Being fit saves you money! You spend less on doctor’s bills. You don’t have to replace clothes you’ve “outgrown.” You stay focused, getting more accomplished. However, staying active comes at a cost. It is tricky to know when to spend and when to save. You can get fit on a budget. Use these tips to guide your thinking and your spending.
Gym Alternatives
While it may be nice, the fancy gym down the street doesn’t fit into everyone’s budget. If you’re already locked into a contract or commitment, visit your gym’s member service area to see if you can renegotiate your rate. Or if your gym is part of a franchise or chain, call the 1-800 number on your membership card to see if you can get a lower rate. If you’re not a gym member, consider your local community center or Y instead. You may even qualify for a sliding scale of fees determined by your income. Many local churches have first class facilities at a fraction of the price, too.
Buy Decent Shoes
Everyone’s ears always perk up when I tell them to actually spend money. Buying decent shoes is one of the areas I always recommend you invest your dollars well. Now I’m not giving you the excuse to pay retail and ignore the price tag. But spending $35-50 on athletic shoes with great support and structure will save you money in the long run. Cheapy shoes can lead to injury and force you to spend more dollars at the doctor and in recovery products or therapies. So find quality shoes that work for you and then get the best deal possible.
Hit YouTube & Instagram
Online fitness programs have never been easier or more affordable (read: FREE). I love several channels but faithfully revisit a few. They include:
- FitnessBlender.com – You can find videos for almost every style of exercise, any equipment, the amount of time you have available, and your ability level. Plus the hosts Daniel and Kelly are so encouraging, non-annoying, and keep you moving until your workout is complete. Follow them on YouTube and Instagram, too.
- 30 Days of Yoga with Adriene – Yoga with Adriene is my new favorite fitness YouTube channel. She’s delightfully quirky, works you through poses based on your level, encourages comfort over perfect form, and leaves you feeling calm. Follow along on YouTube and if you’ve never done yoga before, I highly recommend 30 Days of Yoga.
- Instagram Channels – There are SO many you could follow but my favs include KasiaFit, FitCircuits (do the 31 Day Squat challenge!), and EmilySkyeFitness.
Used Equipment – Buy or Borrow
One woman’s treadmill is another woman’s laundry rack. It’s a law of the universe. For every fella looking to sell a weight bench, there’s another guy hoping to purchase one. Hit your social media channels to see if anyone you know is looking to sell a piece of equipment. Check Facebook Garage Sale Groups, too. You can search Craigslist for great deals, too. When the warmer weather hits, you’ll want to check out physical yard sales, too. Especially if you’re looking to invest in a fitness DVD or series of DVDs, it’s a good idea to take to social media and see if you can borrow them from a first before purchasing them. You may discover you love (or hate) the series and that could influence your purchase).
Free Fitness Apps
Use your smart phone for smart fitness. There are plenty of FREE apps to whip you into shape. Here are a few:
- Couch to 5K: Want to run but haven’t been working out much? This app coaches you through learning to run a 5K!
- The 7 Minute Workout: Working out doesn’t have to take a ton of time. Get your training in everyday.
- Charity Miles: Walk and run your way into making a difference in the world. Through this free app your exercise nets a donation to a charity in need.
- Zombies, Run!: For the gamer who loves TWD, check out Zombies, Run! Each activity helps you complete missions and get away from the zombies.
Last but certainly not least, did you know that you can make money or earn rewards from using your Fitbit and meeting your goals? Check out this awesome post from Krazy Coupon Lady with 6 Easy Ways to Use Your Fitbit to Earn Cash and Prizes.
No matter what the ads try to convince you, you don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars to pursue a healthy lifestyle. In the end, a good pair of shoes and a sidewalk can help you reach toward moving more and eating less. Healthier living also has a great impact on your bottom line. You’ll reduce your needs for medical care and pharmaceuticals while increasing your productivity at work. What are you waiting for? Check out these frugal fitness resources today.
Our new book Your Money, Your Marriage releases September 25th from Zondervan Harper Collins Christian and is already available for pre-sale now everywhere books are sold.
My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional
This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission.
