It’s New Years Resolution Time.. #1 New Year’s Resolution: Lose Weight
Exercising is usually part of the plan.. 
What’s the first thing most people do when they decide to undergo an exercise program? They head to the store to suit up, right? Between shoes, clothing and gear you can end up spending thousands of dollars. It’s enough to make you skip exercising. Well, don’t let the potential expense deter you from getting into shape – you can exercise and save money. Here’s how:
#1 Get outside. One of the least expensive ways to get in shape is to just get outside. Whether you’re riding your bike, taking a walk or going for a job, you don’t need much more than a good pair of shoes to reap the financial benefits.
#2 Buy used. Many people buy expensive fitness equipment only to find that they’ve just purchased a thousand-dollar clothing hanger. This great, barely used gear, ends up for sale at your local consignment store at a tremendous discount. You can find everything from slightly used clothing to home fitness equipment for sale. And seasonal outdoor gear will be in abundance too. Bikes, skis, skateboards and more are all available at a good price.
#3 If you prefer to work out in the comfort of your home, don’t spend hundreds of dollars on fitness videos. Go to the library to try out a video or DVD first to make sure it’s the right one for you. Once you determine that it’s a program you enjoy and will use, then head to the store to purchase it or look for a used one online at auction sites or classified ad sites.
#4 Work out online. There are a number of podcasts and websites that offer daily workout routines. From yoga to kickboxing, you can join a membership site and get workouts sent to you daily that stream directly from your computer.
#5 Negotiate at the gym. Finally, if working out at the gym is your thing, don’t be afraid to negotiate. Many gyms are hurting due to the recent recession and they’re likely more than willing to negotiate with you.
When it comes to getting in shape, don’t let your finances keep you down. You can find great ways to save money and exercise. It just takes a bit of creativity, a little motivation and self-control, and you’ll be getting in shape and sticking to your budget. Congratulations!
Andrea is the Chief Chick of Smart Money Chicks. After filing BK twice (once because she panicked, second time because the pro messed the first time up), she realized that it all could have been avoided if she understood more about how her Finances worked and the options available. At that point, she wanted to help as many as she could never make the same mistakes again. Our Promise is that all the content you read on here is created or edited by Andrea