It is not necessary to join a gym or buy expensive equipment to get fit. You can start an exercise program in the comfort of your home that can help you lose weight and get into shape. The basics of any fitness plan include aerobic conditioning, strength training and improving flexibility and no special equipment is required.

The aerobic portion of your fitness plan can be accomplished by walking or running. The only expense is an investment in good shoes which will protect your feet and legs from injury. Start with walking a mile and then increase the distance as you pick up the pace. If you are looking for a more challenging activity try jumping rope or running short sprints with a brief period of rest in between.

When it comes to strength training you may want to invest in a pair of dumbbells to use in your home gym but it is not necessary. There are a number of exercises that can be done which will strengthen muscles without weights. Push-ups and sit-ups are examples of this type of strength training. Another excellent way to work muscles is with a resistance band. You can use this band to mimic many of the same exercises that you would perform on nautilus equipment in a gym.

Flexibility training is another aspect of your exercise program which can be done at home. Simple stretching activities will work very well and you can incorporate yoga moves into your routine. These exercises will help your body heel faster and improve the results that you are achieving through your other activities.

There is no doubt that entering a gym can be intimidating for someone, especially if they have not worked out in a long time. It is natural to feel self conscious working out along side someone who has been doing it for awhile and is in excellent shape. By working out at home, you can avoid comparing how you are doing to everyone else. Once you develop some confidence in your appearance and feel better about yourself you might want to get into the gym to take advantage of the wider assortment of exercises that it offers.