How to Stay Fit on a Budget

I've been blogging about food prices for a while and completely ignoring the "fit" side of my blog! So here's a few ideas on how to stay active and healthy on a budget.

1. Take up hiking: This one is very popular here in Colorado. We have literally thousands of miles of hiking trails throughout the state. A few of my favorites are Crags trail in Divide (click HERE for more information), Long's Peak (click HERE , and Maroon Bells in Snowmass (click HERE ).

2. Climb The Incline: A free, outdoor Stairmaster! Even the Army uses this as excerise for it's troops. You'll definitely feel the burn!

3. Shop for used exerice equipment: I've known friends who have found free or really cheap treadmills and stationary bikes. It's a great way to save money on a costly machine. Try Craiglist, FreeCycle, Play It Again Sports Stores, or local garage sales.

4. Join the YMCA: Our local Y's now offer a sliding scale for payment options. Depending on how much you make, monthly dues can be as low as $15. I know for me it was $16!

5. Check out exercise videos from the library. There are TONS of them at the Pikes Peak libraries. My favorites are the Biggest Loser ones.

6. Adopt a dog! This will really motivate you to exercise. That dog needs to be outside and you can join him too :)

7. Find a local running, jogging, bicycling, climbing, etc. group. Whatever type of excerise you like to do, I'm positive there are others who like it too. Colorado Springs has been one of the fittest cities in America for years. Get out there, make some new friends!