Five ways your workout can weather the recession

1. GET A DEAL FROM YOUR GYM. Strategies like looking for discounts through outside groups and never paying an initiation fee--hold true now more than ever. Try buying in bulk: Purchase a discounted package of classes or personal training sessions. Or split the cost of a training session with a friend.

2. SET UP A HOME GYM. You can make an investment in a few simple, multipurpose pieces of equipment, like an inflatable exercise ball, and use them in your own living room. The step used in step aerobics class can double as a weight bench.

3. USE TECHNOLOGY TO YOUR ADVANTAGE. There are free or inexpensive workouts online. On iTunes, you can download free fitness podcasts with instructions and music.

4. SIMPLIFY YOUR ROUTINE. If you're in a sport or activity that requires an expensive facility or equipment, maybe it's time to try something else for a while.

5. CUT YOUR GEAR ALLOWANCE. Remember the fancy brand-name workout shorts are nice, but the cheapies from Target are very likely just as functional. Just don't cheap out on anything that may put you at risk of injury, like a repair to crucial equipment or a pair of new shoes.