Think you need an expensive gym membership to stay fit? Not according the The NYTimes’ Walecia Konrad:

As the nation’s economic woes drag on, many people are rethinking their investments in pricey gym memberships and home exercise equipment. After all, the average health club membership is $750 annually, including sign-up fees and monthly dues. Treadmills can cost upwards of $1,000.

Many fitness buffs are finding that less expensive alternatives can be just as invigorating. “These days people realize you can burn the same number of calories for a lot less money,” said Beth Kobliner, personal finance expert and author of “Get a Financial Life.” “All kinds of programs have popped up post-recession that offer lower-cost ways to exercise.”