Tips to Keep Fit Without Stretching the Budget
Develop a Personalised Exercise Routine that Doesn’t Break the Bank
Sep 22, 2009
Getting more exercise into our daily lives is important, but for many people, the cost of gym membership can be prohibitive in times of financial insecurity.
The Mayo Clinic Women’s HealthSource for September suggests low-cost and free options to stay in shape without straining the budget.
Buy Used Sporting Equipment
Some sporting good stores specialize in used equipment. Also check out sites like eBay, Craig’s List and freecycle for second-hand or even free sporting and exercise gear.
Be aware that shipping costs might put the cost out of budget range (unless it’s free).
Buy Affordable Fitness Equipment
Look online for reputable stores that offer special discounts or daily bargains. Again, factor in the cost of shipping, to check if these really are bargains.
Hand weights are generally reasonably priced, often available from big box stores like Wal-Mart and Kmart, come in many sizes, and can be used to strengthen every muscle group.
Know What to Exercise Equipment to Avoid
Some fitness products aren’t worth buying, no matter how low the price. Don’t buy products that offer instant fitness benefits or promise to melt away pounds without diet and exercise.
Also avoid products that focus on just one body part, such as your abs or thighs.
Make Your Own Weights Cheaply and Easily
You can easily improvise hand weights using items from around your home.
Milk jugs or water bottles filled with varying levels of water or sand and firmly sealed with duct tape work well as weights. Make a range of weights and label them clearly.
Large cans of pet food or beans can also act as hand weights, and are marked with the weight on the label.
You could also use bags of rice or sugar, but these are less reliable, as they’re liable to split.
Check Out Your Local Recreation Center
Many community recreation centers offer discounted fitness classes to local residents, young mothers and seniors.
High school or college fitness centers or swimming pools also may be open to community members.
Use Exercise DVDs at Home
Practice aerobics, yoga, strength training and tai chi at home with DVDs bought or rented from the video store. Or borrow them for free from your local library.
Share Fitness Costs With a Friend
Trade your exercise DVDs with a friend. Work out between you what routines you want to learn and share the DVD cost between you.
Maybe you can find a personal trainer who is open to you sharing sessions with a friend or two?
Make the Most of Everyday Activities
Walking is one of the best free exercise routines you can develop. Make opportunities to walk every day by walking the dog, walking your child to the bus/mass transit stop.
Try getting off mass transit one stop before your regular stop and walking home or to work, or getting on one stop further along.
If you must commute, try to park a few blocks away from the office, school or business appointment.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator, or get out of the elevator one or two flights down from your destination and walk up those stairs.
Enjoy Your Garden and the Company of Children
Working in your garden, or a community garden, if there’s one in your neighborhood, not only keeps you fit, but results in vegetables and flowers as well.
Playing games with children or grandchildren is always time well spent; as well as the free exercise, the fresh air and sheer enjoyment boost your health.
You might also be interested in Health Club Membership – Yes or No?, Sidewalks Lead to Healthier Living, and Gardening’s an Enjoyable Way to Stay Fit
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