A problem that some have with the current fitness culture is that it simply costs too much. There’s gym memberships, equipment to buy, regulated diet meals, personal trainers, etc. People sometimes think that all these fees are strict barriers of entry into a life of fitness. In fact, this couldn’t be further from the truth. All you need to get in shape is the will to do it. Here’s a quick rundown of some ways you can save money while still living healthy.
Save money on treadmill/gym – jog outside
For a long time I was a member at a gym and the only thing that lost weight was my wallet (*buh dum bum*). For some inexplicable reason I was pouring $30 a month into a gym that I only used for the treadmill. I quickly realized that running was something that wasn’t restricted to a treadmill but could also be done outside. Plus, I actually enjoy running outside even more as long as the weather is pretty.
Money saved: $30/month
Save money on weights – do pushups
A few months into my fitness routine I came to realize that I needed some muscle building exercises to complement all the cardio I was doing. I began looking for a weight bench only to discover that those things are really expensive (or at least more expensive than I had hoped). So after a little researching and finding resources, like hundredpushups.com and zenhabits.net, I started my plan of regular strength training exercises sans weights – believe me, it can be done.
Money saved: several hundred dollars
Save money on fancy diet plans – keep a foodlog
There are many programs out there that offer professional guidance and support for people who are new to fitness and want a little help to get started. These programs are great and provide a lot of results, but they also aren’t cheap. A simple remedy to this situation is to keep your own foodlog as accountability to everything you are eating. This may sound a little obsessive, but it is nothing more than the “experts” would have you do. Plus, foodlogging is such a great way to keep track of your progress that I recommend it as often as I can.
Money saved: about $400 enrollment for a year plus prepackaged meals.
Save money on grocery bill – avoid junk food
Finally, by eating well and cutting out all junk food and snacks, you may actually save money. I know that I could easily go through a 12-pack of soft drinks in a week before I decided to just cut that stuff out. By drinking water and generally eating less, I noticed a decrease in the weekly grocery bill and restaurant tabs.
Money saved: about $25 a week
Gyms, exercise equipment and diet programs aren’t “bad” at all. In fact, many people swear by these methods and have lost considerable weight by them. However, don’t feel that they are mandatory. As I said earlier, the only thing totally necessary to get in shape is your own personal decision to do so.
