Sometimes it seems like getting healthy and working out can be a financial challenge. With gym memberships, training programs, and personal trainers being so expensive, it can feel like you have to sacrifice your savings for your health and fitness. However, there are plenty of ways to workout for free, deals to take advantage of, and financial perks to keeping yourself healthy.
Types of Free Workouts
Not all workouts have to be at a gym or with a trainer. There are plenty of ways to keep yourself moving and active at home or outside:
- Jogging: Your neighborhood is a great place for you to jog — and the scenery is probably better than the scenery you’ll get at the gym. Be sure to wear the right type of running shoes for outdoor jogging so you don’t injure your ankles. Otherwise, take in the fresh air and beautiful surroundings and jog for free outside.
- Hiking: Hiking is a great way to mix adventure with fitness. It’s free, and it’s a great way to experience the outdoors. Be sure to research the area you’re hiking first so that you don’t run into a situation you’re not prepared for.
- Biking: For some, running and hiking aren’t the best fitness choices. It can be hard on your knees or back. However, biking is a great alternative. You don’t need to have an expensive mountain bike — just a road bike to bike around your neighborhood will do just fine. Plus, it’s cheaper than paying a gym fee to use a stationary bike.
- Dog walking: Your dog will appreciate you skipping the gym or workout class to walk them instead. It’s a nice, easy workout that helps you as well as your pup (and your wallet).
- Swimming: Swimming doesn’t have to be done at a pool. If you have a swimming hole near you, it’s a great free way to get a workout in that’s low impact and helpful for your budget.
- At-home workouts: Yoga, stretching, small weights, and other types of workout movements can all be done at home. You might need to buy a mat or some small weights, but the cost is a lot lower than a gym membership. Not only that, but you can find plenty of workout videos online if you want something to follow along with.
Taking Advantage of Workout Deals
If you prefer working out at a gym, studio, or with a class, be sure to keep an eye out for workout deals that work with your budget. Some gyms have fees as low as $10 a month, while others have deals during the summer when memberships are low or in January, when everyone wants to join the gym. Some employers cover membership fees for their employees. All of these options are great if you prefer working out in a certain setting but can’t afford it. It takes some leg work and researching, but the savings can be huge.
Spending Money to Save Money
Sometimes it’s a better idea to just find a gym or class you love and pay for it. Ultimately, your health is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. For some people, the better alternative is to sacrifice in other areas of their budget in order to afford the type of workout that gets them healthy. It might seem counterproductive, but this is a situation where you might be spending money now to save money later. Being unhealthy can lead to medical problems that require doctor visits, medication, or even surgery. If you can’t afford your medical bills, it may affect your credit score and your finances even more in the long run.
This doesn’t mean you should get the most expensive personal trainer and a membership at the best gym. But it does mean that there’s something to be said for enjoying your workout and what that can mean for your overall long-term health.
Good Health Is Cost Effective
There are plenty of perks to working out that can help your overall health. It helps to control weight, which is linked to many health problems that can be expensive to treat. It also improves energy, can help mental health, and can work to treat and prevent many health problems. This is why you should stay up to date with wellness checkups, take the time to exercise, and work on eating healthy. Whether you’re paying for a gym membership or finding free ways to get exercise, you’re already making a cost-effective decision to keep yourself in good health.
If you’re looking to stay healthy and get more exercise, finding the right workout is a big part of that. For some, free workouts like at-home yoga or jogging are perfect. For others, the gym is the only thing that keeps them motivated. Either way, it’s better for your wallet in the long run to find a workout and stick to it. However, there are always deals to be found when it comes to gyms or studios. Sometimes it takes spending money to save money. Good health is cost effective, so either way, you’re making a good decision for your finances by working out, no matter how you go about it.