BEST HOME EXERCISES

You don't have to take out an expensive gym membership to be physically fit. You can easily lose weight and build muscle tone in the comfort of your own home. Many at-home exercises don't even require expensive equipment. With a well-crafted plan and a little perseverance, the pounds will come right off. Before beginning any workout regimen, consult your physician

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Walking

If you can't get outside to take a brisk walk a few times a week, try walking around your house, suggests the website Fit Watch. Walk laps through the rooms of your home for 10 to 15 minutes once or twice a day. Add a strength component by carrying cans of food. Fit Watch also recommends walking up and down your steps several times a day. Step it up by carrying loads of laundry as you go. Not only will you be taking care of housework, but you'll be toning your legs. Just be careful that the load you are carrying doesn't obstruct your view of the steps.

WALL SQUAT

"Good Housekeeping" magazine suggests an at-home exercise called the "Wall Squat" to tone your gluteus muscles, quadriceps and hamstrings. To do the Wall Squat, stand with your back parallel to a wall and wedge a ball about the size of a soccer ball between your back and the wall. Keep your stomach tucked and your feet shoulder-width apart. With your toes facing forward, bend your knees as you count to five until your hamstrings are parallel to the floor. Hold the squat for a few seconds and then raise your body back up while counting to five.

Sit-Ups

By doing sit-ups in front of the television, you can watch your favorite TV show and firm your abdominal muscles at the same time. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat. Put your hands behind your head to support your neck and head as you lift your upper body. The goal is to touch your chin to your knees, but a half sit-up in which you raise your body halfway is also effective. Be careful that your hands only support your head. They don't push it. Your abdominal muscles should do the work. The Young Women's Health website advises exhaling as you rise up and inhaling as you lie back down.

Jumping Jacks

A fun exercise you can do at home is jumping jacks. Fit Watch recommends jumping jacks as a cardio exercise or a warm-up to other exercises. Start by standing straight with your feet together and your hands at your side. Next, jump and spread your legs as you raise your hands to clap above your head. Then quickly bring your legs back together and your hands down to your sides. Go at your own pace. Some people can do dozens of jumping jacks before they get tired, while others feel more comfortable doing five or 10 before resting.