Frugal Fitness

An active lifestyle comes with a host of benefits: more energy, better sleep, weight control and an overall sense of wellness. However, many people believe that a fitness routine comes with a hefty price tag. With the average gym membership costing $58 a month — that’s almost $700 annually — and a staggering 67% of people never taking advantage of that pricey membership, it’s no wonder that many feel like they can’t afford to improve their fitness.

You don’t have to break the bank to get in shape. Here are a few tips for achieving a more active lifestyle without emptying your wallet.

Find A Workout Buddy

Not only does a workout buddy provide support and accountability, they can also absorb some of the expenses. Trade exercise videos and equipment or share the costs of a fitness trainer.

Search Out Used Equipment

More and more stores that sell used exercise equipment are cropping up, providing thrifty shoppers with the opportunity to purchase high-quality, like-new exercise equipment at less than retail price. Good deals can also be found at garage sales, classified ads, online auctions or many of your favorite online stores.

Make Your Own

Looking for an even more frugal option? Consider building your own exercise equipment. Make an adjustable set of weights by filling water bottles, beverage jugs or detergent bottles with sand and duct taping them closed. They may not look pretty, but your muscles won’t notice the difference.

Visit Your Local Library

Few people take full advantage of their local library. A free library card not only gives you access to untold thousands of books, but also to a full collection of fitness DVDs. From barre exercises and Pilates to kickboxing and martial arts, your library provides the perfect opportunity to find a fitness regimen that works for you. If you really like something, you can purchase it without being afraid of wasting your money.

Using Your Own Body

Exercise equipment is wonderful, but the fact is that your body can be its own best friend. Using your body as resistance can help you lose weight and tone your muscles. Do crunches, push-ups, squats, step-ups, etc.

Creating A Frugal Fitness Routine

Create your own frugal fitness routine without a gym membership by following these easy steps.

The Warm-Up

To prepare your body for exercise, walk briskly for 5-10 minutes.

Aerobic Exercise

Choose an aerobic exercise such as biking, jumping rope, roller skating or hiking. Your goal is to work up to 30 minutes of uninterrupted aerobic exercise.

Cool Down Phase

Allow your body to recover to its normal resting heart rate by slowly walking for 5-10 minutes, or however long it takes for your breathing to return to normal.

Flexibility

Spend 10-15 minutes increasing your flexibility through yoga, Pilates or stretching.

Strength Training

Lift dumbbells or do body weight exercises for 10-20 minutes.

Reaching your fitness goals doesn’t have to be so expensive! So if you’re spending too much on irregular visits to an expensive gym, or have delayed improving your physical fitness because of money concerns, try out some of these simple tips.