They say that the best things in life are free but when it comes to getting in shape you'll soon find out that quality fitness equipment can cost an arm and a leg.
Forget the type of exercise equipment for sale which seems to be good value (you know the type you see on those late night infomercials and in discount stores at half price) which LOOKS good value but which:

1. is impossible to use comfortably (you will give up after 2 weeks)
2. falls apart within a few months if you do use it.
   

The fact is that home exercise equipment, particularly equipment which is meant to take a pounding from you (like treadmills, elliptical trainers, exercise bikes and rowing machines) has to be heavy and sturdy to take the punishment you give it in your quest to get fit.
And that means expensive.
So if you can't afford this kind of home exercise equipment what should you do? Give Up? Join a gym after all? Well, that's really not necessary because there are ways to get in shape without blowing the budget if you look for the right type of fitness equipment.
If you choose from equipment on offer such as rebounders, fitness bands and hand weights you can get in shape, increase your stamina, build your strength, tone up and improve your flexibility without your home gym costing a small fortune (and without taking up much space either).
The secret is to make sure you have all aspects of fitness covered with the minimum equipment and that you choose the type of exercise equipment which appeals to you the most (meaning you're more likely to use it).
And if you travel a lot choose those options which you can pop into your suitcase without taking up a lot of space (or adding much to the weight of your luggage).
That means you can use your home gym even when you are away from home.
The fact is you can put together a kit which suits your lifestyle for very little money indeed and that has to be good news if you are planning to get fit over the next few months but have very little spare cash.