That's Fit

There are certain unassailable truths when it comes to gyms and fitness centers. One, you're bound to run into any number of interesting characters. Two, there will almost invariably be a wide array of fitness equipment from which to choose. And three, for some people, gyms may be the last place on earth they'd ever want to step foot in, let alone workout in.

For the fitness newbie, gyms can be very intimidating places. For seasoned exercisers (especially those who are into outdoor sports and fitness), gyms can sometimes be too confining. And for all of us living in a struggling economy, paying a hefty gym membership may not be in the budget. Whatever the reason, sometimes gyms just aren't the answer. That's why so many people opt for home workouts, in addition to the intrinsic convenience and comfort that being in your residence provides. However, just because you exercise at home, doesn't mean that you can't get a solid workout. Building a home gym is easier than you probably think, not to mention very inexpensive. Despite what many ads may suggest, it's not necessary to spend an arm and a leg to purchase equipment to work those very same body parts.

First of all, it's entirely possible to get a good workout without buying any home gym equipment at all. In addition to the obvious free solutions (running outdoors, hiking, etc.), you can also get a good resistance training workout using only your own body weight. Still, there may come a time when you need or want some basic fitness goodies, which is why the following suggestions may be of interest.

The Bench. A staple piece of gym equipment. Do you need to buy one? Not necessarily. An easy solution is to lay a solid plank of wood over two discarded milk crates. You can secure the plank to the crates with wire or nuts and bolts. Plus, if you need a little padding, wrap an old blanket around the plank and secure it with rubber bands. Cost = No idea. Probably free or close to it.

Body Bar. Though these aren't really expensive to buy, you can save a few bucks by making them out of PVC pipe. Simply fill a four-foot segment of PVC with cement sand and seal with caps on both ends. This homemade body bar is a versatile weight for leg or arm raises and can also be used in aerobic routines. Cost = Free if you have the PVC lying around. Otherwise, probably a couple of bucks at the hardware store.

Resistance Bands. The price for the real version of these isn't exorbitant, but some of the higher-end brands can climb into the $50 range for a set of three. An easy and inexpensive solution is to visit your local Office Max or Staples and buy some extra large rubber bands. Tying two or three of them together should work just fine. Cost = About $3.50.

Dumbells. Buying a set of dumbells won't exactly break the bank, but buying them in a variety of shapes and sizes might. If you're looking to keep costs down, there are a few options. You can build dumbells using pieces of sturdy dowels dipped in concrete forms (such as a coffee can or small, plastic bucket), or you can make things even easier on yourself by simply lifting soup cans or sand-filled milk bottles. Cost = A few bucks if you go the dowel/concrete route, but free if you use your cans and bottles.

Jump Rope. You can easily grab one of these for pretty cheap at a sporting goods store, which is probably the best way to go. Otherwise, cutting an old extension cord to size will also work quite well. Cost = Anywhere from $5 to $15 if you buy it, free if you make it.

While these tips won't exactly build you a celebrity home gym, they'll still do the trick. Remember, it doesn't matter where you exercise, it just matters that you do exercise.