Get Fit & Save Money

Health club dues, gym memberships and exercise class fees can be expensive. Exercise equipment, such as treadmills, step machines and exercise bikes can costs hundreds of dollars. Getting fit doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many ways to get fit and save some money on exercise equipment and membership fees.  

Shop at discount stores and large department stores for quality exercise equipment that won’t break the bank. Buying used exercise equipment is another option. Some exercise and sporting goods stores offer reconditioned, refurbished and used exercise equipment at discounts. Shop online and compare prices. When shopping online for any product, make sure to check out the seller for reliability and trustworthiness. There will probably be some shipping costs involved for online purchases, so take shipping into account when comparing costs.

If you can’t afford a full set of free weights and a weight bench, opt for a set of adjustable dumbbells. Adjustable dumbbells are less expensive than a full set of free weights and you can add or subtract the amount of weight depending on your strength, endurance and the kind of exercise you want to do. A cheap way to make your own hand weights is to recycle milk jugs and juice containers. Fill them with water and lift them using the handle on the jug. 

Save money on exercise classes by using DVDs at home. Many movie rental store carry a wide variety of exercise DVDs including dance aerobics, yoga, tai chi and strength training exercises. You can buy exercise DVDs almost anywhere movies are available for sale. Your local library may also lend exercise DVDs. Check with your library’s media center for titles. You can also invite a friend or two to split the cost of a set of exercise DVDs and share or work out together. Community centers and organizations like the YMCA offer low cost programs and memberships. Dance classes are an excellent way to get in shape. Check with your local community center for programs and costs. The YMCA has a wide variety of fitness programs and many YMCA centers provide an indoor swimming pool, basketball courts, ping pong and weight rooms. The cost is less than a gym membership and family plans are often available. 

The best exercise will cost you no money. Walking, bicycling, jogging and exercising at home doing push-ups, sit-ups, crunches and lunges will help you get in shape without spending money.  If you need help putting together a fitness program, a personal fitness trainer can help you design your own unique workout.