Looking to stay fit without having to pay for an expensive gym membership? The good news is that if you get creative, there are plenty of affordable options. From outdoor activities to home workout routines, there are plenty of opportunities to stay active without breaking the bank. Let’s explore these options to ensure your fitness remains accessible and affordable.
1. Outdoor Running or Walking
Walking is a healthy cardiovascular activity that’s accessible to most. All it takes is stepping outside early in the morning or after work. Experts claim that taking 10,000 steps a day has many health benefits. To achieve 10,000 steps daily more easily, consider purchasing a treadmill that can be placed under your desk. You can find some for less than $100 online.
2. Bodyweight Exercises
You don’t need to purchase weights to gain muscle. Push-ups, squats, planks, and other bodyweight exercises can be enough. If you have no clue where to start, simply search on social media for exercises to try. You don’t need to purchase a course or book or hire a coach to get fit.
3. YouTube Fitness Channels
As mentioned earlier, online social media channels like YouTube offer many fitness tutorials free of charge. You may have to subscribe to separate channels, but it’s free. Figure out how to integrate fitness within your busy schedule at least a few times weekly.
4. Community Sports
Kids aren’t the only ones who can play sports. You can join community sports leagues or play pick-up games as an adult. It’s important to choose a sport you’re interested in. Otherwise, you’ll eventually quit or not feel motivated to go. Your local gym or park are great free options to start with. However, sometimes, paying a small fee may be worth it. This ensures you’ll stay active for weeks at a time.
6. Dance
If you enjoy dancing, there are many health and mental benefits. Research shows that dancing helps you think better as you age. Additionally, it’s a great way to get your heart pumping as you jam to your favorite music. All it takes is attending more local events or tuning to your favorite music to dance to.
7. Cycling
Cycling is also a great way to improve cardiovascular health. Some cycling bikes can get pricey, but you’re better off purchasing one from a garage sale or Facebook marketplace. Additionally, you can ask for one from friends and family. If cycling becomes an activity you enjoy, purchasing a quality bike may be worth the extra money.
8. Jump Rope
Professional boxers jump rope to improve balance, increase their heart rate, and burn calories. It’s easy to do, and you can purchase a jump rope for less than $10. At first, you may run out of breath easily, but you’ll notice that you get better over time.
9. Stair Climbing
If you have a set of stairs in your home, you can practice stair climbing daily. If you don’t, find a public place that does. Climbing stairs will increase your heart rate and help you burn calories. You can also purchase a stair climber for less than $100.
10. Swimming
Swimming increases your heart rate and works out multiple parts of your body. If you don’t have a pool, try going to your local YMCA or find a public pool that opens when the weather allows.
11. DIY Obstacle Courses
You can build your own obstacle courses to increase your heart rate and burn calories. If you’re stuck on the type of obstacle to build in your backyard, search online for inspiration. You can use items like benches to jump over and ropes to climb.
12. Yoga
Yoga is an incredible full-body workout that increases fitness and flexibility and can even help with chronic pain. All you need is your body and a yoga mat. Find beginner yoga poses on YouTube and slowly build up to more complex ones. You’ll be a pro in no time!