Frugal Fitness: Cut corners on your costs, not your workout

When the only thing getting a workout at your gym is your credit card, it's time to throw in the towel.

We all know the benefits of staying in shape: fewer health problems, better moods and more energy. But just because your waist is shrinking doesn't mean your bank account should follow. Fortunately, there are ways to cut both costs and your cholesterol level.

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There are many things people can do to stay in shape on a budget, says Dr. John Spencer Ellis, chief executive and founder of the National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association and the Get America Fit Foundation. "Swim in your community pool, hike, go to a park and do push ups on a bench, run. It doesn't cost a lot of money."

All you really need to stay in shape is a good pair of shoes and the great outdoors. A pair of New Balance MX608 running shoes on the discount site Overstock.com (nasdaq: OSTK) is priced at just US$44.64.

TriActive America, of San Luis Obispo, Calif., makes outdoor exercise and fitness equipment for cities or companies to use in public spaces, such as parks. If you want a free outdoor workout with structure, TriActive has gyms throughout the U.S. and around the world. Each piece of equipment is installed with directions for use and technique tips. To find a gym near you, visit the TriActive Web site.

For those who prefer the hands-on assistance of a personal trainer, MyYogaOnline.com offers a subscription-based fitness Web site based in Vancouver, Canada. A US$9.95 monthly membership gives you access to over 250 yoga, Pilates and meditation classes ranging from three minutes to 90 minutes. You can download them to a computer or iPod or stream them from the site. Non-members can download individual sessions for $1.99 to $9.99 per video.

"You can practice at home, at work," says Michelle Trantina, co-founder of My Yoga Online.com. "It's great for business travelers."

Sites like DemandFitness.com offer more conventional workouts, like step classes, for US$100 a year.

For those who insist on real-life assistance, consider joining a group workout session, which can cost less than half as much as individual classes. Or split the cost of a "private" session with a friend.

Another option is to ask your employer for help. Around two-thirds of companies devote money to wellness programming other than health care plans, according to Glen Gunderson, vice president of business development at Life Time Fitness (nyse: LTM), an organization that works with corporate employees on developing healthy lifestyles. Employee support typically includes gym memberships, free classes or risk assessments. If your company doesn't offer health options, ask a Human Resources director to consider these programs.

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In Pictures: 10 Ways To Get In Shape For Less