what kind of exercise do you do?

I will start this by saying I am not well off at all. I have 2 kids, one with special needs. Due to his needs, I am unable to work. My husband has the only income. We have a mortgage, a car payment, two kids in diapers and a crap load of other bills. So I need suggestions that are cheap please.

I would kill to have a treadmill and/or an elliptical trainer, but we just cannot afford that right now (or any time soon). I would love to have a gym membership, but cannot afford that either. In fact, I have wondered if doing this surgery will make things worse for my family. But then I remember that our meals can cost anywhere from $20-$30 when we eat out, which is way too often.

So, does anyone have any suggestions for cheap and fun ways to get an exercise routine in? I live in MN, so walking outdoors is often not an option.

Thanks in advance for any help or ideas!

Maybe mall walking? I realize that this time of year is terrible and walking is the cheapest exercise there is...maybe at a mall.

Other option, exercise dvd's at the library?

Liz

Southern lady  this question  is for you,  do DS ers need to exercise to lose weight? I am just curious.

Not to lose....however, we need to be active to maintain cause our body can get as lazy and flabby as any normal person. Esp once we are at goal.

OK good to know.

I certainly don't want to discourage you but the initial expense is only part of the expense of surgery.  Depending on the type of surgery, you will need vitamins and protein for the rest of your life.  They aren't cheap.  You don't need the most expensive types, most can be bought at CVS when they have their BOGO sales but it isn't something you can go without.  Many of us are still doing protein supplimentation after several years.  My protein bill is pretty high but there are cheaper proteins if you like them ok.  You at least need to consider those expenses so you don't get into trouble after surgery.

There are tons of things you can do inside, even with the kids.  About all you need is a exercise ball and some hand weights but you can do without those also if you need to.  Spark people on line have tons of videos with little on no equipment.  You can build an exercise routine from any of those.  I also love my Wii Fit and the kids would love it too. Now that there are fancier Wii out there, you may be able to pick one up from Craigs list.  Heck, just put on some music and dance with the kids.  Moving is what it is all about.  Put them in the stroller and head for the mall and walk.  I just got in from a walk with the dogs.  It was cold but it just made me move faster.

My special needs son is 37 now.  I remember being at your point of life and wondering what adulthood would be for him.  He lives in a group home but comes home almost every weekend.  He works at a workshop, is on the Special Olympics golf and bowling teams (hubby is the coach) and is a wonderful human being.  Life wasn't easy while he was little but I wouldn't trade him for the world.

I use my kids Wii and got a zumba game.  I also use DVDs for yoga and zumba.  Hand weights for arms and shoulders.  Resale shops often have exercise DVDs for cheap prices.  Good luck to you!!

Try yard sales, I bought my elliptical for. $15!

I bought my treadmill at a thrift store for $70 and it's a nice electric one!  Try craigslist sometimes you can find cheap stuff on their even the free section sometimes has tuff people just want out of their garage.  I don't know if you have it be we have a place called Planet Fitness here and they advertise $10 a month memberships and $10 to start or a $99/year special.  I am going to check them out tomorrow!  Otherwise the workout DVD's can be good and you can find them cheap just about anywhere!

Another place to try is freecycle.

Liz