Get fit without losing pounds!

The last thing you want to think about when you've decided you're going to go on a full-blown health kick is how much it's going to cost you.

It just doesn't seem fair that doing your body some good and getting into shape will hurt your back pocket.

Naturally this means people are going to be put off by the prospect of getting fit.

They think you need cash for new trainers, state-of-the-art equipment and a brand spanking new membership at the local gym.

Furthermore, many simply feel they're too busy - they work hard all day and when they get home or have free time at the weekend, they want to put their feet up and relax.

You don't need cash to get fit!

However, this doesn't necessarily have to be the case, a number of experts suggest.

According to Elin Tough, features editor at Zest, a lot of people are "underestimating incidental exercise" and actually doing physical activity without knowing it.

"Most people probably do meet the recommended 30-minute minimum daily target without realising it just by walking to and from the train station, pacing the aisles at the supermarket and stepping out to buy lunch," she said.

Suggesting ways that people can keep fit on a budget, Ms Tough added: "You can work in ten minutes of activity here and there get off the bus a stop earlier, buy your lunch from the cafe furthest from your work [or] ditch the lift and climb the stairs to your office."

And why not try turning an afternoon's spring clean into a workout?

She said dusting, hoovering and window cleaning could do wonders for your body, especially if you use light wrist weights.

And an hour's worth of gardening could burn off some 300 calories, which is the same as a 30-minute jog.

Incidental exercise will soon become second nature

"Once in place, these simple lifestyle measures will become second nature, helping you to burn more calories and feel healthier and you don't need to dress head-to-toe in Lycra to do them!" she added.

Another healthy activity that can save you some pennies is a good old stroll - something Ms Tough touched upon.

But what's so good about walking?

Well, according to Moira Halstead, communications manager at Walking for Health, "anyone can do it and the people that are sedentary are often the people that benefit most from walking".

It's on your doorstep, completely free of charge and you can do if all year round, she said.

Furthermore, you don't need any technical equipment. All you need, she explained, is a pair of comfy walking shoes, a bottle of water and a raincoat in case of a bout of British weather at its worst.

Walking can reduce the risk of serious health issues

And it can keep the likes of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and dementia at bay too, Ms Halstead noted.

So, when individuals across the country are worried about their financial situation, ability to put food on the table, job security and countless other issues, who really needs another concern to add to the list?

Don't let your tightened purse strings get you down - it is possible to stay fit on a budget!