When times are tough, families often give up healthy habits in order to save money. There's no denying the fact that unhealthy foods are less expensive or that gym memberships can put a strain on your wallet. Luckily, there are creative solutions that allow you to continue living a healthy lifestyle, even when you're on a budget. That's exactly what this blog is about. Each week, we'll discuss easy ways to continue living a healthy lifestyle while maintaining a budget. This week, let's discuss gym memberships.

When living on a budget, even a $60 a month gym membership can seem expensive. That's money that could be used towards groceries or other more important expenses. On the other hand, a $25 membership doesn't seem so bad. This is where places like The Y and community colleges come in handy. For unbelievably low prices, you'll be able to workout without breaking your budget. Best of all, some places even offer daycare services at affordable rates.

If you want to save even more money, look for free options. Many communities have recreational centers and parks that are free to local residents. This means you'll have access to walking trails, tennis and basketball courts, exercise equipment, and swimming pools. If you live in a community that charges a small fee, consider volunteering your time in exchange for using the services for free.

The simple truth is that a gym membership doesn't have to cost a small fortune each month. You don't have to give up this part of your healthy lifestyle in order to pay your monthly bills. Do a quick internet search, or even open the local phone book, and look for less expensive alternatives. I must offer one last bit of advice though. Read the fine print before signing up at expensive gyms offering low upfront prices. As with many other services, you may get trapped in a longer agreement that requires expensive payments down the road.

Now, what are you waiting for? Get back to the gym and your healthy way of living.

The world of the gym (or health club, recreation center and YMCA) may seem daunting at first, but it can be well worth it. Some churches now have health clubs for members, like the mega-church Southeast Christian in Louisville, Kentucky, where worshipers can bike, treadmill walk or aerobicise their way to physical fitness.

For those who don't have a lot of money or a mega-church in their life, gym memberships have become much cheaper than before. Even chains like 24 Hour Fitness usually only charge $30 to $55 a month, depending on your city and health club plan. The best bet is still to put on your sneakers and go to a recreation center or YMCA. Recreation centers usually charge a fee of $25 or less and charge extra for aerobics classes or yoga. YMCAs often charge $50 a month but have low-income plans of $25 or even less per month, especially for those with children.

Once you join a gym, you might be wondering where to take those tennis shoes from here. Most facilities offer a free tour and some personal training. Some of the machines might look strange, and if you're a novice exerciser, learning proper form is important. If you are at a local recreation center, your choices are probably going to be limited to the basics, such as exercise bikes and treadmills. Recreation centers in major cities tend to be a bit more creatively stocked.

Many facilities have swimming pools and even aqua aerobics classes. You don't have to be a master swimmer to enjoy the benefits of the water. If the pool has waist or chest high water, you can walk the length of it safely and get a killer aerobic workout without putting your joints at risk. Even if part of your facility's pool has a deep end, you can walk in circles at the shallow end.

Aerobic and yoga classes, along with stationary cycling and treadmill walking or running, are also great for beginners. It doesn't matter how much money you have or don't have, how good of shape your body is in or is not, because getting started at a gym is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.