Can you write an article on how to stay fit without spending money on a gym membership? I'm tempted to buy (another) membership but the money part is stopping me!When I was shopping around for a gym membership, I found that membership fees ranged from $10-100 per month. But when you're on a budget and trying to cut costs, spending on a gym membership every month - even if it's just $10 - just isn't realistic. So how is someone trying to control their finances supposed to get fit without a gym? Here are a few suggestions.
Go Outside
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| Discover new places to run near you. |
Want to find new hiking or biking trails near you? Hit up sites such as Trails.com and ProTrails.com, enter your location, and hit up the nearest one!
Another way to get fit outdoors is to be a kid again! Head to the nearest playground and begin your workout - do some pull-ups on the monkey bars, assisted push-ups off of park benches, do lunges around the swings, climb the structures, run up and down stairs, etc. There's plenty to do at the park and your options are only limited to your imagination!
Netflix/Youtube
If you're already paying for a Netflix subscription, there are plenty of workout DVDs that you can have sent to your house! Once you get tired of it, you can return it, and they'll send you another one right away!
Also, there are plenty of fitness channels on Youtube, and some even offer full-length workout videos! I've recently stumbled upon the Fitness Blender channel and they have tons of of variety - from low-impact cardio to total body toning tabata workouts. I haven't tried any yet, but I've watched a few clips here and there and they definitely look challenging! Think of it as a regular gym class minus the sweaty room and large groups of people. Definitely going to give this a try soon!
Mobile Apps
There are plenty of mobile apps that can help you with your fitness goals. Apps such as the Nike + Running App and Map My Run help you keep track of your running goals and distances.
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| Disclaimer: they're not paying me for this :) |
Membership Deals
If you absolutely must go to a gym for their equipment, look into cheaper options and other payment plans.If all you need are the cardio equipment, machines, and free weights, Planet Fitness may be a good option for you at $10 per month.
However, if you're someone who is interested in taking groups classes, such as Body Pump, spin, or Zumba, you need to look at other gyms. Personally, I am a member at 24 Hour Fitness. They have all the equipment/machines as well as group classes for their members. However, a membership to my local 24 Hour Fitness is approximately $37 per month! That's not including access to other 24 Hour Fitness gyms.
But I have a little secret: I pay about 60% less than the average member! And no, not illegally ;)
What I do is I go to my nearest Costco Wholesale and buy a membership through them! It's an upfront purchase of about $350 for a two year membership ($600 if you want access to their Super Sport locations)! I know, it looks like a lot of money, but here's the breakdown: $350 divided by 24 months equals $14.58 per month - a savings of 60% compared to the $37 per month membership option straight from the gym. You get the same gym, same treatment, and the same amenities as someone who paid more than double what you did!
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Getting fit doesn't have to be expensive! Look at your fitness needs, explore your options, and use what you've already got (smartphones/laptops/neighborhood)!
I'm sure I'm leaving something out. Leave your suggestions on how to get fit on a budget below!
AMDG,
Lisa
