”Get in shape” tops many of our New Year’s Resolutions lists, especially for those of us who just gave birth . . . three years ago.  So which weight loss program will work best for you?  Will you pay to join Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers, buy cans of Slim Fast, hire a personal trainer, or renew your gym membership?  While many have had success with those methods, it should be possible to shape up without spending any extra money. 

Here are some no-cost and low-cost alternatives to personal trainers and gyms:

  1. Walk.   I consider myself extremely un-athletic, so walking is my exercise of choice.  (Here’s my car-free with baby post.)  With a baby in tow, all you need is a carrier of some kind or a stroller.  I prefer to walk to specific destinations rather than ramble aimlessly, and I do almost all my errands by foot, whether I head to the grocery store, library, doctor’s office, or emergency room.  (Yes, I walked myself to the emergency room one time.  That’s how seriously I take my perambulations.)
  2. Run.  Running does involve a bit of gear, especially if you plan to do it with a baby along for the ride.  Most doctors recommend holding off on running for six weeks after giving birth.  After that, you’ll need proper shoes and a running stroller.
  3. Bike.  I was disappointed to find out that biking with a baby under one year old is not advised.  After that, babies can ride along in a bike trailer or seat.  (I suppose this is not exactly a free or low cost exercise option, considering the expense of the bike and baby seat.  However, you can use the bike as an alternative to gas-guzzling transportation, so I’ll leave it on the list as a green form of exercise!)
  4. Hike.  I am a bit of a wimp when it comes to carrying heavy backpacks (heavy, in my opinion, is anything over about eight pounds), so I prefer to do this when someone else volunteers to carry the baby.  Actually, I prefer not to do it much at all. . . .
  5. Jumping jacks/jump rope/push-ups/other simple exercises.  Okay, these really are free.
  6. Check out fitness DVDs from the library and follow along at home.  Free!

Is anyone else resolving to get fit in 2009?  I want to know how you’re pulling it off-especially if it does not involve an elliptical machine.  

Avoiding gyms seems to work for me.  Head on over to Rocks in My Dryer for more Works for Me Wednesday ideas.