How to Get in Shape for Free

Today's fitness culture assumes a level of financial investment to get you into shape. Expensive gyms, as-seen-on-TV gadgets, personal trainers and costly supplements form the backbone of an industry. However, exercise and getting into shape need not cost you a penny. Follow these steps to get yourself into shape for free.

Instructions

1. Run, jog or walk. Using your legs to do exercise is one of the most effective means of getting into shape. Running, jogging and walking don't require any kind of entrance fee or special supplementary diet.

2. Participate in community sports. Pick-up basketball games, recreational soccer or neighborhood softball games are ways to get into shape for free. Frequently, members of the team or community will have all the required equipment, so all you need to bring to the game is yourself.

3. Use natural weight to beef up. For every fancy machine and expensive piece of weightlifting equipment in a gym, there is a free alternative lying around your home or neighborhood. If you have pets, shoulder pressing large bags of pet food, for example, is an excellent replacement for dumbbells. Lifting other things like tires, sandbags and sand-filled water bottles is an excellent substitute for any piece of iron in a gym. You can also do push-ups and isometric exercises to build muscle mass.

4. Eat intelligently. It's true that protein powders, dietary supplements and sports drinks will assist your exercise sessions and help get you in shape. But it's also true that smart eating will do the same thing. Tuna fish and yogurt, for example, are packed with healthy protein and amino acids that are comparable to what's found in protein powder. Vegetables, fruits, water and milk will provide you with all that you need to get in shape.