Times are tough right now, and people are trying to save money anywhere they can. However, your health shouldn’t be what takes the hit. So, whether you want to lose five, 10 or 20 pounds, or are just looking for some new ways to work out, here are some fun, simple and inexpensive ways to achieve your health goals.

 Geocaching is a worldwide, outdoor scavenger hunt for “treasure” laden containers, called geocaches, using the exact coordinates of the geochaches and a global positioning system (GPS) to find them.  Once the geocache is found, you are able to take something out to keep and replace it with something you brought with you to keep the fun going. Afterwards, log your experience online at geocaching.com.

Some facts: At the moment there are 1,169,547 active caches, and an estimated four to five million geocachers worldwide with approximately 4,716,474 new logs in the last 30 days. It is free to join.  For more information, go to Geocaching.com.

Woodward park in addition to its gardens and play areas, it has the beautiful Lewis S. Eaton trail which is made for walking, bike riding and jogging.  This trail is also wheelchair accessible. The trail is two miles long, single track with mild terrain that becomes progressively more difficult in sections throughout the area. Also, the park boasts a disk golf course with 18 baskets that change positions often and rolling hills for those feeling a bit more adventurous.  Trees provide some shade and cover for the course and resting areas.  There is a $3.00 park entrance fee ($5 for nonresidents) if you drive into the park; however, there is no fee if you walk or bike in.

Fresno Cycling Club is for those who prefer being on two wheels. Experience ranges from novice to expert cyclists with ride lengths to fit everyone. The club trains you how to ride more efficiently, stay hydrated on rides and even how to eat better both for your health and riding ability. There is a $25 membership fee for individuals and $30 fee for families (entire household) for the full year plus a year’s subscription to their monthly newsletter and participation in all club activities.

Bike facts: if you weigh 150 lbs and ride your bike for an hour at less than 10 mph, you burn approximately 272 calories. Increase your speed to between 10-12 mph and you burn about 408 calories. For more information, visit fresnocyclingclub.com.

You can obtain the same results by changing just a few things in your daily routine too. Fresno City College’s athletic director Susan Yates has a few suggestions for students looking to make small changes in their daily life to improve their health and fitness levels.

Here’s a simple one everyone knows about. Walk or ride your bike to school! Walking is the simplest form of exercise and on average, people burn four calories per minute. Added benefit, you save on gas.

Drink plenty of water (and yes tap is fine and free) People have the habit of writing off beverage calories; however, every 20 ounces of regular Coca Cola you consume contains 250 calories. Alcohol calories can also begin to have a negative effect on your weight since on average a beer and shot contain 100 calories. Keep yourself hydrated with H2O and you may be cutting down on more calories than you ever would have imagined.