I'm all about saving money when it comes to fitness. I barter for free Pilates classes, use collective-buying websites to get group discounts, and work out at home. I'm also loving Passport to Prana. A $30 fee lets you take one yoga class from each of the participating Passport to Prana studios located in a specific city. For example, if you enroll in the Boston Passport to Prana program, you Read more

Taking a class at a yoga or Pilates studio is not cheap. I did an informal survey of classes in San Francisco, and came up with an average drop-in rate of $17. If you buy classes in bulk, it's more affordable, but for many, it's still a luxury that's hard to maintain. A friend of mine recently opened up his own studio. Since he can't afford a receptionist yet, he has a steady rotation of friends Read more

In the past we've shared with you some great ways to recession-proof your workout, like renting exercise DVDs or buying used fitness equipment. Unfortunately these things don't always cut it when you're in a fitness rut or want to try something new. One way I and a lot of other folks work around this without spending too much is by joining collective-buying websites like Fresh Guide, Groupon, Read more

If 2010 is your year to get in shape but you're not quite sure how to get started, meeting with a personal trainer is one way to get you on track. He or she can map out a plan to help you reach your weight-loss and fitness goals by giving you exercise tips, nutrition advice, and much-needed motivation and support. The only issue is that sessions aren't cheap at about $50 or more a pop. If Read more

Music is the great fitness motivator, and the faster the beat, the faster you move. If you're looking for an entire playlist that offers non-stop, fixed tempo music for your running, walking, or cycling workouts, check out Podrunner. The site offers free workout playlists to help keep your pace constant, with ranges between 152 to 181 beats per minute. Podrunner also has mixes designed for Read more

While kayaking will keep you cool in the Summer, buying one of these boats won't exactly help your pocketbook. Kayaks cost anywhere between $400 and $2,000 — not including the paddle. Here's a much cheaper way to paddle along in the water. For $100, you can get this Coleman 2-Person Touring Kayak, and it comes with two aluminum paddles. Although it's made with durable 26 gauge PVC, I still Read more

If you've always wanted to attend a seven-day yoga retreat, then you can imagine the benefits of immersing yourself in a new place, practicing yoga daily, and enjoying healthy meals loaded with fresh fruits and veggies. While these retreats are wonderfully relaxing, they often come with a hefty price tag, and in today's economy, it's not something many of us can even consider. You can, however, Read more