"Transforming your body doesn't have to mean turning your wallet inside out on expensive gym memberships or high-tech home equipment," says Michael Mejia, C.S.C.S, coauthor of The Gym Bible. In fact, spending money on exercise doesn't guarantee you'll stick with it. Research has shown 85 percent of gym members use their memberships less than five times a month—that's only once a week. To increase your calorie burn without burning through your savings, try these budget-minded exercise options.

FREE
Head outdoors: Anything you can do on a pricey treadmill, you can do outside. Walking burns between 240 to 440 calories an hour.

Find a staircase: Walking up and down steps firms and tightens every muscle below the waist.

Hop to it: Do jumping jacks. No equipment or special skill is needed.

$25 OR LESS
The Fit Today Log: Track what you do each time you exercise, and you'll keep seeing results. This five-month planner ($12; www.befittoday.com) allows you to log your workouts, water intake, and diet.

An exercise mat: Investing in a comfy mat can help you do a wider variety of stretches, yoga poses, and abdominal exercises. Our favorite: GoFit's Core Fitness mat ($20; www.gofit.net). It's machine-washable.

Resistance bands: These lightweight bands (like the Xertube, $10 to $15; www.spriproducts.com) have handles on both ends of the cord, allowing you to tug your muscles into better shape using hundreds of exercises. Plus, they roll into the size of a sock.

$50 OR LESS
Adjustable dumbbells: Instead of buying several individual hand weights, opt for one adjustable set. This one contains enough plates to create two dumbbells that weigh up to 20 pounds each ($30; www.walmart.com).

Walking shoes: If your feet are comfortable, you'll be more likely to enjoy burning calories. Make sure your shoes have plenty of cushioning and angled heels, which allow your feet to roll from heel to toe as you walk.

Heart-rate monitor: Unlike costlier monitors with options you may not need, the Polar fs1 has only one big button. Press it to measure your heart rate, which is displayed in easy-to-read, large numbers ($50; www.sportsauthority.com).

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