Body by You

Looking to start a resistance training program but aren't quite ready to join a gym? No problem. Some basic fitness equipment (dumbbells, Swiss ball, resistance bands, etc.) should be more than enough to get you started at home. However, what if you're not ready to make even that much of a financial commitment yet? Again, no problem at all, because the last time I checked, your own body weight is free. And, doing these three body weight exercises will certainly get you a return on your fitness investment.

1. Squats. You don't need a barbell, stacked with 45-pound plates, bending across your back to benefit from this great lower-body exercise. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and with your hands either on your hips or stretched out directly in front of you. Lower yourself slowly until your thighs are parallel to the floor, hold in that position for a second, and then rise quickly back to the starting position.

2. Push-ups. Push-ups are one of the best upper-body exercises you can do, even if an entire gym full of weights are available. Use proper form and technique, which includes keeping you hands just slightly farther than shoulder-width apart. If standard push-ups are too difficult for you at this point, try modified push-ups (knees on the ground).

3. Burpies. Despite the fact that they have just about the strangest name of any exercise, this movement is great for both cardiovascular health and strength building. From a standing position, squat down and place your hands on the floor. Next, kick your legs behind you, which should land you in the up position of a push-up. Then, drive your knees forward until you are at the bottom of a squat position. To finish, thrust your body upward and jump as high as you can off the ground. This constitutes one full repetition.

Even doing only these three exercises is enough to get you a good "pump." Still, there are literally dozens of other body weight exercises that you can do, all of which require nothing more than ... well, you.