Can’t Afford a Gym Membership or Fitness Class? 3 Things to Include in a DIY Exercise Program

Alena Ozerova/Shutterstock

With the rising cost of living, gym memberships and fitness classes are becoming increasingly unaffordable. But the good news is you can make just as much progress at home.

Cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength, and flexibility are the most important components of fitness (pdf), and each can be trained with little or no equipment. Let’s look at why—and how—to fit them into your DIY exercise program.

1. Cardiovascular Endurance

Cardiovascular endurance exercise (or cardio) forces the heart and lungs to increase the supply of oxygen to the working muscles. Heart disease is a leading cause of death, and cardiovascular endurance exercise helps keep the heart healthy.