Don't have time for the gym? Don't worry about it! You can burn a ton of calories from the comforts of home, and you don't even need to stock up on the latest workout videos or fancy home gym equipment. If you spend just a couple of hours each week doing house chores, and keep up a steady pace, you can turn your house cleaning routine into a killer workout. This really does mean that you can forget about the gym bag (for now, anyway) and stay in great shape.

From gardening to vacuuming, take a look at these calorie-burning averages for common household activities (numbers are based on a woman who is 5 ft 5" tall and weighs about 160 pounds:

Vacuuming: 194 calories per hour
Washing the car by hand: 234 calories per hour
Mopping the floor: 194 calories per hour
Cleaning windows: 180 calories per hour
Walking up and down the stairs (carrying laundry, hauling groceries, etc): 516 calories per hour
Ironing: 113 calories per hour
Putting up wallpaper: 133 calories per hour
Gardening or weeding: 288 calories per hour

Keep in mind that these are only base calorie-burning calculations. Your actual burn rate will vary depending on your height and weight, and whether you are a male or female (yes, men can burn calories doing housework too). And, there are some ways to ramp up the calorie burn; you can do everything with a couple of ankle weights, make a few tasks more challenging, and turn up the music so you can jive to your favorite tunes and push yourself just a little bit harder.

If you're doing the dishes, wash and dry just one dish at a time so you're adding more activity to the routine. When you're mowing the lawn, pick the push mower over the rider to get a great upper and lower body workout. If you're cooking or baking up a storm in the kitchen, make sure you're making everything from scratch. Kneading the dough, chopping vegetables, and whisking batter will give your upper body a great workout, and help you burn off a few extra calories within minutes!

It's one of the easiest, budget-friendly fitness strategies on the planet, yet only some of us get into the habit of keeping up with a running routine to stay in shape. Running and speed walking are easy ways to get that heart pumping and burn off calories; the cardio machines at the gym are no match against a powerful running routine that includes a few lunges, squats and a solid stretching sequence.

If you're determined to jump into a fitness regimen this season, training yourself on a track or treadmill could be the key to fitness success. Here are some essential training tips to stay motivated and get in shape fast:

1. Pick out the right shoes. The right shoes will protect your feet and ankles and support your running ventures on any type of trail; if you're unsure about a certain style or design, get a professional fitting to determine your best size. Shoes that are too big or small will take their toll on your performance, so make sure the shoe truly fits so you can step up to the challenge like a pro.

2. Pack your running gear the night before. If you're committed to getting in shape, don't give yourself a chance to skip your routine in the wee morning hours. Pack your gear or set out your clothes for the morning as a motivation strategy. This move also ensures you have very few choices to make during your most vulnerable hour.

3. Eat like a champion (in the making). Stocking up on healthy snacks and eating at regular intervals throughout the day will put your energy level in high gear. You'll need to adopt this eating strategy for your new fitness undertaking, so make a plan that you can stick with for the long term. Fresh fruit, whole grains, lean protein and plenty of water are essential for your long-term success. Power up your days with the right foods and you'll find it easier to stick with a consistent running schedule.

Training your body and mind for a healthier lifestyle can be challenging, but preparation is key to your success. Get started on a running routine that will help you reach your fitness goals this year and beyond.

So you've finally battled the snooze alarm and made it to the gym before sunrise. Kudos to you! It's an achievement that few of us are willing to reach for on that rainy Monday morning, but being prepared the night before can make this more than a one-time success.

Packing a gym bag and lining up your athletic gear can make a morning routine a low-anxiety experience. When everything's ready to go, it only gets easier to get your morning fitness routine into high gear. Besides, hitting the gym with some stylish duds and accessories can give any low-motivation day a one-two punch - and it could be as simple as finding the right gym bag.

The PUMA Grip Bags are the perfect size for tennis shoes, gym shorts and a few water bottles. The sporty, retro look is a blast from the past that might just tap into your youthful days of yesterday. Take your trip back to the '70s and take your morning motivation up a notch.

If you were a backpack fiend in high school, a cross body gym bag might be a better choice for managing the busy morning - and in high style. The Luna Overland fits right over your shoulder, and is large enough to carry some athletic gear and a pair of shoes. The extra-quilted strap also means you don't have to worry about back pain as you haul your gear on your morning trek.

If you're heading to the gym to make a fashion statement - and work out, of course - pack up the gym necessities in the Lacoste Sport Retro Fitness Bag. This one's big enough to hold your entire days' worth of clothes, plus a pair of shoes and your all-important toiletry kit. You can tote this one along using the detachable cross body strap or just use the sturdy handles for support.

From cross body bags to stylish totes, picking out an attractive gym bag with could be an easy way to get your morning gym routine in motion. Pack up the tote and leave it right next to the bed so you have no excuses to skip your fitness resolution for the year.