Moscow-Pullman Daily News Blogs

I worked out this morning for the first time in a looooong time. It was only 10 minutes, but hey, that’s not bad.

Baby Henry and I spent the summer burning calories with long walks all over town, but now the rain and snow are keeping us indoors more often (though we brave it sometimes!) I’m not interested in reversing all my post-baby weight loss progress, but I’m not interested in shelling out for a gym membership, either.

So how to keep a good exercise regimen on the cheap? Here are a few ideas:

- Keep up the walking  - if it’s just too nasty outside, head to one of our local malls or grocery stores and do laps. It’s totally free if you can keep yourself from shopping!

- Try running - now, I don’t run unless something’s chasing me, but I see a lot of runners who don’t seem to mind ice and snow in their path. All that calorie burning keeps you warm — plus it’s free as always!

- Get a cheap workout DVD - This was today’s workout strategy, and hopefully a pattern that will continue. Renting workout DVDs adds up if you exercise regularly, and a good dollar-stretcher always avoids paying retail for things like movies.  So check used bookstores, movie store sales shelves, and Web sites like Half.com, eBay and Amazon for fabulous deals on workout DVDs. Check out what’s on your selection first and make sure it has enough segments to keep you exercising for a while.

- Get a FREE workout DVD - Check your local library’s DVD section for workout videos. Chances are they have a few worth trying!

- Try out workout tips from the Internet - for a tested resource, try popular health magazines’ Web sites.

Here’s to a healthy holiday season! Share your own tips in the comments.