By Olivia Lawnick, Student at Newberry College

Image courtesy of Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Now that school is over and you've headed back home, you've got some free time to really focus on those fitness goals.

However, now that you're home, you don't have free access to the school gym facilities. Well, don't let that deter you from your goals! There are a couple of ways around that poor excuse.

Check out my guide to continuing your fitness goals over the summer!

Just Use You

There are plenty of exercises that you can do without any equipment except for sneakers (those are still a necessity).

Try these exercises using your own body weight:

• Burpees
• Mountain Climbers
• Sit-ups
• Push-ups
• Wall sits

The following are some of my favorites:

• Calf raises
• Squats
• Jumping jacks
• Walking lunges
• Planks
• Russian twists
• Leg raises in every direction

Start Accessorizing!

This is a great chance to start building your own home gym with small accessories until you can afford the price and space of larger equipment. These fitness accessories can be found almost anywhere — and at great prices, too. I started picking up great fitness finds at T.J. Maxx, where there usually is a small section dedicated to fitness. I picked up a great pair of ankle weights and a yoga mat there. Also try Walmart — my fitness ball and resistance bands came from there. And, of course, there are always the sports stores, but they can be pricey. I purchased some free weights from Dick's Sporting Goods, but I found the same set at a much lower price at Walmart.

Here are some essential home accessories:

• Yoga mat
• Resistance bands
• Free weight dumbbells
• Jump rope
• Ankle weights
• Kettle ball
• Fitness ball

Join a Local Gym With a Limited Membership

If you absolutely have to be part of a gym, that is OK. I know plenty of people who say that the gym atmosphere is what keeps them motivated. Because I've worked for a gym myself, I know that they often do short-term memberships. Also ask if there is a summer or student rate. The benefit of belonging to a gym is the access to the variety of equipment as well as taking classes. Being part of a group can make you feel accountable as well as motivated and inspired.

Try a Fitness Video

For those of you who were part of a fitness class on campus and loved having an instructor, consider purchasing a fitness video tape. Move the coffee table and face the TV one on one, so you can sweat in privacy! There are a variety of fitness tapes available in Walmart in the same aisle as the fitness equipment. You can also try looking up fitness videos online.