Purchasing a gym membership or fitness program isn’t cheap. You're often committed to long-term, iron-clad contracts, have to find time to get to and from the gym, and get stuck sharing machines with complete, sweaty strangers. If you're looking to get fit without breaking the bank or your motivation, here are five pieces of inexpensive workout equipment that can improve your physique while giving you the best bang for your buck. (Reuters)
Kettlebells
These cast-iron, cannon-ball type weights claim to condition your body while improving strength and flexibility through ballistic and swinging movements.
Price Range: $14.99 to $100 (For one, depending on weight) (GoFit.net)
Jump Rope
Jump rope workouts claim to increase cardiovascular fitness, muscle tone in your legs and lower body and can help shed extra weight.
Price Range: $5 to $25 (high-end ropes can cost as much as $600) (Reuters)
Exercise DVDs
Workout DVDs give you the flexibility of when and where you work out. The type of workouts vary, and include Pilates, aerobics, yoga and cardio. There are even a range of video games that target weight loss and cardio training.
Tip: If you're not sure what type of workout is best for you, go to the library and rent a wide variety of fitness videos until you find a type you like. You can also find workout videos streaming online.
Price Range: $8 to 19.99 (per video at most sporting goods stores) (Reuters)
Fitness Ball
These balls come in a range of sizes and can be used to target abs, back and core as well as improve stability.
Price range: $9.99 to $200 (Reuters)
Pedometer
You can wear this small device all day long on your belt, arm or shoe (there are also apps you can download) to track the number of steps you take throughout the day and keep you motivated. Many health experts recommend taking at least 10,000 steps a day.
Price Range: $15 to $35 for basic models (Reuters)