How To
By
eHow Sports & Fitness Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Stay in Shape Without Spending Money
Step1
Stay home. Work out with aerobics, Pilates or yoga DVDs, or download exercises from Web sites like Fitness Magazine (see Resources below). With a little improvising you can turn your home into your own private gym. A chair can be a balance bar and a dictionary can become a hand weight.
Step2
Shape up at the office. Take stretch breaks and walk at lunch. Check out WebMD for office workout tips (see Resources below).
Step3
Hit the mall--for a walk. Many indoor malls open early for morning walkers. This is a great option for keeping your fitness goals on track all year long if you live in an area with blistering summers or sub-zero winters.
Step4
Buddy up. Some people find it easier to exercise when they've made a date with a workout partner. Many parks and schools have free tennis and basketball courts available to the public.
Step5
Hike, ride your bike, or run. Check out AmericanTrails.org for trails in your area (see Resources below). Many schools open their tracks to the public after school hours and running stadium stairs can be a great cardio workout. Also try beaches, parks and lightly traveled streets.
Step6
Just move. Jump rope, dance, take the stairs, play catch with your kids. You'll be surprised how many calories you can burn without making major changes to your daily routine.
Step7
Become an exercise or dance instructor. Do what you love and make money while you stay in shape.
Step8
Watch your diet. Cut portion sizes, limit snacks and cut down on alcohol consumption. Take your lunch to work instead of spending money eating out. When you do go out, eat half and take home the rest. Skip dessert, early morning muffins and afternoon lattes.
Step9
Don't hide the scale. Weigh yourself weekly.
