IMG000055STAIRS — most of us have them at home or at the office!  Start with walking or running up and down one flight 10-20 times, then work up to more each day.  You’ll get your heart pumping and muscles working!

BLEACHERS — drive (cycle or walk if the weather allows) to your local middle or high school and walk or jog the bleachers.  Same routine as the stairs but this will get your outside!

HILLS — you don’t need a treadmill with an incline if you can find a good hill or two near where you live or work.  After stretching, try walking uphill several times (walking each downhill), gradually increasing your speed.  Swing your arms to give you more forward momentum.  Add another hill climb with each workout.

JUMP ROPE — turn this into a competition with a friend or family member.  The first person has to jump 10 times in a row; the next person has to match the number of jumps.  Then move to 20 times.  (30 times had me completely out of breath the first time we tried this!)

SHOES — if you live in a neighborhood where you can walk or have access to one of the many trails in West Michigan, get a decent pair of walking or running shoes and hit the pavement.  Just 20-30 minutes a day can make a difference!

EXERCISE BALL — try sit-ups and crunches with an exercise ball and your abdominal muscles can only get stronger. Plus, the ball makes any workout more fun!

WORKOUT VIDEO — my current favorite is from the “Biggest Loser” series (BOOT CAMP).  For less than $15 you get several amazing low impact workouts that really make you sweat.  Plus, Bob and some of the past competitors are right in your living room!

WEIGHTS – I like to use 3 lb., 5 lb. or 8 lb. hand weights to add extra exercise to my stair climbs, workout video routines and neighborhood walks.  Think multi-tasking…your arms will be working just as hard as your legs!

RESISTANCE BANDS — if you travel for work or don’t have a lot of space at home, resistance bands will provide you with a complete body workout on the go!  Plus, kids love these and won’t need much encouragement to get involved.

SHORT-TERM GYM MEMBERSHIP — a variety of workout facilities are currently offering low cost monthly and/or annual memberships.  This is a great way to jumpstart your fitness plan.  Visit a local gym for a tour and see what it would cost to join for just 30 days.  You’ll get a chance to see if the gym is right for you and be 30 days closer to your fitness goals.