A regular newsletter designed to show you how to spend less for more.

Exercise on a Budget You know the routine. You join a pricey gym with a special introductory offer. In order to take advantage of your good deal, you go religiously for at least the first week. Then you gradually lose your momentum and end up paying for nothing, hesitating to cancel and not following through on your resolution. Why not try a more effective, less costly approach? Read more for some surefire and low cost tips for getting in shape.

1) Walking Walking is the best exercise because all it requires is a decent pair of shoes. You don't even need a treadmill! Just take a brisk thirty-minute walk three to five times a week. Circle your neighborhood or march to and around your local park. 2) Yoga This is the ideal at-home workout. Just use a mat or a towel and start with some gentle stretches. Consult a book for a diagram of poses. (Don't worry, there's no need to tie yourself into a pretzel.) 3) Exercise Videos Clear a space in front of the television and pop in a DVD from your library. This is an ideal workout for wintertime when you dare not brave the cold. 4) Internet Surf the web for in-home workouts — especially ones that use your bodyweight or allow you to turn canned goods into barbells. 5) Secondhand Equipment Search garage sales, or try Craigslist and Play It Again Sports on the Internet. Someone else's used workout machine can be your newfound treasure. 6) Pedometers For only $15 to $35 a pop, a pedometer can motivate you to take the stairs instead of the elevator, or park a distance from the supermarket. You'll be counting every step and crunching the numbers until you're going farther and farther each day. 7) Find a Workout Buddy Why not join a friend? You need someone who will help keep you motivated and make every session an excuse to catch up. 8) Household Chores Scrub and mop like a bandit! Your kitchen floors (and your toned, trimmer body) will thank you for it. 9) Make It Fun If you have kids, join them in the playground, or just put some music on and dance around. 10) And if you really prefer to join a gym, consider the YMCA Who needs a luxurious gym? The YMCA is reasonably priced and sometimes you can get a family deal. Most of them have pools for a low-impact workout. If you follow one or more of these tips, you'll be well on your way to slimming down without the guilt of paying for a gym membership you may never use. And better yet, your fit body and your lighter wallet will be the sweet rewards!