by Jane Hendry

Created on: July 30, 2009   Last Updated: December 08, 2009

It is a well known fact, emphasised by health and fitness experts the world over, that exercise is a vital addition to a healthy lifestyle. But does it have to be done at an expensive gym, or with state of the art equipment at home? Not necessarily. If you want to enjoy good health, keep fit and trim, and lead an active and fulfilled life, exercise is a must. But it definitely doesn't have to be arduous! And many forms of exercise cost next to nothing. There are many fun ways to exercise on a budget.

Exercise can be fun, entertaining and social without costing a cent. Here are some forms of exercise that are great fun and can be done on a very tight budget.

Rebounding

This is the term for jumping on a mini trampoline. Rebounding can take you back to your childhood with memories of collapsing in fits of giggles jumping on the bed. Rebounding has been proved to be a full body work out, as it works every cell in your body, using gravity and anti-gravity. Rebounding encourages the lymphatic system to expel toxins which means that your health, as well as your body, gets a work out every time you bounce. Mini trampolines are fairly inexpensive and once you you're your own, there are no more monthly gym fees.

Roller blading

A good pair of roller blades can be bought for under $100. As long as you have a road or cycle path near your house you can get out and see the neighbourhood, roller blade along the beach or head to a skate park for some awesome exercise. Get your friends together and head out for some outdoor fitness fun. Roller blading is great for toning bums, thighs and calves, gives you a great cardio work out, firms up your arms and, since you have to keep you balance, gives you a great tummy tightening effect.

Skipping

Go back to your childhood once again, and yank out that old jump rope stashed in with your old things. Jump rope gives the body an all over work out, plus you have the added bonus of cardio fitness thrown in. Jump rope quickly increases your cardio fitness and, in fact, is no walk in the park when you first get going! Try starting off with just 50 jumps over that rope without a break and build up from there. The other great thing about jump rope is that, as you start to get fitter, you can start adding extra tricks and challenges to keep it interesting.

Hula Hoop

Make sure you get the right size hoop and you can have hours of fun swinging those hips while you tone up your torso. Have competitions with your kids to see who can keep that hoop spinning longer. To make sure this is also a full body work out, try using smaller hoops around your ankles and wrists and see how long you can keep those spinning while you tone up your arms and legs.

Exercise can easily be done in your home, while playing with your kids and, with only one piece of equipment needed for all of the above, can fit into any budget. So don't wait a moment longer, go and dig out that skipping rope and get exercising, you will soon be on the way to a healthier way of life.

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