Catch me tomorrow morning on WTHR Weekend Sunrise at 7:45 AM! Here’s a sneak peek of some of the money saving tips I’ll share.
So your pocketbook is probably feeling a bit lighter from the holiday season while your footsteps might feel a bit heavier. January is probably the number 1 month for people seeking to both control their wallets and their waistlines. But you need to be smart when it comes to both your money and your fitness. Here are a few frugal fitness tips to get you in shape without stretching your budget out of shape.
1) Gym Memberships: Wait, Contemplate, or Negotiate. Unfortunately this is the WORST time of the year to purchase a gym membership. They’ve got it, they know you want it now more than ever and even though the ad might claim “low prices,” they aren’t at their best. It might be best to wait a month or two to find a real deal. If you are going to get a gym membership, contemplate the full cost. Do you have to pay for classes? Is there a childcare fee? *Sometimes* you’re better off at a different facility with an inclusive rate rather than a piece meal formula. Many churches and community centers have fantastic offerings and equipment but are MUCH more affordable than the gym. YMCAs also often offer sliding scales {not of the weight variety}, basing your membership fee on your income. Compare prices, factor in things like driving distance, too. Don’t just drop a ton of cash at the shiniest facility in town. Do your homework. And don’t be afraid to get in there and offer what you can. Some facilities have flexibility, others don’t but it never hurts to ask for a discount or a deal. The worst they can say is no.
2) Equipment: Jonesing for a treadmill or an eliptical? Looking for a set of weights? It’s very likely that someone you know is looking to unload one that’s covered in laundry. Use your social media networks to ask if anyone is looking to get rid of theirs. Maybe they’ll even give it to you for free {it’s happened to me before!}. You can also find great deals on Craigslist or at garage sales when the weather warms.
3) DVDs: I may or may not have had a slight addiction to fitness informercials in a former life. Before you purchase a fitness DVD, see if you can check it out from your local library or rent it via Netflix. This will give you an idea of whether or not it’s something you want to invest in or maybe just provide the opportunity to change up your current routine. Or again, you can use your social media networks to see if anyone has a particular title that you’re interested in purchasing and give it a whirl before you buy it. When you do buy, I highly recommend checking Amazon which often offers fitness DVDs on the cheap {Awesome Fitness DVDs As Low As $4.94}. And on YouTube {Bob Harper, Runner’s World TV, & BeFit have their own channels} Women’s Health Magazine, Shape, Sparkpeople, & throughout the internet you can find tons of FREE video workouts too.
4) Find a Friend: For me I’m most successful when I’m pursuing fitness goals when I have a friend holding me accountable and cheering me on toward my goal. Set up a time to walk and talk together, go for a run or check in on each other. It doesn’t cost a thing and you can serve as an encouragement for someone else, too.
5) Buy Good Shoes. You heard it here first, the Queen of FREE is encouraging you to spend money. Decent shoes are SO important when it comes to working out. In the short term, they might cost a pretty penny but in the long term, they are MUCH cheaper than a visit to the orthopedic surgeon. I’m not talking about NASA quality moon boots, though. You should be able to find a decent pair for $50 or less. Compare prices, shop around, watch for coupons, and use the internet to check out reviews and find the best deal.
6) Free Fitness Apps: From counting calories to workout videos and tracking mileage and steps, free fitness apps abound for your smart phone. There are a host of them available but some of my favorites are Map My Run {or Ride or Walk}, CardioTrainer {Android}, Nike+, C25K, & Jillian Michaels’ App. Do a simple search and you’ll find plenty.
The basic recipe for pursuing fitness is eat less, move more {not unlike spend less, save more strategies of budgeting}. Do what you love and stick with it and you’ll have success!
*This post contains an affiliate link. So while you snag a great deal on all things fitness, you might also help us fund our 3-6 month emergency fund and eventually pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!
