the wrong muscles to stay balanced,” says Marrone, and this can lead to injury. Mats start at about $15. I actually found some colorful Yoga Mats HERE for under $12.00! OR Learn how to make a FREE one here: How to Make a Yoga Mat | eHow.com and Yoga Mat Bag - DIY Craft Project Instructions

DVDs

If you need a motivation boost or are looking for new routines, try a workout DVD ($10 to $30 each). “You get to exercise with a top trainer for 30 to 60 minutes right in your home,” says Marrone. You can also expand your repertoire of moves (and hit more muscles) if you check out a new DVD every week or two. Browse online or in bookstores, or hit up your local library to rent them for FREE. Here is another great place to find any type of workout DVD you are looking for. Some as low as $6.00! Some come with exercise/fitness gear!

Set of Dumbbells

“Dumbbells give your workouts variety,” says Rachel Cosgrove, author of The Female Body Breakthrough ($22, amazon.com). And they can also challenge your muscles more than gym machines do because you have to stabilize yourself to lift them. Start with a basic range—say, a set of 5-, 8-, 10-, and 15-pound dumbbells (sets cost about $5 per pound). Increase the weight as you get stronger. I have founds some at Kmart and Walmart for under $5.00 and you can also go HERE and find a huge variety at discount prices! Also, check out Thrift Shops and Garage Sales to get them even cheaper! You can even make your own - How to Make Your Own Dumbbell | Fine Craft Guild .com.

Stability Ball

For improving balance, flexibility, and strength while working multiple muscle groups, this blow-up wonder (about $25) can’t be beat. “Your core is engaged with every exercise you do on it,” says O’Neal, including crunches, biceps curls, and incline push-ups. A 65-centimenter ball is right for most people; go with 55 if you’re short, 75 if you’re very tall. You can go HERE and find various sizes and colors for around $7.00 - $20.00! I like the pink and red ones!

TOTALLY FREE, ALMOST FREE OR CHEAP GYM MEMBERSHIPS:

How to Find a FREE Gym Membership

Use these clever money-saving strategies to keep both you and your wallet in shape.

FREE GYM PASSES ONLINE:

Several Gyms offer potential customers FREE Gym passes so you can try out their facility to see if you like it. Most free passes are 7-21 days depending on the Gym. There is absolutely no charge to you! You can even sign up family members!

HERE ARE THE TOP FREE GYM PASSES:

#1. 24 HR FITNESS - They offer a FREE printable seven day pass to any of their 24 Hr Fitness Gyms. Go HERE to register and print out your free pass!

#2. BALLY'S OR GOLD'S GYM PASS FOR A YEAR - sign up and get a FREE pass for a year!

Scout out other gyms in your area and ask about discounts. Then, ask your gym of choice to match. Now’s the best time to search, since so many fitness clubs have January specials. (If you convinced the gym you’re interested in to simply drop its joining fee, you could save as much as $50 to $200.)

Exploit Your Insurance

Some health plans provide discounts on gym memberships, so research yours. An example: Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Care First provides up to 60 percent off membership fees. You could save as much as $360 per year, if you usually pay $50 per month.

Mooch Off Your Company

Many companies offer gym deals for employees, as working out lowers health care costs. For instance, Prudential allows employees to save $20 per month off of memberships at New York Sports Club.

Be Flexible (About How You Get Flexible)

Some gyms offer lower rates if you go at non-peak hours. These special rates often aren’t advertised, so ask.

Run With the Club

Runners clubs are overlooked gems. These organizations help you find races and provide a running community. Don’t worry about being Olympic-caliber; many clubs have events for beginners. Road Runners Club of America offers individual memberships for $25 per year, while the marathon group 50&DC Marathon Group USA costs $10 for a lifetime membership. Many Meetup.com running clubs are free, too, though some charge small fees.

Use Workout Apps

Mapmyrun.com helps you find running routes, and its iPhone app tracks calorie usage and logs workouts. iPod Nano, Touch, or iPhone users can nab a personal training regimen from Nike for $29, which tracks time, distance, pace, and calories burned.

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