
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.
Comment on this article
Comments
Reginald p. on April 19, 2017 at 5:29pm
That was so awesome I loved it ! This is a great company !!!
Paloma on April 19, 2017 at 6:54pm
Great article ??
Deb on April 19, 2017 at 7:34pm
I recommend fixing up the house, just about anything you do in the range of cleaning, sanding, putting up dry wall, digging dirt and planting large plants will build muscle, lose weight and produce something at the same time. Don't waste money on workouts at a gym, walk, run,bike and fix up the place where you live in. It's a free work out hello!!!
Rabha A. on April 19, 2017 at 9:05pm
So nice it can help me to go back to the gym
Ally on April 20, 2017 at 1:17pm
Thanks for reading, Rabha! We hope you found these tips to be useful!
Ally on April 20, 2017 at 1:21pm
That's a great tip, Deb! Thanks for sharing!
Ally on April 20, 2017 at 1:33pm
Hi Paloma, we're glad you think so! Thanks for reading and sharing your feedback!
Ally on April 20, 2017 at 1:38pm
Hi Reginald, thanks for the compliment! We're glad to hear that our customer-obsession is paying off!
Luis on April 20, 2017 at 6:53pm
I lov it
Keeker on April 20, 2017 at 7:23pm
Great article! I think you guys hit some pretty good points in regards to getting fit and saving money. I would add though that you can do a lot with simply running or walking 20-30 min a day. Thanks for the article, KEEP'EM COMMING!
MB on April 20, 2017 at 7:41pm
Another tip is to rent fitness DVDs from your local library - it's a great way to try out different exercise routines, and it's free!
Robin on April 21, 2017 at 1:16am
Thank you for the great, healthy tips and reminders!
Alex on April 21, 2017 at 6:51am
Thanks for the advice!
Brittany on April 21, 2017 at 11:56am
I have this app on my phone called "Running" and the app picture is a flame. They give you the option to choose from beginner or if you are experienced or anywhere in between! They give you three training sessions a week and you have the option to upgrade your account to get other things in the app (which of course costs money but they training is free)
Ally on April 24, 2017 at 10:46am
That's a great tip, Brittany! Thanks for sharing!
Ally on April 24, 2017 at 10:59am
Hi Keeker, thanks for sharing your advice and your feedback! We love hearing this!
Ally on April 24, 2017 at 11:00am
Great idea, MB! Thanks for sharing!
Ally on April 24, 2017 at 11:08am
Hi Robin, thanks for the feedback! And thanks for reading the blog!
Ally on April 24, 2017 at 11:10am
You're welcome, Alex! Thanks for reading!
LS on April 27, 2017 at 2:20am
Great read! Thanks for the advice and good customer service, Ally.
Ally on April 27, 2017 at 9:52am
You're welcome! Thank you for sharing the kind words! We're glad to hear that you enjoyed the article.