Given the current economic crisis, having to pay a few hundred dollars a year for a gym membership might be an expense you can do without. That's why experts in Britain are encouraging cash-strapped citizens to ditch the gym in favour of the great outdoors.

Free outdoor conservation sessions are being held across the country, aimed at getting people to do something good for themselves by exercising in the outdoors -- all while doing something good for the environment by volunteering some time to help maintain these 'green gyms.' Think about it -- you're not only burning calories by helping out, you're creating a sustainable workout space for yourself and your neighbours, and you're doing something you can feel good about too.

So far these conservation sessions are a real hit in the UK -- let's hope they come to North America too!