If you’ve seen enough infomercials in your time, it’s easy to get convinced that you need to buy the latest and greatest in exercise gadgets or gizmos in order to reach your fitness goals.
 
The truth is, there’s no need to spend a ton of money on fancy equipment or even a gym membership to get in a good workout. In fact, many great workout routines don’t need any equipment at all. But if you are looking to invest in a few pieces to help you get fit in 2013, there are a few, inexpensive items I’d recommend.
 
As a personal trainer, I actually train all of my clients at home using these six essential items (and they’re each cost less than $20).
  
DUMBBELLS
Most of the weight machines you see lining the weight room at the gym are unnecessary (but they definitely help sell gym memberships!). And many of the exercises you can do on the machines can actually be improved by getting up off of them and using your bodyweight or dumbbells instead. If you are strength training regularly at home, I recommend investing in one or two sets of dumbbells to take your resistance workouts to the next level. Most dumbbell sets cost less than $20 for the pair. (Some weights are sold individually, so double check before you buy and are surprised with only one weight.) Get one pair of heavier weights that are heavy enough to challenge your larger muscle groups like your legs, chest and back, and one pair light enough to fatigue your smaller muscles, such as those in your arms, shoulders and upper back. (Here are more tips for selecting the right weight for resistance training.)  This set by Cap Barbell includes three pairs (two, four and six pounds) that are neoprene coated and even come with their own rack for less than $20. That's a steal!
 
RESISTANCE BAND
For around $12 or less, you can afford to stock up on one or two resistance bands for your home gym. Loop them around a door knob (or use the door anchor that many bands come now with) or stand on them for a myriad of exercise options. One of my favorite things about these Spri bands is they are so portable: Toss one in your purse or in your suitcase when you know you’ll need to sneak in a strength training workout on the go. Get more tips on working out with resistance bands.
 
PAPER PLATES
Paper plates?! As exercise equipment? You bet. Probably the least expensive item on this list (you can buy 100 of them for less than 5 bucks), paper plates are a fun tool to amp up your strength moves and offer a low impact option for many cardio drills. Try placing one under each foot in a full plank position, then bend your knees and slide your feet in (and then back out) for a challenging abs tuck, or sliding them under your feet for a lower impact mountain climber. The plates work on most surfaces (just be sure to test out on your flooring first to make sure they don’t scratch). Google "paper plate workout" and you'll find tons of great videos and exercises you can try at home. Believe me!
 
YOGA MAT
Sometimes you need a little extra padding on the floor during moves like crunches, kneeling push-ups and back extensions, so having a mat at home can be a worthwhile investment. A yoga mat rolls up easily for storage and portability, and a nice, good quality one shouldn’t cost more than $15. I love this floral print one from Altus Athletic that comes with its own carrying strap.
 
GYMBOSS TIMER
I know there are plenty of apps for your smart phone that can help you time your workouts, but I personally don’t like to have to fumble with my phone (or get sweat all over it) during my workouts. That’s why I love the GYMBOSS wearable interval timer. You can pre-program it to sound and vibrate during specific intervals of your choice (Tabata anyone?) and you can clip it on to your waistband or top and it stays put during even high-impact workouts, making it easy to focus all of your attention on your workout--not the clock.
 
JUMPROPE
You don't need a $2,000 treadmill to do cardio at home. One of the cheapest pieces of cardio equipment you can buy (most are under $10) is a simple jump rope! Skipping rope is not only fun, it’s also a killer cardio workout that helps build agility and coordination too. And you don’t only have to use it for jumping either—it also doubles as an agility ladder too. Lay it flat on the floor in a straight line and practice moving up and down the rope forwards and backwards in a zigzag pattern, or try quick steps or bunny hops over and behind it, as shown in Coach Nicole's Jump Start Cardio workout video. Get creative with your foot patterns for a cardio workout that builds dexterity too.
 
 
Don’t forget: Even the nicest, most expensive pieces of workout equipment won’t do you any good if you don’t put them to use. I’m talking about that treadmill in your bedroom that is currently being used as a clothing rack. It’s not about how much you spend on getting fit, it's about the time and effort you put into it. And a happy, healthy and fitter you? Well now, that is just priceless!
  
Have you ever invested in a piece of fitness equipment that you wished you hadn’t? What's the best "steal" you've ever gotten on a fitness device you actually use?

About the Author
Jessica Smith is co-author of the Thin in 10 Weight Loss Plan (Sunrise River Press, 2012), and a certified wellcoach, personal trainer and group fitness instructor. Having started her own fitness journey more than 40 pounds ago, Jessica knows how challenging it can be to lose weight (and keep it off). Recently named one of Sharecare's Top 10 Online Influencers, she loves finding and sharing the latest info on weight loss, fitness, and healthy lifestyle habits. The star of several best-selling exercise DVDs, Jessica has over 13 years of experience in the industry, and holds a bachelor's degree in Communications from Fordham University.