Cheap ways to workout!
We all know exercising is important to our long term health. It keeps the heart healthy and strong, plus when I get a good workout in I am in a much better mood! One of the best things about working out is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to do it! Today I am excited to share a few tips about how to exercise for free!
Why Exercise for Free?
I know a gym is handy, fun, convenient and full of all the best equipment. But, when you are trying to stretch your budget every dollar counts and makes a difference.
One of the first things I suggest to people trying to spend less money is to cut their gym membership.
Now, I am a huge believer that budgets should be personal and catered to your needs and preferences. If a gym membership is a priority to you, then let’s keep it in the budget.
But, if you want to cut costs, this is one area I believe many people could do so.
- Related: Extreme Ways to Cut Your Budget
Go for a Walk/Run
One of the cheapest and easiest ways to exercise is to go for a walk or run. This is a great way to get out of the house, enjoy some fresh air and go for a long brisk walk around your neighborhood.
Work up to what you feel most comfortable with. If you enjoy running, run. If you would rather walk, walk! Do what is best for you!
Use this time to explore some new parks or areas. Try a different running path every day of the week to keep it interesting!
YouTube Videos
Did you know that YouTube is full of free awesome workout videos? Because it is! You can find all types of free workouts just by the click of a few buttons. From kickboxing to yoga it’s all on YouTube!
This is a great cheap way to exercise without even having to leave your house. Wake up, workout, and then continue on your day!
There are thousands of YouTube workout channels and not all of them will be the right fit for you. It will take some trial and error to find the channels that you’ll enjoy most. So, don’t give up if you aren’t satisfied with the first few videos you try!
My personal favorite YouTube channels for working out are: Yoga with Adrienne, Fitness Blender, and PopSugar Fitness.
Buy Used Workout Equipment
If you are looking for something more than videos can offer you, try shopping for used workout equipment. You can find some great deals this way!
A few years ago I was able to find a high quality, very gently used, elliptical for only $25! It took some patience, but it was so worth it!
The best places to shop for gently used items at a fraction of the price are thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, and garage sales.
Make Exercise Part of Your Routine
A great way to exercise without spending a lot of extra money is to make exercise a part of your daily routine and activities. If you are going to be spending time with friends anyways, make it an active activity! (oh how I love multitasking!)
Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
- Invite friends to go on a hike with you.
- Go on a family bike ride.
- Play tennis on the free park tennis courts.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
- Bike to work instead of drive.
- Play volleyball with a group of friends.
Look for Discounts
If you have been wanting to join a gym sign up using a discount. Many gyms will offer membership discounts around the new year or on Black Friday.
You can also check other couponing discount sites, such as Groupon. They will often have coupons for gyms in the area.
Use a Fitness App
Fitness Apps are the new craze and are totally affordable! These apps provide you with fitness motivation, workouts, and reminders (which is awesome, because I need reminders when it comes to working out…..).
Some fitness apps are free (hooray!), and some will charge a small monthly fee. Do some research to find the apps that will work best for you and your budget.
Check out this great list of workout apps to help you get found the right fit for you.
Use What You Have
There are so many supplies we are told to buy in order to workout successfully. But, I have learned we really do not have to buy everything the experts recommend. You already have so many supplies at home that will work just as good as whatever you could buy.
- Instead of a yoga mat use a towel.
- Instead of free weights use some canned goods or gallons of water.
- Instead of a medicine ball use a soccer ball.
- Instead of resistance bands use pantyhose.
- Instead of fitness gliders use paper plates.
Try to be creative and think outside the box! Look around your home to find some items that you can use before going to the store to buy something new.
- Related: How to Eat Healthy For Cheap
In Conclusion
You can workout, exercise, and stay healthy without spending a lot of money. It takes a little creativity, time and effort, but it is so worth it! If your budget is tight, consider one of these alternative options.
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