Gyms membership generally runs to several hundred dollars over the course of a year (and often more than a thousand). With joining fees on top of this and contracts which are sometimes difficult to get out of as well as the intimidating atmosphere of some gyms and the inconvenience of actually getting there, it can be enough to put you off getting fit entirely.

Gyms actually rely on you signing up and then not turning up very often - that's what 80% of the membership or more actually does. If all the members turned up on a regular basis you would not be able to move. If you've ever witnessed packed machines and crowded locker rooms in January only to find the gym equipment and shower stalls so much more accessible for the rest of the year you'll know that's true.

So if you can't afford the gym or you suspect you'd be one of those funding the regular gym goers most of the year, what's the alternative?

One answer is create your own gym at home where you can get in shape without spending a fortune.

How much would it cost to kit out a home gym?

How about less than $100?

You see, while the kind of equipment you will find at your local gym costs thousands of dollars, there is no need to equip your home like that (unless you want and can afford to). You really just need a few simple items to get fit at home (and there are ways you can get fit without any money at all too).

What kind of equipment do I mean?

Equipment like a simple jump rope, step or rebounder, hand weights, fitness bands and door way bar. There is no need to buy it all - you choose a selection of items which you will most enjoy using and which will cover all aspects of getting in shape: cardio fitness, strength and flexibility.

These days we have become too used to seeking out and paying for solutions (and sometimes when we pay a lot we feel we have done our bit even without doing the work). But it's actually taking action rather than paying for an expensive gym membership which counts.

If you want to join a gym that will set you back a lot of money, why not invest in a little equipment first and promise yourself if you use it regularly for 3 months you will reward yourself with that gym membership (if you still want to go there, that is (chances are you will enjoy working out at home so much you won't bother)). And for those of you who won't make it past the 3 months you are guaranteed to save yourself a fortune in fees.