Getting fit doesn’t have to break the bank. Before dropping a bunch of cash on some home workout equipment, joining the most expensive gym in your suburb or hiring a personal trainer, consider the less expensive options that may deliver the same results.
Here are some ways to make your workout less expensive.
#1 Try before you buy
Choosing to join the gym is a pretty big financial commitment. You’ll need to fork out the funds for a joining fee – more if you’d like a 24-hour pass – and then, each week, money will be debited from your bank account despite how regularly you actually show up.
Before making such a hasty decision, why not try before you buy? Most gyms offer a seven-day free trial, meaning you get to try out all the equipment, meet the staff and get a feel for the place before handing over your hard earned cash.
Not only is this a way to make an informed decision, but also a short-term way to save money – trial as many gyms as possible in your area before making a decision.
Ask yourself how often you’re going to actually use the gym – is it worth the investment? By trialling a few different gyms, you’ll give yourself enough time to gauge how dedicated you really are. If you’re liable to only rock up once a week or less, it may be an idea to get your sweat on elsewhere.
#2 Shop around
Once you get a feel for what kind of gym you’d like to join, shop around a bit to make sure you score yourself the best deal possible. Get some quotes from a few places and ask if the gym you really like is willing to match or beat them.
Alternatively, do you have any pals who are already gym members? If so, ask about mates rates – often if you are recommend by an existing member, you’ll both be granted discounts.
It’s kind of like a cult, but full of super ripped people.
#3 Invest in a good pair of runners
If going to the gym isn’t your jam, but you’re lacking motivation to get out and active, it could be because of your footwear.
If you’ve outgrown your runners or they’re the same ones you’ve had since high school, it might be time for a new pair. You’ll thank your feet for making exercise more comfortable and enjoyable.
Sure, they’re an investment, but much cheaper than a gym membership in the long run.
If nothing else, your new shoes will offer motivation in the form of guilt. You won’t ever be able to look at them without remembering the few hundred you dropped when buying them – good excuse as any to get active.
#4 Fitness apps
If you want to get fit but aren’t sure how to go about it, fitness apps can be a great starting point. There are a slew of them available online – you’re bound to find one that’s right for you.
Apps like 7 Minute Workout Challenge feature a built-in timer and video instructions, showing you proper technique to get the most out of your workout.
If you’re like me (i.e. scarily competitive) some apps allow you to compete against yourself. If you’ve got a regular running or walking track, fitness app MapMyRun will track your distance, speed and time.
This means, whenever you go on your next run you can see how you performed the previous time and attempt to beat it. You should try it some time; it’s crazy how competitive you can get against ‘past you’.
A lot of these apps are free, or really cheap – worth a try!
#5 Join a sports team
They say the best way to exercise is to find something you genuinely enjoy doing.
Team sports are fun, boast endless physical, social and mental benefits and often don’t even feel like exercise. It’s a way to make some new friends, get active and healthily release any pent up anger, frustration or anxieties you may have – no seriously, sport has loads of hidden benefits.
It’s just a matter of finding the sport that’s right for you – see our tips on how to get started with team sport.
The price of membership when joining a sports club varies depending on what you want to play. Social sporting leagues such as mixed netball or indoor soccer are going to be cheaper than joining a legit football league.
Getting fit doesn’t have to break the bank – there are plenty of ways to get out, active and healthy while keeping your bank account intact.
Article reproduced from TheCusp