Who says you need flashy equipment to exercise? If you've been putting off starting a workout routine because you don't have a treadmill or an Olympic weight machine, get moving! All you need to get started are some handy household items that, with a little creativity, double as exercise equipment. Things such as milk jugs, a broomstick and even an old pair of socks can be a part of your comprehensive home fitness routine! Step 1: Cardiovascular Workout If you have steps in your home, you have a fantastic way to condition your heart and lungs while toning your legs and buttocks. Climb up and down steps for a minimum of 20 minutes for an aerobic workout. Beginners should start with smaller time increments and gradually increase the duration to reach the 20 minutes. To reduce the tedium of climbing stairs, put on some jazzy music that will inspire you to keep moving. Or, split the workout by climbing for the first half and dancing to the music for the second half. Nobody's watching, so let loose! Want to get outside? Then go for a brisk walk or jog. All you need is a safe path and the right footwear. Fill a large pair of socks with marbles or rice and tie the ends together. Use the weighted socks as ankle weights and perform leg exercises to target the inner and outer thighs, quadriceps and hamstrings. Borrow your children's activity balls -- use a small one to work the inner thighs by placing the ball between your knees and squeezing then releasing. Use a large ball to perform low back extensions and balance exercises. Place a thick book behind your head to add resistance to abdominal curls. Perform a wall sit to work your legs and buttocks. Perform calf raises off the edge of a step. Upper Bodywork: Open the pantry and choose two food cans of the same weight. Use the cans as dumbbells to perform chest-fly and chest-press exercises, as well as wrist curls. Recycle plastic milk jugs with handles by filling them with marbles, rice or water. Use them as dumbbells to perform shoulder side raises, one-arm rows (for your back and arms), triceps extensions and biceps curls. Make sure the jugs are equal in weight. Use a sturdy chair to perform dips, which target your upper arms as well as your shoulders and chest. Step 3: Flexibility Exercises Hold the ends of a rope, belt or towel to perform stretches for the entire body. For example, to stretch the backs of your legs and your lower back, place a towel around your feet while sitting on the floor with your legs straight. Grab the ends of the towel with each hand and gently pull yourself forward from the hips until you feel the stretch. To stretch your upper body, hold a towel with one hand behind your head. Reach up with opposite arm to hold onto the end of the towel hanging down. Gradually move your hand up on the towel, gently pulling your upper arm down until you feel the stretch. Use a broomstick to perform trunk twists -- place the broomstick behind your back at hip level, hooking your arms around the stick so it rests on your forearms. Standing, with your feet shoulder-width apart and toes pointed straight ahead, slowly turn your upper body in one direction as far as you can without forcing. Return to start position and then repeat the stretch in the opposite direction. There's no excuse not to get active; you don't even have to leave your home! For more information on these and other exercises, visit the drkoop.com Weekly Fitness Archives.

Get Active at Home