A dumbbell sitting on top of money

There’s a strong connection between your money and your health—the more physically fit you are the more financially fit you can be. But working out these days can get pretty expensive. Between gym fees, gear, and trainers, it’s costing us an arm and a leg before we set an arm or leg in the gym. But it doesn’t have to be that way. When it comes to budgeting, it’s helpful to start small, finding affordable options, and build in upgrades as your finances allow for it.

Here are some ways to start small with your fitness budget:

1. Use Fitness Apps

Trainers are a great way to stay accountable and reach your fitness goals. But if you’re looking to shave down some of your expenses, minimizing your visits with trainers is a good place to start. Checking in with a trainer once in a while is great, but in between you can keep yourself motivated with free fitness apps like Fitnet, Sworkit, or Blogilates.

2. Buy Cheaper Gear

Having fancy workout clothes and gear is nice and all, but it doesn’t make you more fit.
You might be tempted to buy the latest popular yoga pants as soon as they hit the shelves. But waiting to buy gear until it has hit discount stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods or even Amazon could save you a lot.

3. Find Discount Gyms

In the last five years, gym membership fees have skyrocketed. Sure, it’s nice to have the convenient and even luxurious perks of an elite gym. But if you’re trying to save money, bargain gyms are an easy way to cut hundreds of dollars a month. Check out gyms like Planet Fitness, Crunch, or the YMCA. The YMCA offers memberships with costs dependent on income—so that’s something to explore.

4. Try Bodyweight Workouts

Like we mentioned before, gear costs a lot of money. So switch up your strategy and try bodyweight workouts. A number of exercises require nothing more than your body—and some good music too. Try body-sculpting exercises like squats, lunges, push ups, crunches, tricep dips and back extensions. You can also explore disciplines that mainly use body weight like Pilates or Yoga. Some use these workouts to skip the gym fees altogether because they can easily be done at home or outside.

Just by starting small with your fitness budget and using a couple of these tips, you’re sure to save a lot. And as your finances grow, your fitness budget can grow too—so you can make the switch to that luxury gym or buy that fancy workout gear you’ve been eyeing.

Do you have any tips for working out on a budget? Share and tell us.