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Want to get fit and improve your physical health?

You can do just that, and it doesn’t have to make or break your budget. There are ways to save on exercise. Plus, you can actually enjoy the process.

Read on for some ways to get the most out of your workouts while sticking to your budget.

Ways to Save on Exercise and Equipment

11 ways to save on exercise and equipment

  1. Brainstorm exercises.

    Take fifteen to twenty minutes and write down any type of exercise (sports included) that sound fun to you. Once you have this list, order them from most to least exciting for you to do. Which ones get you the most excited to exercise? Now mark which ones can be done for free vs. require money.

  2. Exercise for free. 

    Start with the free options that you brainstormed above. Take your top choice and schedule time to do it. If you don’t like it, try the next thing on the list. If you get bored, try something else on the list. Variety is good. You may just find that you enjoy a lot more types of exercise than you thought.This is going to help you find your favorites, the ones that you are most likely to be able to stick with in the long run. If you realize that your favorite way to exercise that keeps you motivated to stay in shape costs a little extra to join a team or buy equipment, do it.

  3. Search youtube videos.

    Many types of exercise programs can be found on YouTube for free. This is a great way to try things you haven’t done before, like yoga, pilates, high intensity interval training, and more. You can take the list that you brainstormed and start looking for examples to try.

  4. Search online for free workout lists

    This is a good option f you prefer working at your own pace or following a list of exercises (with pictures/descriptions). An example of this is the 7-minute workout. In a pinch, this short workout list includes quick and comprehensive full body exercises that will get your blood flowing and help you start your day.

  5. Get creative with equipment.

    If your workout requires light weights, try using soup cans, water bottles, or a sack of flour. Do you need a mat to lay on? Use a towel. If you need a bench, push two or three dining room chairs together or use an ottoman. Need a pull-up bar? Use the monkey bars on the playground.

  6. Join a gym.

    If you don’t enjoy exercising at home or prefer going to live classes, check around to find the closest and cheapest gym memberships in your area. A little research can save you hundreds a year. With a gym membership, you don’t have to own your own equipment and can use a large variety.

  7. Join beachbody on demand.

    If you don’t like the idea of exercising in front of other people or just want a cheaper option than a gym membership, Beachbody On Demand is an amazing alternative. It costs less than $13/month, you can use it anywhere there’s an internet connection, it comes with access to a huge library of exercise programs including downloadable workout schedules designed by top trainers, and food plans. It’s an amazing deal! I like to exercise at home- no need to travel or even change out of my pjs!

  8. Get a pedometer.

    Gamify your exercise. Using a fitbit or garmin can really make it interesting and more fun to track your activities. Plus, you can challenge friends. Besides tracking your health, you can also get paid to wear it.

  9. Improve your sleep habits.

    Are you getting enough sleep at night? Try to get at least 8 hours. Give yourself a bedtime, determine when it needs to be so you can get those 8 hours, and then stick to it. If this seems daunting, give it a try for only a week and see if you notice a difference in how you feel. Another thing to try- keep your electronics away for at least an hour before bed. The light that emanates from them can be disruptive to your sleep.

  10. Sit less.

    And stand more. There has been a lot of research on the pitfalls of sitting for hours and hours each day. Just take a look at this infographic. It can really do a number on you physically. Yikes! Basically, any time you can take a short break from sitting, do it. I recommend setting a timer every hour to remind you to get up, stretch, and walk around for a few minutes.

  11. Get an accountability partner.

    Find a friend who exercises regularly or wants to start exercising more too. You can work out together or even just call or text each other each week to give updates on your progress and provide encouragement.

These are just the physical exercise ideas that I’ve compiled to help you save money on health and fitness. For more ways to save on your “health and fitness” budget, read my post: https://wp.me/p9II31-13p