Cheapskates like me should be happy to know that a gym membership is not automatically required to get in shape. Believe it or not, people were able to stay fit back in olden days by pushing ploughs through the fields. And I'm sure the ancient Egyptians didn't need to do pyramid sets with dumbbells when they were actually building pyramids. You can work up a sweat outside of a gym even if you don't feel like tilling your backyard and building a pointy edifice next to the birdbath.

Gyms are a good way to try new classes and activities, but there are plenty of alternatives that ultimately may be cheaper and don't require you to sign a contract. Many universities and public school systems offer community education classes at affordable prices. There is a program in my neighborhood that offers traditional classes such as Beginner's Golf and Martial Arts alongside exotic fare like Aerobic Belly Dancing. Bring your own finger cymbals! Courses vary from season to season depending on instructor availability and ideal weather conditions. After all, aerobics classes are usually more tolerable when they aren't held in sweaty school gymnasiums during the summer. Call your local school system or check their website to see if they offer any programs.

Many communities already have clubs and sports centers dedicated to popular sports such as tennis, running or biking. Pick a sport you are interested in and check your phone book to see if there is a club in your area. You don't need to be an expert either. Some clubs offer classes specifically for newbies--there is a running club in my area that holds runs once a week just for beginners. If you are afraid of looking like you don't know what you're doing, you at least won't be the only idiot in sneakers and sweat socks. Club newsletters can also be a good source of information for upcoming events. As an incentive to join, members sometimes get discounts on merchandise at local stores.

You can also try privately run businesses devoted to practices such as yoga or Pilates. Many studios offer drop-in classes that you can attend without scheduling an appointment ahead of time. If you sign up for several classes at once you will usually get a price break, but a drop-in can help you try before you buy.

And, remember, if all else fails, take a walk to the closest gym in your neighborhood, and then walk back home. You can tell people you went to the gym, and you won't be lying.--Jennette Fulda