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There is no escaping the impact these recessionary times are having on the lifestyle of the average North American. The way consumers choose to achieve or maintain a specific level of fitness is no exception.

The once "automatic" renewal of the annual fitness center pass might be one of the first cost-cutting measures of the average household. Fortunately, there are many alternatives available if saving money is the determining factor in maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle.

Working out at home will most likely be the answer for many who choose to fore-go the annual heath club membership. There are many options available that range from "free" to several thousand dollars, or possibly payments in the form of monthly instalments for the purchase of a state of the art home gym.

PRACTICALLY FREE OPTIONS:

Free fitness means getting back to basics. Pull-ups, push-ups, power-walking, jogging, and all-out running are just a few examples of fitness choices that cost next to nothing once you have your running shoes and work-out clothes.

Isometrics is also free and is a strength gaining system based on using your body weight against an immovable object like a floor or wall. Often prison inmates do isometrics in their cell by pushing against a wall or doing a push-up. No weights, no machines, no gadgets, just himself and an immovable object like a wall or floor.

T.V. WORKOUTS:

Some might decide to do aerobic and yoga sessions in the privacy of their home. In this case, keeping fit might be as simple as purchasing a recorded workout program. Even less expensive is following along with those televised fitness programs. Include an easy jog outside and you have yourself a very inexpensive work-out.

THE KETTLE-BELL CRAZE:

The Kettle-bell is a piece of equipment that has been used for centuries in Russia. Think of it as a cannonball with a handle attached. This workout method is fast becoming a fad that is sweeping across North America. There are even classes springing up called "Kettlenetics" that are much like yoga on drugs. The moves can be done quite quickly, such as swinging the weight between the legs and pulling it up with an "explosive" action. For a different effect, the same action can be done slower and becomes more of a "press." When used properly, the Kettle-bell gives the user the ability to work on flexibility, strength, and cardio all at the same time.

Even kids can use them as they can be as light as two kilograms. They are definitely not a piece of equipment just

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