Getting in shape doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact I spend less money when I stick to a healthy diet because I am not eating out constantly and spending money on booze. Here are tips on getting in shape on a budget.
1. Start with a budget.
Know how much you can spend each week on food and fitness. Gyms come with group classes, exercise machines and many times a free private training session. GYM Prices also vary. Crunch sells memberships as low as $10 a month. If you really want to build a skill like Yoga, it is sometimes better to go to a Yoga studio where the instructor will focus more on you. You can also find local community classes that are affordable. Some churches also offer free classes.
2. Figure out if you can afford a gym membership or not and what type of exercise program that you want to partake in.
If you are a self starter then working out home should be easy. If you need motivation and influence a gym or class might be the best for you. Working out 3-4 times a week is ideal. If you can’t get away from the kids, walking or park activities may be the best.
3. If you can’t go to a gym (or do not have a desire to) you should purchase tools to help you get into shape.
Resistant bands are so easy and cheap. Yoga balls, medicine balls, and free weights are great investments. I can do a whole workout with resistant bands and a 10 lb dumbbell.
4. YouTube and fitness apps are your best friend in finding workout and health tips.
Check out different styles of workouts or do a workout for free with Youtube or Apps. Here’s a list of Apps you may like.
5. Contrary to popular belief, eating healthy is actually not expensive.
Cut back your meat intake if you are eating it more than one time a day. Chicken and Ground Turkey are healthy for you and are cheaper meats. Beans are awesome for you and are pennies on the dollar. Oatmeal is a great breakfast choice and is extremely inexpensive. You can also purchase-frozen fruits and vegetables to save money. It starts to get a bit pricy when you purchase Organic, but not everything has to be purchased organic. If I can’t afford organic strawberries, I don’t buy them. Friends and family members that are not healthy/clean eater actually spend about 3 times more on food than I do.
6. Walmart has great inexpensive workout clothes.
Their brand Danskin, has been around for forever. In the 90s I was purchasing it for ballet classes. You can also check the racks at your local Ross or TJ Maxx. They sell Nike, Adidas, etc. for a great price.