It is a common misconception that proper fitness comes with a high price tag. The good news is that you don’t need expensive memberships or costly equipment for a beneficial workout. Routine exercise can be free or budget-friendly with creative planning. We’ll look at four ways to accomplish your fitness goals on a budget.
Enjoy the Outdoors
The great outdoors provides numerous opportunities for free or cheap exercise. You’ll likely only need a good, supportive pair of gym shoes. Neighborhoods, parks, and trails are conducive for walking, jogging, or biking. Consider looking for a nearby fitness trail that includes a guided path with exercise stations. Many community spaces are free for use and provide ample space for exercise. Check your community for local events such as outdoor fitness classes or walking club meetups. You can even get the whole family involved with a backyard scavenger hunt or a game of tag.
Incorporate Home Workouts
If the weather isn’t cooperating or you are short on time, consider a home workout to keep your activity on track. Home workouts don’t need to include a fancy gym set-up to be effective. You can create your own workout space with little to no equipment. Your workout area can be a small corner in a room that you’ve designated for exercise. Consider space-saving equipment or utilize household objects for free. For example, a beach towel can function as a yoga mat, paper plates can mimic sliders, and full water bottles can replace small dumbbells. Bodyweight exercises are another practical alternative for equipment-free exercise. While it might take some creativity, home workouts are valuable to your workout routine due to their convenience and flexibility.
Utilize Free Resources
Take advantage of free fitness resources. While many helpful resources come with a monthly or yearly subscription, you can still find plenty for free. Try out free apps with large workout databases, such as FitOn1 or Nike Training Club2. Consider free website resources like DAREBEE3 or the Ace Fitness Exercise Library4. Online videos through YouTube, such as Yoga with Adriene5, Vive Health6, or PS Fit7, are free resources accessed through your phone, computer, or smart TV. Don’t forget to check with your local community centers or organizations for free and cost-effective fitness opportunities.
Invest Wisely
Choosing to invest in fitness equipment or membership does not mean you need to break the bank or waste money. Plan out your decisions and choose wisely. When choosing a gym membership, consider the convenience, ease of access, and available activities. The quickest way to lose money on a gym membership is by choosing something that doesn’t realistically fit your schedule or priorities. You will likely spend more time at a small gym down the street than driving across town for something trendy. If you’re thinking about purchasing equipment like weights or a treadmill, do your homework first. Items like dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance bands can be space-saving and have many uses. As versatility increases, so does use. For larger items, like treadmills, bikes, and ellipticals, consider trying out a piece of used equipment for a cheaper price. This approach will give you time to see how you like it, how it fits into your routine, and what bells and whistles you prefer. Once you are ready to purchase a new piece of equipment, you’ll know the specifics of what you are looking for instead of wasting money. Try out equipment at the store or a gym first to become familiar with using it. The more familiar you are with the equipment and programming, the less chance it has of becoming a dusty coat rack.
Exercise doesn’t need to come with excessive cost. Get creative with your activities and make enjoyable movement the focus. Budgeting for health and fitness now can save you much more in years to come. As stated by Cleveland Clinic8, a recent study found “that a lack of exercise may lead to $520 billion worth of direct healthcare costs globally by 2030.” Shelling out money for the most expensive trends does not equate to fitness, but a consistent activity that fits within your budget has a higher success rate.
Always consult with your physician before starting a new exercise program.
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