The economy is taking a toll on everyone these days so while your wallet may be “unhealthy” it is important to keep the mind and body healthy through these tough times… with exercise. Exercise will reduce your stress, help you manage your weight, strengthen your heart and lungs, combat chronic disease therefore eliminating expensive medical bills, and promote better sleep just to name a few benefits. Here are 5 surefire ways to “recession proof” your  workouts.

1) Transform Household Items into Gym Equipment

• Canned Goods can serve as hand weights
• Water or Milk bottles can be filled with water or sand for dumbbells
• Stairs or step stools can be used to build strong legs
• Chairs can be used for tricep dips or inclined push-ups
• Paper Plates can be used to help you slide on carpet so you can do a sliding lunge or try to simulate skating to work your butt and thighs
• Walls can be used for wall sits

Bodyweight can be used for any number of exercises squats, push-ups, mountain climbers, lunges, jumping  jacks, burpees, all corework