by Amber Hilton

Created on: March 01, 2011   Last Updated: March 06, 2011

Advertisements and infomercials are designed to make you think that you need to drop a pretty penny to get fit and trim. Fortunately, this couldn't be further from the truth. An expensive gym membership or top-of-the-line fitness machine might help you get in shape if you actually use it, but you can get fit and lose weight for free in your own backyard or at least save money with these 10 budget-friendly exercise gadgets.

1. Kettle ball. Depending on the weight, kettle balls cost anywhere from $10-$30. Easy to store, these small exercise gadgets consist of a weighted ball with a large handle. Kettle balls are great because they provide a total-body workout - including cardio, resistance and core training - in a small, inexpensive package. Many are packaged with an exercise DVD, but you can purchase kettle ball workouts separately or find them online or on cable or dish television. You can do a kettle ball workout nearly anywhere, and it’s a great gadget to keep by the TV to sneak in mini-workouts during commercial breaks.

2. Jump rope. Jumping rope is a great weight-bearing, full-body activity that gets your heart pumping and increases both your cardiorespiratory endurance and muscle endurance. You can purchase a jump rope at a sporting goods store or discount retailer for under five dollars and workout nearly anywhere. Another relatively inexpensive option is the JumpSnap, a unique ropeless jump rope system that you can easily do indoors without getting frustrated about tripping or worrying that a rogue rope is going to knock over your valuables. The workout burns up to 600 calories in 30 minutes and an onboard computer on the handle tracks your jumps and calories burned. It retails for roughly $40 (plus shipping and handling) and has recently been featured among Dr. Oz's Top Weight Loss Products.

3. DIY weights. If you want to introduce some strength training into your exercise routine, you don't have to spend money on a set of dumbbells or a gym pass. You can make weights from plenty of household objects, including full soup cans, full water bottles or small duffel bags filled with items. Milk jugs filled with water, sand or loose change will also do the trick. If you want a weight that fits perfectly in your hand, you might also try filing tennis cans or PVC pipes with sand - just be sure to put duct tape on the ends to prevent spillage.

4. Pedometer. This simple fitness device can do wonders for your exercise routine and weight loss efforts, and

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