Getting fit on a budget? Inexpensive dumbbells really pull their weight.

RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—If you're pumped up to start a home fitness program for a healthier bod in 2010, but your wallet's screaming "We can't afford this!"—tell it to shush. Even though you may not be able to swing in-home personal training sessions, that doesn't mean you can't build a better body without spending an arm and a leg.

For advice on piecing together a well-rounded but affordable bank of fitness equipment, we talked to fitness and lifestyle consultant Ashley Borden, trainer to the stars and author of Your Perfect Fit: What to Wear to Show Off Your Assets, What to Do to Tone Up Your Trouble Spots. "Some people are still stuck in the '80s; they think they need to buy a room full of leg-extension and calf-raise machines," says Borden. But that's simply not the case. In fact, her trainer sessions with current client, British singing starlet Natasha Bedingfield, and previous workouts with U.S. pop stars Christina Aguilera and Mandy Moore all have revolved around zero machines. Rather, they have used simple equipment that you, too, can afford.

Here are some of Borden's top picks for less than $20.

# 1. Rolling-Out Foam or Pipe.
Borden's No. 1 tip is to incorporate rolling out before and after working out. Rolling your muscles over a four-inch-by-two-inch piece of PVC pipe ($7 at hardware stores) or a foam roller ($9.95 at PerformBetter.com) actually works like a deep-tissue massage, without the steep bill. The rolling action breaks up fibrous tissue and boosts circulation, and she says it's proven to reduce stiffness and soreness by up to 40 percent. "It gets blood moving through muscle so when you train, you can contract muscle harder and burn more calories because more blood flows through your body," explains Borden. "It's the best thing you can do for yourself."

Since PVC is produced in a toxic manner, try hitting up your local hardware store to see if they have a scrap piece of PVC they would have otherwise thrown out that fits your need. Here are more rolling-out tips and techniques from our colleagues at Prevention magazine.

# 2. SPRI Xertube Resistance Band.
The SPRI Xertube Band is excellent for back work, including rows, single-arm pulls, and chest, biceps, and triceps work. "You can attach it virtually anywhere, and it's easily portable," says Borden. She recommends medium resistance for beginners. Here's a resistance-band workout to help get you started, courtesy of our colleagues at Prevention.