Fitness on the Cheap

Everyone is feeling the money crunch these days, and sky-rocketing costs at the gym and health food stores make getting in shape seem impossible. Don’t fret just yet, because there's always some way to get fit without shrinking your wallet. Check out these workout tools that will keep your body in tune and your pocketbook in check.

*Calisthenics: We’re talking good old fashioned push-ups, jumping jacks and squat thrusts here, people. You remember those from gym class! Believe it or not, these exercises are great for toning.

*Resistance bands: You can perform a wide-range of upper and lower body exercise with these babies. Try bicep curls, overhead presses and lunges while stepping one foot on the center of the band and gripping the ends in either hand before lunging backward. Pull up laterally on the band for a double workout for your legs and shoulders.

*Ankle weights: Health experts suggest wearing these throughout the day to burn excess calories and tone muscles in the legs and glutes. Try hip extensions while watching television, lying on one side and raising leg in the air 20 times before switching to other side.

These tools prove that getting in shape with a pared-down routine is possible, even with a limited budget. Want to really limit your costs? Then, grab your sneakers and hit the pavement. Summer is a great time to take advantage of the simplicity of a heart-pumping run or walk.

We want to know: What’s your favorite budget-saving fitness tip? [Miami Herald]