It can be pretty confusing to head down the fitness aisle at the local mega-store.  There are so many fad fitness movements, it’s hard to know what works and what is just an empty promise.  Getting fit at home can be done, though.

The most important things for getting fit are raising heart rate and strengthening muscles.  If you think about it, you can even do this in your home without any equipment at all.  Run in place, do squats and pushups, lift cans of soup - these are all good ways of starting out on the path to better physical fitness.

If you’re looking for a bit more challenge, here’s the best way to get a good workout at home - without breaking the bank.

1. Invest in an [1] Exercise Ball.  You can train core, legs, and arms using these.  They aren’t just for crunches anymore, and trainers swear by them.
2. Invest in some resistance bands.  They’re easy to find, easy to use, and they don’t take up much room.  Another bonus?  They’re affordable - Target even has a set as low as $10.  Not bad, considering how expensive dumbbells and weight sets can be.
3. Invest in an exercise mat.  They’re great for crunches, floor work, and stretching.  I keep mine by the tv so that I do crunches and leg lifts while watching my favorite shows.

Those are the basics you need to do a full body workout in the home.  Aerobic work outs are as simple as walking down the street, climbing your stairs, jogging in place, or putting on some music and doing grapevines.  If you want more variety, many cable and satellite providers have fitness channels and on-demand type shows.  Or you can buy a video.  Anything that keeps you interested will help keep you motivated.