I can’t believe I almost forgot about my weekly Healthy on a Budget series! I created a new recipe yesterday, but I guess you’ll just have to wait for that. I know, I know… the anticipation’s killing you, right?
In case you missed it, here are previous Healthy on a Budget posts:
This week I’m focusing on Frugal Fitness. We’re all trying to burn off that pie, but we’re still feeling broke after buying huge turkeys and hitting Black Friday sales too. Just me? Oh come on – I’m not the only one. Here are tips to stay fit without breaking the bank.
1. Run for the love of running, not the sweet gear. GPS watches, sport gloves, fancy headphones, compression gear, etc. are all pretty friggin’ cool. However, for a runner on a budget, a couple decent sports bras, some well-fitting shorts, and a good pair of shoes will suit you just fine. If you must have awesome gear, run for it. Rewarding yourself with moisture-wicking socks will be more beneficial than a cupcake.
Race Bling’s Perfectly Okay
2. Ditch the cardio machines. If you’re considering the purchase of a new treadmill, elliptical, or bike for your home, consider other options first. Check out cardio DVDs from your library, or scoop up cheap ones online, like from Collage Video. You can also find great circuit workouts on blogs and websites, like Body Rock. Supplement these with plenty of runs/walks outdoors. If things don’t work out and your $9 video collects dust, you’ll still be better off than having a $900 rowing machine collecting dust instead.
Collage Video
3. Ditch the gym. I go to the gym. I love it. It’s worth it to me, and I have a fabulous rate. BUT – before I scored my awesome rate, I worked out at home for about 7 months. *Note, this was before I started running again; I stayed fit with minimal equipment and lots of power walking. I already owned a pair of 8-lb dumbbells and a stability ball, so I added to that with a Women’s Health kit.
Same idea, but the Women’s Health kit was better
4. Burn Calories, Not Dollars. Anyone can buy fitness equipment, but it takes motivation, willpower, and a plan to actually use the equipment. Don’t waste your money on goofy fitness fads; instead, stick to tried-and-true products that might actually give you results. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Jump Rope – seriously cheap, seriously effective
- Stability Ball – if you have room to store it
- Resistance Bands – a must!
- Dumbbells – if you have the space and money
Links! Here are a few links for frugal fitness. I will be adding a new home-friendly workout soon, so be sure to check back for that.
- Women’s Health Magazine Anywhere Workout
- Women’s Health Magazine Resistance Band Workout
- BodyRock Keep Climbing to Your Goals Workout
- Six Packs Aren’t Just for Beer (Mine)
- Lean Leg Routine (Mine)
- How do you stay fit on a budget?