You can get fit without spending money. Some people may have a goal to fit into that favorite swimsuit, but being healthy lasts longer than a summer. Getting fit pays its own rewards – sporting that swimsuit is the BONUS! You can easily spend $20 a session for an exercise class, $70 an hour for a personal trainer and $50 a month for a gym membership. These can become a financial issue, especially if the budget is limited, “getting fit”, although necessary – can become increased financial pressure.
Money doesn’t have to be an obstacle to getting healthy and feeling or looking your best. Some good things in life are free! Here are some tips to help you get fit without spending and create a cost-effective fitness plan.
Focus on these things:
- Change your mind about fitness
- Research fitness opportunities
- Stay motivated
Get Fit Without Spending Money Tip 1: Find Workout Videos Online
You need 3 things for comprehensive strength or cardio training.
- The Internet
- A computer or phone
- Space on the floor
Lots of trainers have videos posted online and they are free. There is a smorgasbord of workout videos on YouTube and they range from chair exercises to high intensity interval training (HIIT). They work for all fitness levels and abilities. Places like this are a great start for the new or experienced exercise aficionado. You can also find fitness sites specially created for children, men and women – just about anything you want.
Get Fit Without Spending Money Tip 2: Find a Community
You don’t have to go it alone. Community is valuable when it comes to cultivating a healthier way of life. Making healthy changes alone is difficult, at best, so finding a support community that shares your fitness aspirations and goals motivating and encouraging you to stay consistent and work harder. Social sites like Meetup have been used as a way to meet other people that are trying to get fit without spending tons of money.
To get fit without spending money is not a new or foreign concept to fitness buffs. There are lots of free resources available to help keep you on track.
- Free yoga classes and hiking daytrips
- Community running groups are also available that do runs together – a few miles distance
- Athletic businesses – like Nike – sponsor special events and running groups for everyone interested
Use the power of social media – that seems endless – to create a “fitness family” around you that is encouraging. Use Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to follow fitness gurus you like – that speak your fitness language. Many post tips and encouragement daily to help keep motivation strong. There are also blogs like Anytime Fitness Blog that not only have workout tips, but also healthy recipes. This is not just about learning to exercise and get moving – it’s about fine tuning your lifestyle and becoming the healthiest “you” possible. You can even track, chart and set goals with apps like MapMyRun. The tools available are endless! You really can get fit without spending money. Nike+ Training Clubs also have cardio training instruction and helpful tips posted by professional, seasoned athletes. Also – it is so interactive – it allows you to share workouts that work for you. How much better can it get than that?
Get Fit Without Spending Money Tip 3: Create a Fitness Calendar
The best-laid plan is of no value if it is never enacted. Change can be so daunting that the actual getting started can be the most difficult aspect of implementing a fitness plan. It is not the same as a paid appointment – like doctor’s appointments or personal trainer appointments. Money spent is a great motivator for most people, but other things can be motivators as well.
Create a fitness schedule with rewards for milestone goals met. Make the rewards fit your overall goal – like a new exercise outfit or electronic gadget that will make your life more enjoyable. Plan it for 30 minutes to start, a few times a week – or whatever schedule works with your life best. You may have to experiment to find the best days and times for your new schedule.
There are a huge number of free calendars online that anyone can access, set up, print and post in the most prominent place you frequent at home. You can also create and keep a fitness schedule on your phone and set it to send alerts or reminders. Make it fun. Make it simple. Make it realistic. Doodle is an effective app for integrating every electronic calendar you have – Google or otherwise. You can schedule your fitness tasks, stay on track and reach your fitness goals. In the end, you’ll get fit without spending money!