Guest post from Julie Roberts:
When I first started seriously working out, I was shocked at how much money I was expected to fork out. You want $100 for yoga pants?! I just… I just can’t. In the beginning, I spent way too much on stuff I did not need because I thought I had to have the best (read: most expensive) tools out there for a great workout. Not to mention, of course, the extravagance of the gym membership. But in time, I learned that getting into shape does not really have to cost a lot. In fact, a lot of activities are free.
Home Time
After I looked at my house and saw that I had so many dumbbells I was tripping over them, I realized I needed to make a big change. Those calisthenics I hated in middle school? Yeah, they’re back. If it was good for the ancient Greeks, it’s good enough for me. Only now, calisthenics have been made cooler by the term “interval training.” Pretty much everyone gets how to do a jumping jack, a pushup, a squat, a stomach crunch and a lunge. If not, the Internet is an easy place to find out, and also to study form. With the purchase of a nice timer app on my smartphone, I was able to create some tough workouts just with these basic bodyweight exercises.
Internet Savvy
At first, I was afraid to try any new workouts. I did what I just described. I used the Internet to get more information on exercises I already knew about. But as I gained confidence, I got bored with the basics and wanted to branch out. As it turns out, the Internet is chock-full of workout programs, philosophies and even coaching that are absolutely free. Does not cost a single dime! Yeah, you have to browse through an advertisement occasionally, but that’s par for the course. And in exchange, I found sites that were more than happy to show video demonstrations and create programs for me in yoga, Pilates, barre, weight-lifting and interval training.
“Free” Weights
These weights are not exactly “free,” but they’re pretty inexpensive and they fulfill more than one purpose. I have a simple set of tools that I bought. The first is a set of fitness bands, which my husband got when he ordered p90x. They are highly portable, which makes them great for travel. The second is my that I purchased from Target for under $25. That saved me space and money. Then, I have a medicine ball. These are useful on their own or in combination with stretching workouts like yoga or Pilates.
The Great Outdoors
Now that spring is here, I am taking advantage of the better weather. I don’t have to be stuck in the gym when I could be in a park, on a walk, run or even a hike. The days are longer now. So when my husband gets home, we load the kids into the stroller and head for a run to the playground. Each time, we go to a different park in the area. Sometimes we even pack a picnic dinner to eat once we get there. We get a workout, the kids get exercise, and we all get fresh air.
Despite what some of the infomercials would like me to believe, fitness does not have to cost a fortune. I found many options available to me via the Internet, at home and outside. And once I took advantage of them, I had a healthy lifestyle without breaking the bank.
What are some inexpensive fitness ideas that you love?
More about the author:
Hi all, I am Julie Roberts, a proud wife, SAHM, runner, outdoorsy nature lover, and a fitness fanatic! I also love to write and since I have become a full-time SAHM I have a lot more time to focus on it! Thankfully for me, Stacie has been gracious enough to let me share my writing on her wonderful blog. If you’re like me then spending tons of money on simple things makes you cringe, especially when there are cheaper, and possibly even “free”, methods out there. So for today, I have some of my favorite ways to keep fitness inexpensive. Here’s my email if you have any questions or would like to get in touch!
Katy says
TJMaxx, Marshalls and the like always have exercise balls and other trendy equipment discounted. I get lots of resources from the library: workout DVDs, books, magazines, etc. that offer a free workout
Stacie Nelson says
Great reminder! I have checked out a few DVDs from the library–that is a great resource!!