Tips and Tricks for Getting Fit on a Budget

Treadmills and ellipticals can cost thousands of dollars. Gym memberships can really add up. Exercise classes can get pricey. So if your New Year’s resolution is to stay fit, how can you possibly do it without breaking the bank?

While a lot of fitness activities are expensive, the good news is that exercise doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, it can be remarkably affordable if you want it to be! Here are some easy, affordable ways to get fit in 2020:

Enjoy Nature

Getting outside is a great opportunity for a free workout. You can walk or run through nature trails and get fresh air along with your exercise. Better yet, consider having a friend join you. Not only is it safer to go in pairs or groups, but your exercise can also double as social time.

Walk a Dog

Taking your dog for a walk is good exercise for both of you! If you have an active breed, you might consider walking your dog more often than you otherwise would. If you’re still not getting as much exercise as you think you need, you could even consider asking around to see if anyone else has dogs that need walking. Plus, if you play your cards right, you could even turn your exercise into a side hustle by charging for your walking services!

Use Affordable Workout Equipment

While some at-home workout equipment is quite pricey, there are also plenty of affordable workout tools you can use from the comfort of your home! Here are a few finds:

• Letsfit Resistance Loop Bands ($8.99) – You can use resistance bands whenever and wherever it’s convenient for you, and this affordable set starts at under $10.
• Day 1 Dumbbell Pairs ($10+) – Many dumbbells are inexpensive. This particular set comes in 12 different weights, so there are plenty of choices to allow you to select what is best for your current fitness and goals.
• Wakeman Portable Folding Stationary Bike Pedals ($26.39) – While stationary bikes can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, under-desk pedal exercisers can be surprisingly affordable and keep you moving all day long. Not to mention they take up much less space!

Work Out from Home

Video tutorials can offer the sort of valuable instruction you get at in-person exercise classes, but they’re usually much more affordable. Plus, you can enjoy them at home without the pressure of exercising in front of a room full of people.

These fitness kits are basically like having a personal trainer in your living room, coming with video workouts and tons of planning resources:

• Zumba Incredible Slimdown Workout System ($23.19) – This system is an incredible value! It comes with five DVDs of total-body dance workouts, Sole Control wraps to turn your ordinary sneakers into dance shoes, a workout planner, and a cookbook filled with healthy recipes.
• Circuit Burnout 90: 90-day Workout Program ($29.96) – This program comes with 90 days of intense circuit workouts that you can do from home with minimal equipment. You’ll also get a bonus training calendar, fitness tracker & training guide, and nutrition plan!

If you don’t need the extra training resources in the above at-home workout kits or just prefer streaming your workouts online, check out YouTube! Here are a few channels we like:

• Blogilates – Blogilates posts a nice array of workout videos, including stretches, challenges, and pilates.
• Whitney Simmons – Many of this channel’s workout videos target specific body parts, which is great if you’re looking to pick and choose what you’re toning.

Turn Errands Into Workouts

You probably have to run errands sometime, so why not turn them into a workout? Making small adjustments can pack more exercise into even the most routine shopping trip. For instance, park a little farther away from the store to lengthen your walk. Go up and down all the aisles for even more walking (and a little deal hunting). If you’re up for an extra challenge, opt for carrying a basket or reusable bag instead of pushing a cart.

How do you keep your body and your budget in good shape? Share your money-saving exercise habits in the comments section below!

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