These days, there are countless ways to stay fit. You can join a huge gym or go to a small studio for personalized training, but these options can get expensive.
Not everyone wants, or can afford, to spend a lot of money on fitness. Thankfully, there are many budget-friendly ways to exercise. If you have sidewalks in your neighborhood or a city park nearby, you already have a place to work out outside. Just add daily walks, jogs, or runs to your routine to get some cardio in without needing any fancy gym equipment.
For extra motivation, ask a family member or friend to join you. Working out with a buddy can help you stay accountable, push you to try harder, and even make the exercise more enjoyable.
Of course, if you don’t live in a place that’s warm and sunny all year round, outdoor workouts aren’t always possible. Plus, adding some strength training to your routine can be really beneficial. You can easily do resistance exercises at home. Moves like squats, lunges, push-ups, and crunches can help build muscle, and you can use things you already have around the house as workout aids. For example, use a table for incline push-ups or a sturdy door jamb for pull-ups.
Although gyms and fitness studios charge membership fees, your local park might offer free recreational leagues and activities. Playing sports like adult kickball or softball can be a fun way to get in shape and make new friends, which can boost your confidence and reduce stress.
Think about your usual hangout spots with friends. Instead of the coffee shop or pub, try going for a hike or a bike ride together. You can still get your coffee to go and enjoy it while taking a walk. Plan a night out dancing instead of going to a bar, or swap a Netflix session for a stroll around the mall.
Fitting more activity into your daily routine doesn’t have to cost anything. Even at work, you can sneak in some exercise. Try holding one or both legs straight for a few seconds while sitting at your desk, for example.
Lots of people have found ways to work out at home without spending much, and they’ve shared their routines online. Check out sites like YouTube or Pinterest for free workout plans.
These are just a few ideas to get you started with free fitness. Give one a try and you might realize you don’t need to spend money to reach your fitness goals. Your wallet—and you—will be happier for it.
