Get Fit at Home

Even if your monthly budget no longer allows for you to keep your gym membership, that doesn't mean you have to surrender exercise completely. There are plenty of ways to exercise in the comfort of your own home-many of which cost little to nothing. Here are nine ways to keep your fitness routine going strong without burning a hole in the pocket of your workout pants.

Challenge yourself during chores. Ever wonder why you get so winded when cleaning the house? It's because it's hard work! Turn your cleaning routine up another notch by blasting some tunes, then start burning some serious calories as you scrub the floor, dust the furniture, and wash down the windows. Use this simple tool to determine how many calories you're blasting away.

Get sweaty on the stairs. If you have a full staircase in your home, running up and down the steps can make for a great cardio workout. Or just stick to the bottom step-choreograph your own step routine and burn calories as you work out to your favorite song. No stairs? No problem! Step exercises can be just as effective with a small stool or even a stack of thick books.

Create your own weights. Who needs fancy hand weights when you can create your own with everyday kitchen items? Get toned and tight with canned goods or leftover juice jugs. Fill the jugs with water or sand, and adjust the amount depending on how heavy you want the weights to be. Just be sure to tape up the tops of the jugs in order to prevent leakage.

Sneak in some steps. You'd be amazed at how many extra calories you can burn when you stroll instead of sit. The next time you go to the store, park your car farther away from the entrance and walk the extra distance. Or instead of lounging on the couch while chatting on your cell, do laps around the house-or even around the block. That's the beauty of cell phones, after all.

Get chummy with a chair. Use the back of a chair for stability as you do standing leg lifts or lunges. Or slowly make as if you're sitting down, stop before you hit the seat, and then hold that position for a few seconds. After a few weeks of these exercises, you'll begin to notice firmer thighs and glutes.

Turn on the television. Fitness is all the rage these days, so it's no wonder that workout shows are all over the networks. Check out your local listings, and then make it a point to be in front of the TV at a certain time, just like you'd be sure to show up for an exercise class at the gym.

Get involved in games. Take a cue from your children, and don't just sit and watch while they play-join in. Chase them around the yard, or organize a spontaneous game of flag football. If you're looking for ways to stay active with your kids, check out these great ideas.

Schedule some strolls. Make regular walking dates with one of your neighbors. Or get the entire block involved, and organize nightly group walks. Not only is there safety in numbers, but you'll also get the satisfaction of meeting new people in your neighborhood. And it will be much easier to stick to a fitness plan if you have other people right alongside you. As you all begin to get in shape, increase the length and intensity of the walk.

Learn to love the library. Your local library should have plenty of exercise tapes and DVDs that you can either borrow for free or for a very small amount. So whether your passion is Pilates or tae bo, you'll be able to get a great workout without breaking the bank.

Remember, exercising at home can be just as effective as sweating it out at the gym. By taking advantage of the resources around you, you'll be able to find plenty of ways to burn calories-no pricey membership required.

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