We all know that staying fit and strong is a necessity for our general well-being; however, it often doesn’t come cheap. Gym membership, workout equipment, and fitness classes can be expensive. This sometimes puts people in a dilemma between choosing between either their financial or physical health.
There is another way, though. Exercise doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg if you take our resourceful and creative ideas to heart. Here are ten ways to get you exercising while saving your hard-earned cash. Use some of them and you’ll reach your fitness goals without blowing a hole in your wallet.
1. Free Online Exercise Resources
The web is full of free exercise videos and programs. From YouTube channels to fitness apps, there are many great instructor-led exercises you can do from the comfort of your home.
Websites like Yoga with Adriene, Chloe Ting, and Nike Training Club offer free workout routines that range from strength and cardio to yoga, tailored to any level of fitness and requiring minimal equipment or space.
2. Community Fitness Resources
Local communities and organizations often sponsor free or low-cost fitness activities because of the benefits they bring to the community.
Your local library, community center, or parks department may sponsor group exercise classes, walking clubs, or other physical activity programs that can help you stay fit while interacting with others from around your area.
Alternatively, create your own. Form a walking or running group with a bunch of neighbours or find out about home exercise groups like yoga or pilates classes.
3. Negotiate Gym Memberships
Did you know that at many gyms you can negotiate your gym membership fees? Many gyms will reduce their prices or even eliminate some of the fees, especially during the off-season or when they are looking for new members.
Just make sure to do your homework about competing gyms and use that as leverage when bargaining.
4. Short-Term Gym Contracts
Steer clear of gyms that require you to enter into a long-term contract. Membership options should be month-to-month or short-term (e.g., three to six months).
A short contract will give you the latitude to move on and try other gyms or perhaps even change your fitness workout routine if necessary, without being bound by a long-term contract.
5. Use Corporate Wellness Programs
Some corporate wellness programs offer discounted memberships in gyms or full reimbursement of money spent toward fitness. Check with your HR department to see if your company has any such benefits available.
Alternatively, some workplaces have their own in-house gyms or workout spaces which are worth looking into.
6. Invest in Versatile, Multi-Purpose Equipment
You may decide to set up a home gym to save on membership fees. When equipping your home gym, try to buy versatile, multi-purpose equipment that’s useful for performing different exercises.
Gear like resistance bands, kettlebells, or adjustable dumbbells can exercise the entire body without costing a fortune or taking up a lot of space.
7. Used or Second-Hand Fitness Apparatus
Second-hand equipment is usually much cheaper than brand-new, so look into that also. Check online marketplaces, garage sales, or second-hand stores for lightly used exercise gear. You often get great value at a much lower cost than the original price. Just be sure to inspect any used equipment thoroughly for damage before making a purchase.
8. Low-Cost Fitness Hobbies
Many weekend pursuits are interesting, outdoor, low-cost activities. Depending on where you live, you could do hiking, cycling, rock climbing or swimming. Most of these require little equipment and provide you with the chance to exercise while at the same time enjoying nature and socializing with others who have similar interests. If you live in the city, investigate options like indoor climbing walls, swimming pools, or safe parks to walk or jog in.
9. Utilize Wearable Devices and Fitness Apps
Many free or low-cost fitness tracking apps, combined with a plethora of wearable devices like Fitbit or Apple Watch, can make workout sessions very rewarding. They keep one motivated, and obviate the need for a gym membership.
10. Just Move More!
Incorporating more physical activity into your daily routine is easy and inexpensive. It just takes a change in routine and mindset. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk fast around the block during your lunch break, and do bodyweight exercises while watching TV. Park at the far end of the parking lot instead of close to the shops, and do your own gardening or housework if time allows. Instead of taking the car to the corner store to buy bread, walk there briskly to fetch some. When done consistently, these small changes become habits that bring health benefits in the long term.
Conclusion
Getting fit need not blow your budget. By availing of free online resources, community fitness programs, better prices for gym memberships, and our other creative ideas, you'll be able to keep both your body and budget fit.
