Exercise on a Budget
A few years ago, I had a client, let's call her Amy, who really struggled with cardio workouts. She decided at some point that if she could just buy a treadmill (or some other expensive cardio machine) she would finally do her workouts. Most of our conversations about that went something like this:
Amy: (with a fake apologetic smile) "I wish I could do more cardio, but I just can't afford to buy a treadmill."
Me: "You can walk outside, can't you?"
Amy: (hesitating) "Oh. Um. Well, I guess but...what if it rains?"
Me: "Didn't you say you had some workout videos you haven't even tried yet?"
Amy: (laughing nervously) "Oh, did I say that? I guess I do." (long pause) "I guess I'm not going to get out of this cardio thing, am I?"
Me: "Not with that approach."
It's easy to think you have to have expensive equipment to get a good workout - or to get any kind of workout at all. Just look around at sporting goods stores or watch a few infomercials, and you'll start to think you'll never make any progress unless you buy some ab thingee or thigh whirlygig.
The good news (or bad news, if you're like Amy) is that you don't need expensive equipment to lose weight and get in shape. That's especially good news right now when the financial market is stroking out. If you're under more stress because of what's going on in the world, exercise may be the first thing to go - who can afford that gym membership anymore? But, exercise is more important than ever for staying healthy and keeping some semblance of sanity.
My latest article offers some ideas for how you can save money on your workouts, gym memberships and home gym equipment. Like Amy eventually learned, you don't have to spend a dime to get a great workout.
Do you have any money-saving tips? Leave a comment and tell us how you exercise on a budget.
Comments
This one was right on and you are absolutely correct. You can get exercise by walking the dog, washing your car, dancing around the living room, walking with neighbors or spending time with your significant other. Even sex is known to burn calories. Saying you cannot afford it is a cop-out.
What did people do before treadmills and stationary bikes? I personally like exercising outside. There is more to look at and you can do your cardio for as long as you want. That person obviously hasn’t made up her mind totally about getting in shape and exercising the way she should. There are so many things to do, especially that don’t cost anything:running, walking, hiking, swimming, dancing, exercise videos, playing with your dog or kids. She’s just justifying her laziness.
I found the perfect under $50 solution! I do not like exercising outdoors. (Not sure why. Maybe I need to do some soul searching.) So, I went out and purchased a mini-trampoline. It is the perfect solution for me. When I got pregnant with my son I was so sad I had to put it away for a few months. But, he is born now and I am happily bouncing my way back to my pre-baby weight!
A person can exercise inside for no money as well. Push ups, Squats, walking lunges, tricep dips, mountain climbers… all free and no eqipment other than a chair for the tricep dips. Not only can you do these all in sets one right after the other for cardio, they also help to keep you strong which means one less person in a nursing home wearing diapers in 30-50 years from now.
The previous comments are great! You CAN get a great workout for free. Playing games with your kids is also great cardio. Have you ever tried to “hop like a froggy” for 30 minutes in a row? Also, right now is the time for some great cardio yard-raking. Get a workout in and a chore done at the same time!
Great comments! The outdoors is my gym. I personally don’t like the gym or workout videos – yuck! All you need to buy is a good pair of shoes, and you can get your cardio AND strength workouts outside. When it’s raining/bad weather, you can still do things inside – some ideas: cardio kickboxing or plyometric exercises mixed in w/ strength. I guess the motivation to do these things is what’s priceless.
I’m a big believer in working out on a regular basis, 5-6 days per week. Walk/jog one day, lift weights the next. Bought dumbells, bar, 2 benches for almost nothing at garage sales and ads. They go very cheap and do not wear out. Have been doing this for a long time. Running for over 30 years and the upper body work outs for over 10. For a great treat, I go to a nearby state park and jog the trails.
Scenic, wildlife and free. I keep my whole body in very good shape for almost no cost. Good running shoes are a must. Recent years I also spend much of the time in prayer or just talking to God. Cannot be beat!
Great Post! I agree completely, you don’t need machinery to get a good workout. I know a lot of people who own treadmills and such and after a few months they resume running outside. Nothing can replace the outdoors.
Working out outside is good for two other things–it is easier to vary workouts and keep from getting bored or burned out. Also, using rocks for lifts or tree branches for curls is actually a better workout because of the added angles and such. Plus, you don’t have to deal with the gym or comparing yourself to others.
jh
bodaweightlosstips
I’ve met people who owned a dog because it forces them to go outside and walk the dog, rain or shine.
Another option is to have a garden. Sooner or later (probably more sooner then later) you’ll have to get pull out the weeds, go after the leaves fallen down etc.
All these things are easy lifestyle changes helping to Lose Weight Permanently
Many years ago, my wife and I used Jane Fonda’s aerobic workout videotapes on VHS. The workouts were vigorous and sweaty, and we could run them whenever we wanted.
Today, there are many exercise DVDs that run the gamut from Pilates to cardio kick-boxing that start in price at $8.99. This allows for working at your own pace, at the times you’re ready. They get around the cost of the monthly gym membership. They can be found on Amazon, and at DVD outlets such as Best Buy.
Our city offers exercise classes that run a fixed number of sessions. These are inexpensive for local residents, outsiders are allowed but pay slightly more. The only thing is having to be at the place at the dates and times of the classes.
In addition, there are open tennis courts at several of the city’s parks, and swimming pools, too. The tennis courts are free, there is probably a nominal towel/locker fee for the pools. These are inexpensive alternatives for people into these sports.
Some of the larger parks offer a nice setting for a walk or jog around a lake. The atmosphere is runner-friendly, everybody is out for some exercise and a breath of fresh air.
The cost-effective exercise resources in one’s local city might just be the ticket, if exercise DVDs, dumbbells, etc, at home are not enough.