For a while, I shelled out $80 a month for a fancy New York City gym that had it all: rows of top-of-the-line equipment, a sauna, steam room and every fitness class imaginable. It even offered a saltwater pool. It took a long time, about 18 months, but I came to realize that I wasn't getting my money's worth. When I went to the gym, I found myself only using one machine: the treadmill. I didn't once pick up the shiny weights, nor did I set foot in the sleek spin studio. I still don't know the difference between a sauna and a steam room. I could have downgraded to a cheaper, less luxurious gym and stuck to my treadmill routine, but I decided to eliminate the cost all together. It's been 18 months since I gave it up and I've already saved $1,440. And it hasn't come at the expense of my health. I've found that, while a gym can provide extra incentive to work out, I don't necessarily need one to stay in shape. Here are my favorite free and equally healthy alternatives.

I cut ties with my gym and have found free, equally healthy alternatives Eric Hu

1. I take advantage of the great outdoors. My main form of exercise is running outside: I do it five to six days a week, rain or shine. I find that switching up my route and even the time of day I go out for my jogs helps curb the monotony. If running isn't for you, try biking, hiking or walking around your neighborhood or city. 2. I use public parks, fields and tennis courts. Besides running, I like to work up a sweat on the public tennis courts on New York City's Hudson River or use a track to do sprint intervals. These workouts take a little extra planning and motivation, but they're totally free. Take an afternoon to explore your area and see what's available to the public. You may find basketball courts, a soccer field, an outdoor gym or a rock climbing wall.