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Getting In Shape On A Budget

When some people look to get in shape, they sometimes think they need fancy gym memberships, top of the line fitness apparel, and a $2,000 Peloton exercise bike for at-home workouts. While you certainly can go this route, it’s by no means the necessary and only path to getting in shape.

Fitness can be free, or at the very least affordable. However, it’s worth stressing that your health is one of the most important investments you can make and saving up some funds to devote to your physical or mental health is never a bad idea.

If you’re looking for ways to get in shape during the summer months without making a huge dent in your bank account, look no further than these tips below.

 

10 Affordable Ways to Get In Shape

Leave the car at home. Working out doesn’t have to be isolated to a certain chunk of time at the gym or in a spin class. Moving throughout the day is a great way to keep your body in good spirits. Instead of hopping in the car to head to the grocery store a mile away, ride a bike. Think of all the things you drive to that are close by and consider replacing your car commute with a bike ride or walk instead.

Quit your gym membership. While gyms are a great way to get in shape (I mean, that’s their job) who wants to work out inside during the summer? Do your wallet a favor and replace treadmill and weight room sessions with trail runs at your local park and bodyweight exercises in the backyard.

Look for membership deals. If gyms are your thing, then it’s totally okay to keep going to them. That said, there are many loopholes you can find in order to avoid paying full price for a gym membership. Many gyms offer some sort of year-long promotion, which might give you a month free, reduced monthly price, or even deals for employees depending on who you work for. If you have an irregular schedule and don’t want to work out during peak periods (usually after 5pm) you might also be able to pay less if you go to the gym during off hours. Lastly, ask about referral deals. Recruit a buddy and see if both of you can become members at a discounted rate.

Join a local club or class. Whereas fitness chains will often cost a pretty penny, local clubs and classes tend to be really affordable, if not free. See if there are group runs or workouts on Meetup.com or browse bulletins in local coffee shops and libraries. If there isn’t anything in your town, considering starting a fitness group of your own. We’re sure lots of people are probably looking for free fitness, accountability, and a bit of fun too.

Eat healthily and save money! While this isn’t necessarily about fitness, a big part of staying in shape resides in the kitchen. By buying fruits and veggies in season (or stocking up on frozen goods) you’ll save a lot of money, especially if you’re cooking more regularly instead of eating out or ordering takeout. Consider meal prepping on the weekends so you have a healthy list of nutritionally dense meals to eat all week long.

Buy bulk classes at a discount. If you love taking classes, whether barre, spinning, or TRX, skip the drop-in fees (which cost the most money) and buy a 10-pack or other type of bulk class package that’s offered. It might be more money upfront but it will save you a fair amount of money in the long haul.

Buy second hand equipment. There’s no need to buy new fitness equipment. You can usually find amazing deals when looking for used exercise equipment. Start by asking family and friends if they have any old treadmills or weights they no longer need or browse garage sales, flea markets, thrift stores, and websites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Just make sure you test out the equipment ahead of time to ensure it’s not on its last legs.

Check your corporate wellness perks. If you work for a corporation, technology company, or other established place of business, they might offer special perks for employees. Some might even reimburse you for your entire gym membership, while others could engage in fitness challenges that include providing you a wearable device like a Fitbit. Check to see if your office has a gym on site, too. Many offer personal training at a discount as well!

Get in the pool. If summer is particularly hot and sweaty where you live, see if there’s a local pool nearby where you can swim laps! It’s a perfect way to cool off while staying out in the sun, and most pool admission fees are pretty low. Besides, swimming is an amazing workout that will get your heart pumping while toning your entire body.

Download some apps. If home fitness is your thing, browse the app store for hundreds of different workout apps to choose from, many of which are free. You can do bodyweight exercises, yoga flows, HIIT training, or running workouts. The sky’s the limit when it comes to how your smartphone can help you workout on the cheap.

 

Who said getting in shape had to be pricey? With one, two, or a handful of these tips above, your body will be moving at a healthy pace — one that can keep up with your bank statement.