Getting fit doesn't need to break the bank, in fact,
it shouldn't. You can get a really challenging
workout, and still have money left in the bank if
you just plan and research your options.
First, gym memberships are really expensive! And if a gym motivates you to workout regularly, it may be worth it. But really, how many services at your gym do you use regularly? The Weight Room, Cardiovascular Equipment, Day care, Exercise Classes, Locker Room, Sauna, Jacuzzi, Tennis, Racquet Ball, Smoothie Bar, Personal Training. Once you have seriously considered what you need in a gym, choose a gym with those amenities only. If you don't play racquetball, why should you pay for it?
Next, be careful of all the internal profit centers in a gym, they can really add up. If you buy a water before the workout, pay for daycare, rent a towel and get a protein drink after the workout, you may spend upward of $15 extra per visit. Ouch! Also, be leery of "life-time" memberships with yearly renewals. That is where most gyms make a lot of their money. They charge you a large amount of money up front, then make the annual renewals very cheap because they assume you will renew because it is so cheap. And you know what--most people do renew those memberships, and then continue to never use the gym.
So, if you don't want to all that money at the gym, here are a few ways to get fit on a budget.
1. Cheap home equipment. For under $100 you can buy everything you need to get a great workout. Hand weights, exercise tubing, physio-ball, exercise mat, and some exercise videos. To find these items, try discount stores like Ross or TJ Max for great deals.
One thing you do not want to skimp on is your shoes. Go to a good running store and invest in supportive shoes that are very comfortable. You will spend between $60-$120: but it's worth it. You do not want to workout with cheap shoes. Also, you will need to replace those shoes every 6 to 9 months.
Also, invest in a workout journal and record your exercise sessions. There is nothing more motivating than looking back at where you were and see how far you have progressed.
2. Even cheaper home equipment. Don't have the cash for some dumbbells or medicine ball? No problem. Use stuff you already have. A stairway can give you a free step workout. Heavy cans can be weights. Your kid's swing set can be a chinup bar. Be creative. Or, you probably know 10 people who have exercise equipment they're not using--ask them if they'd let you have them or use them for free.
3. Walk or Run. Walking and running is free. But make it an adventure. Find places to walk close to you that are truly a wonderful experience--make your walk something you look forward to. And if you can, walk with a friend or your kids and take the opportunity to connect with those you love while you exercise.
4. Exercise Videos. For under $20, you can have the exercise video of your choice! And they have everything from pilates, yoga, tai chi, toning, cardio hip hop, low impact, chair workouts. If you go to Amazon, you can find them really cheap. So, get a few of them and vary your workout every-time.
5. Play with your kids. Play pickup basketball with some friends, or go outside and play soccer with your kids, or join a local softball league. The key is to get active--move it before you loose it!
6. Surf The Net. With the popularity of youtube.com, there are more and more online exercise videos that are completely free. Just do a search for "free online exercise videos" and you will find great ab and butt workouts, pilates, yoga, toning, cardio workouts. You won't have to search very long before you will find at least a few free online workout videos that will help you achieve your fitness goals.
7. Cheap workout fuel. Instead of buying expensive energy drinks, you can just use what you normally have in the house--it's called water. That's right, drinking water is the very best way to get that burst of energy you need to get off the couch and on the bike trail.
8. Body weight exercises and pliometrics. Another great free workout that doesn't require any equipment is body weight exercises: pushups, chair dips, crunches, squats, lunges, and many more. Also try pliometrics: where you use explosive exercises to improve athletic performance--it burns tons of calories. But don't forget to vary your workouts regularly so you body does not adapt to the workload and stop changing.
9. Take the stairs or walk to the grocery store instead of driving. If you work in a building, use the stairs every day instead of the elevator. Over the course of a month, you could burn a few pounds of calories. And save the environment while you get a great workout walking to the store instead of driving.
Make exercise a part of your daily routine, just like showering or brushing your teethe. You won't dream of not brushing your teethe or showing for a week, so why would you miss a week of workouts?
First, gym memberships are really expensive! And if a gym motivates you to workout regularly, it may be worth it. But really, how many services at your gym do you use regularly? The Weight Room, Cardiovascular Equipment, Day care, Exercise Classes, Locker Room, Sauna, Jacuzzi, Tennis, Racquet Ball, Smoothie Bar, Personal Training. Once you have seriously considered what you need in a gym, choose a gym with those amenities only. If you don't play racquetball, why should you pay for it?
Next, be careful of all the internal profit centers in a gym, they can really add up. If you buy a water before the workout, pay for daycare, rent a towel and get a protein drink after the workout, you may spend upward of $15 extra per visit. Ouch! Also, be leery of "life-time" memberships with yearly renewals. That is where most gyms make a lot of their money. They charge you a large amount of money up front, then make the annual renewals very cheap because they assume you will renew because it is so cheap. And you know what--most people do renew those memberships, and then continue to never use the gym.
So, if you don't want to all that money at the gym, here are a few ways to get fit on a budget.
1. Cheap home equipment. For under $100 you can buy everything you need to get a great workout. Hand weights, exercise tubing, physio-ball, exercise mat, and some exercise videos. To find these items, try discount stores like Ross or TJ Max for great deals.
One thing you do not want to skimp on is your shoes. Go to a good running store and invest in supportive shoes that are very comfortable. You will spend between $60-$120: but it's worth it. You do not want to workout with cheap shoes. Also, you will need to replace those shoes every 6 to 9 months.
Also, invest in a workout journal and record your exercise sessions. There is nothing more motivating than looking back at where you were and see how far you have progressed.
2. Even cheaper home equipment. Don't have the cash for some dumbbells or medicine ball? No problem. Use stuff you already have. A stairway can give you a free step workout. Heavy cans can be weights. Your kid's swing set can be a chinup bar. Be creative. Or, you probably know 10 people who have exercise equipment they're not using--ask them if they'd let you have them or use them for free.
3. Walk or Run. Walking and running is free. But make it an adventure. Find places to walk close to you that are truly a wonderful experience--make your walk something you look forward to. And if you can, walk with a friend or your kids and take the opportunity to connect with those you love while you exercise.
4. Exercise Videos. For under $20, you can have the exercise video of your choice! And they have everything from pilates, yoga, tai chi, toning, cardio hip hop, low impact, chair workouts. If you go to Amazon, you can find them really cheap. So, get a few of them and vary your workout every-time.
5. Play with your kids. Play pickup basketball with some friends, or go outside and play soccer with your kids, or join a local softball league. The key is to get active--move it before you loose it!
6. Surf The Net. With the popularity of youtube.com, there are more and more online exercise videos that are completely free. Just do a search for "free online exercise videos" and you will find great ab and butt workouts, pilates, yoga, toning, cardio workouts. You won't have to search very long before you will find at least a few free online workout videos that will help you achieve your fitness goals.
7. Cheap workout fuel. Instead of buying expensive energy drinks, you can just use what you normally have in the house--it's called water. That's right, drinking water is the very best way to get that burst of energy you need to get off the couch and on the bike trail.
8. Body weight exercises and pliometrics. Another great free workout that doesn't require any equipment is body weight exercises: pushups, chair dips, crunches, squats, lunges, and many more. Also try pliometrics: where you use explosive exercises to improve athletic performance--it burns tons of calories. But don't forget to vary your workouts regularly so you body does not adapt to the workload and stop changing.
9. Take the stairs or walk to the grocery store instead of driving. If you work in a building, use the stairs every day instead of the elevator. Over the course of a month, you could burn a few pounds of calories. And save the environment while you get a great workout walking to the store instead of driving.
Make exercise a part of your daily routine, just like showering or brushing your teethe. You won't dream of not brushing your teethe or showing for a week, so why would you miss a week of workouts?
