AFFORDABLE FITNESS

Don't sacrifice your health and fitness because of the poor economy. Here are ways to cut costs and stay in shape: • Walk or bike to work. Burns calories, saves money on transportation and helps the environment. • Find a park with a fitness course. Follow the directions on the obstacles for a fun exercise session in the fresh air. • Volunteer to clean up a neighborhood park. Vigorous chores like yard work are great calorie burners, and this would be a great way to improve the neighborhood, meet neighbors and make new friends. • Buy a jump rope. Jump rope for 15 to 20 minutes a day, three days a week. • Use video on demand. You can access workout videos cheaper than purchasing a DVD. • Dance. It's not just for the stars. Make use of your weekend social time. • Choose activities that get you moving. Go to the park, walk the dog, play catch, plan trips with family and friends that involve activities such as biking, paddle-boating, hiking, swimming, skiing — or just walking to a museum. • Park away. Stop driving around looking for a close parking space. Park in the spot that is farthest from the mall or grocery store and get some exercise. • Take the stairs. Climbing the steps at work or other buildings burns a lot of calories and really revs up the heart. Sources: American Council on Exercise, staff reports

CHORES BURN CALORIES

You don't have to adopt an extra workout regimen when so many of the household chores burn plenty of calories. • Mowing the lawn (half-hour) = 150 calories burned. • Gardening (30 to 45 minutes) = 150 calories burned. • Raking leaves (half-hour) = 150 calories burned. • Vacumming (half-hour) = 100 calories burned. • Washing windows (15 minutes) = 50 calories burned. • Sweeping (15 minutes) = 50 calories burned.

Sources: American Council for Fitness and Nutrition