Consider a modest investment

If you're able to spend a little, you can find inexpensive products to add variety to your fitness routine such as:

• Free weights. Use hand-held weights to strengthen your upper body. They're available in many weight ranges, and some are adjustable to permit a wide range of resistance.
• Exercise DVDs and apps. Create the feel of a health club aerobics class in your own living room by using exercise DVDs or online videos. Or choose a program or app that will help you improve your strength and flexibility, or one that will keep track of your distance and time as you exercise.

• Fitness ball. A fitness ball, sometimes called a stability ball, looks like a large beach ball. You can do many core exercises, including abdominal crunches, with a fitness ball. You can also use a fitness ball to improve your flexibility and balance.

  BOSU balls can also be used to improve your balance. These are similar to fitness balls but have a flat, stable base.

• Medicine ball. A medicine ball is a weighted ball made of rubber or leather. Medicine balls are available in many sizes. You can do many exercises with a medicine ball, such as core exercises and calisthenics.
• Kettlebell. A kettlebell is a round weight with the handle attached at the top. A kettlebell can be used to do strength training exercises and to help improve grip strength. Kettlebells are available in many sizes.
• Jump-ropes. Skipping rope can be a great cardiovascular workout.
• Resistance tubing. These stretchy tubes offer weight-like resistance when you pull on them. Use the tubes to build strength in your arms and other muscles. Choose from varying degrees of resistance, depending on your fitness level.