As we ring in the new year, many of us set fitness goals for healthier living. It’s a smart time to reset your habits after a season of celebrating, after all. However, getting in shape might seem like an expensive endeavor. From workout clothes to gym memberships to home fitness equipment and more, the costs seem to be incongruent with another new year goal – keeping your finances in check. But your physical fitness doesn’t have to bankrupt your financial fitness. Here are some smart ways to celebrate a healthy new year when it comes to both your fitness and your finances.
Invest in Decent Shoes
I know, I know. The very first thing I’m going to do is to tell you to actually spend some money. It may seem counterintuitive. While you don’t need pricey leggings or $300 sneakers to move your body, you do need some basic, sturdy shoes to begin your journey. Or if you already have some (great!), you should be sure you’re wearing them. As someone who has struggled with chronic foot problems, shoes should be high on your priority list. Again, unless you’re training for the Olympic Games you don’t have to purchase the top of the line, but you do need something with proper structure. Use some of the Christmas money Grandma gave you to buy new kicks. Typically, I find a pair that works for me and then search for them on Amazon (Saucony Grid Cohesion and Brooks Launch) or discount shoe sites and buy the same brand/style over and over again. Injuries cost more than shoes. Start on a firm foundation.
Try Out Peloton for FREE
If you follow me on Instagram, you know I LOVE the Peloton platform. However, I don’t own a Peloton bike or tread. You can actually use the Peloton app without either of these. And right now, you can try out the Peloton app for FREE for 60 days. The app doesn’t just have bike workouts, it has everything from strength to yoga to walking to running (both inside and outside) to boxing and more. After the free trial, you will be charged the $12.99/month fee (still much cheaper than a gym). So when you set up your account, consider using a gift card if you have one instead of your debit card and set a reminder to cancel it before you’re automatically charged. By the way, this is by no means a sponsored promotion (I wish), I just really love the app and have used it everyday for over 400 days straight.
YouTube Fitness Options
YouTube is another great place to turn for solid workouts and fitness advice. I’m a big fan of both Fitness Blender for strength training and Yoga with Adriene for yoga workouts. I’ve also used YouTube to do thorough research before purchasing fitness equipment (including my Schwinn ic4 which I use in conjunction with the Peloton app). Check out this roundup of great FREE fitness YouTube channels for more ideas.
Get Rewarded to Workout
Sometimes a reward is the motivation we all need to get workouts in. I’ve been tinkering with the app Paceline recently which links to your Garmin, Fitbit, or Apple Watch account and then offers freebies when you complete 150 minutes of working out per week each week (around 25 minutes per day of moderate exercise). From discounts to $5 Target gift cards, the offerings change each week. You will be required to link a credit or debit card through the secure site Plaid to be able to claim gift cards though. Perhaps consider using an account you don’t often use if you’re concerned about companies collecting information. Although if you use Venmo or Square, you’ve probably interfaced with Plaid before. Right now, you can get $5 in Gift Cards just for signing up when you use the code GKZ93K.
Purchase Used Equipment
Rather than forking over tons of cash to buy a brand new treadmill, be sure to check places like Craigslist or the Facebook Marketplace first. If you’ve never owned an item like this before, it’s a great idea to test the waters and see what you’ll use or won’t use. On the flipside, if you have an item and you’re looking to upgrade, see if you can make a little cash off gently used items to help fund your efforts. And if you find you stick with your new habit, you can always flip that item and put the money toward a new piece of equipment. One last note: Five Below has a lot of small equipment you can get for a better price than big box retailers, too.
Use Facebook Groups to Ask Questions
While using the Peloton app, I’ve found Facebook groups and Instagram channels help me better choose workouts and equipment. I’ve asked questions before making a major purchase and gained insight from people already using the technology and platforms. Some of my favorite groups include: Peloton Digital App Users, Peloton Outdoor Runners, Peloton Women’s Page.
Almost every platform and program has groups centered around their community. I’d highly recommend doing a search on Facebook and Instagram for similarly minded people with similar goals. You’ll be encouraged in your journey.
Get Instagram Inspiration
Instagram is another great resource when it comes to inspiration to move and proper form while you’re in the process. A quick google search will yield plenty of options, but you’ll want to look for those who mesh with your passion – whether it be running, walking, biking, Zumba, or more. A few I enjoy following include just about any Peloton instructor whose class I take, Kaisafit, Ryan Hall, and Des Linden. I also love a good meme channel that makes me laugh when it comes to working out like Peloton Memes.
You can make healthier choices this year and all year long without sacrificing your financial goals. Take one step today toward those by doing something as simple as following an Instagram channel or doing some research on YouTube or downloading an app.
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. All prices are subject to change.
