Don’t despair! You don’t need to join an elite gym or purchase a state-of-the-art treadmill in order to achieve a fitter you. There are dozens of activities that you can do for free or minimal charge to increase your fitness level. Jazzercise Founder and CEO Judi Sheppard Missett recommends these inexpensive fitness options:

• Go back to school – Many colleges and universities offer non-student memberships to their gyms and athletic facilities for a low rate.

• Walk it off – Walk, run, or climb stairs in the great outdoors. Try walking along trails in your city park or map out a route through your neighborhood. You may even want to find several routes, so you won’t get bored making the same trek day after day.

• Rent a video – Select a video that matches your current fitness level. Your local library may even have exercise videos that you can rent for free. Look for a video with the endorsement of a reputable organization, such as the American Council on Exercise or the American College of Sports Medicine.

• Turn-on the television – Check out your local public access television station’s schedule to see if Jazz Cardio Strength Stretch or another fitness program airs on a regular basis in your area.

• Buy the basics – You don’t need hefty machines for resistance training. Purchase a set of dumbbell weights and a resistance band. You can even change the difficulty level on your resistance band, as you progress in your fitness level, by changing the amount of slack that you hold in the band.

• Investigate your insurance plan – Many insurers and corporations negotiate discounted rates with local gyms to encourage employees to exercise. Some employers will even pay the gym’s monthly fee on your behalf. Contact your human resources department to find out what is available to you.

• Say “no” to exercise foods – Don’t spend money on highly advertised sports drinks and foods. Just add a little peanut butter on a banana to achieve a carbohydrate and protein combination that will give you the energy you need.

• Talk to an expert – Your budget may not allow for a personal trainer, but consider making a one-time appointment. Participate in one group training session at a local gym or one Personal Touch class at your local Jazzercise facility. Learn how to perform moves safely and effectively, then you can replicate the workout at home on your own.

• Make it a family affair – If you have kids, join them in their active play. Walk them to the park, play a game of freeze tag, or dance to upbeat tunes.

Expensive machines and high-priced equipment are never necessary for a workout. If your budget is slim, try getting active in inexpensive ways. The results will be greater than money can buy.

Jazzercise, created by Judi Sheppard Missett, is the world's leading dance-fitness program with more than 7,500 instructors teaching 32,000 classes weekly in the U.S. and around the globe. Since 1969, millions of people of all ages and fitness levels have reaped the benefits of this comprehensive program, designed to enhance cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility. For more information on Jazzercise go to jazzercise.com or call (800)FIT-IS-IT or (760)476-1750.