How to Get a Cheap Home Workout

Stick to Your New Routine

• All of your preplanning and research will be useless if you don't stick to your new routine. Here are some methods for not copping out:

  Write down your weekly routine, even if it's only a rough idea (for example, Tuesday: Aerobics, 5 to 6 p.m.; Thursday: Sit-ups, 8 to 8:15 a.m.). Laminate it and stick it on the refrigerator. Every time you accomplish an activity, cross it off your list.

  Give yourself guilt trips. Every time you consider skipping out on your schedule, berate yourself until you do it.

  If you're extra busy one week, try to compromise. Combine exercise with things you have to do anyway. Run around the block a few times with your dog. Jog to the corner market instead of driving. These things are free and easy, and they'll help ease some of the guilt you'll feel from wavering from your usual routine.

  Do not keep doing an exercise that you hate; it'll make you quit. Instead, switch to another exercise. And to keep yourself from getting sick of your exercises, vary your routines every couple of weeks.