With our economy sliding downwards every day, many people are cutting back on spending and living more frugally. Unfortunately, this seems to conflict with another goal many people have – getting into shape. With obesity rates growing each year, the need to eat healthy and exercise has become increasingly visible. So, the most obvious solution seems to be a sort of compromise between high-cost fitness programs and living cheaply on the fast food dollar menu.
Workout Without Equipment
Those who have time, space, and motivation may find it possible to get a complete workout with little or no extra equipment. You can run or walk outside for cardio, or ride your bike if you have one. Of course, this only works if the weather is nice and you live in a location where such activities are safe. You can also do many strength training exercises using nothing but your own body weight as resistance. The best options for this are lunges, crunches, pushups, pull-ups, squats, and dips.
Strength in Numbers
For those who don’t have the motivation to workout alone and with no equipment, consider joining or creating a free workout and diet group. All you need is a group of friends who agree to support each other and get active a few times a week. You can play a pick-up sports game, go for a hike, or swim laps in a member’s pool. Your group could also agree to meet for healthy meals and share diet recipes.
Cut Gym Costs
If you already belong to a gym and don’t want to give it up, there are things you can do to cut your spending. The most obvious solution is to find a comparable gym with a lower monthly rate. Also, remember that signing up for a yearly contract is generally cheaper than paying per month. You may also be able to choose a less expensive membership plan. Some gyms charge extra for unnecessary amenities like free tanning or sauna access.
Find Discount Equipment
Working out does not require an expensive wardrobe or extra tools. In fact, you can find decent fitness clothes for under $10 a piece if you shop discount stores or internet outlets. The same is true for extras like yoga mats and gym bags. For most people, a $100 gym bag is excessive and a $15 or less yoga mat will be perfectly comfortable. You can also save on home gym equipment by researching sales and looking for used / refurbished items.
Eat Healthy for Less
Don’t buy into designer diet foods for weight loss. All you really need to make healthy meals is a few staples like fresh or frozen produce, lean meats, and whole grains. Keep in mind, though, that buying frozen fruits and vegetables on sale can be much cheaper than buying fresh produce that is off-season. You can also save hundreds of dollars each year just by cutting out granola bars, for example, from your diet shopping list. Plus, you can find some delicious recipes for making your own bars at home. The same is true for “healthy” varieties of traditional junk foods.
Use the Web
You may think spending money to join a diet group, hire a personal trainer, or purchase endless fitness books is worth it, but most of the information these resources give you is available for free online. There are so many sites devoted to healthy living that you can find everything from recipes and eating guides to exercise programs and demonstration videos right on your computer. Utilizing these free resources can save you a bundle in the long run and help you customize a program that is perfect for you.
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