Your Health is a Worthwhile Investment

Over 70% of New Year’s Resolutions involve improving Physical Health. There are over 103,000 Fitness Clubs in the United States with almost 65 million members. The average gym membership in the U.S. is $58, while rates in the $100s are common in larger cities. 

If you regularly work out at a gym, then a membership is a worthwhile expense. The health benefits of regular exercise far outweigh the cost. Studies state that regular exercise can save you up to $2,500 annually on healthcare expenses. If being a member of a health club helps you stay on a beneficial exercise routine, then finding room in your monthly budget for this expense may be a high priority. 

However, there are alternative exercise options that will save you money. 

1. Pay by Day/Class or Free Pass: Instead of committing to a monthly Fitness-club contract, pay by the day or class for gym benefits. Many clubs and studios have by class prices with no contracts. If you only attend a yoga class once a week, then paying $20/class would only cost you $80/month. If the monthly fee for the yoga studio is $160/month, then you are saving 50% or $80/month. Many gyms offer 3-6 week passes free of charge and let you take advantage of the offer every 6 months. Juggle between multiple gyms and plan vacations accordingly. 

2. Find Used Gym Equipment for your Home. Find weights, treadmills, stair climbers, bikes, bands, mats, etc. on Craigslist, Nextdoor, Facebook Marketplace, Offer Up. Many people are giving away items for free just to get it off their hands. 

3. Stream Workouts. YouTube has many yoga, aerobic, weight training and meditation videos that will make you feel like you are in-person taking a class. Many gyms are offering Zoom classes for free these days, too. There are many apps for your phone that broadcast daily workouts as well as track your attendance and progress for accountability. 

4. Take your pets for multiple walks during the day. 3 walks a day at 20 minutes each equals 1 hour of exercise each day. Animals love the frequent fresh-air breaks and are more calm and relaxed in your home afterwards. Cats can go too! My cat loves his 3 walks a day in his pet stroller, watching the birds, bunnies, dogs and people. 

5. Use local parks for hiking, walking, running, basketball, volleyball, etc. Or play with your kids on the play structures. You can burn over 200 calories swinging, throwing the frisbee and climbing on the jungle gym for 30 minutes. 

6. At work, take walks at lunch and/or breaks. Walk with co-workers to give yourself some social and mental health time, too. If it’s too hot outside, find a private place at work and do jumping jacks, jump rope, pushups and situps. Ride your bike or walk to work, if you live close enough, to kill 2 birds with one stone. You are helping the environment while also being healthy.

7. Join an intramural sport’s team. Check out Meetup.com to join a softball, basketball, rowing, walking, running or volleyball group. You get social interaction, new friends and exercise. It’s good for your physical as well as your mental health. 

8. Yard Work and housework burn calories, too. Ditch the gardener and house cleaner and burn up to 400 calories/hour. Use the extra money you save to reward yourself with a healthy dinner out. 

Getting plenty of sleep and eating healthy will give you the energy, focus and peace to stick with a workout routine. A clear mind helps you see the long-term benefits of staying healthy, as opposed to being in survival mode and just being concerned with your short-term life. 

Having a realistic goal can help with motivation. An upcoming race, a vacation, an outfit, energy and time with grandkids, can all be motivators. Write your goals down and track your progress for motivation. If you backslide a bit, don’t give up. Build flexibility and time into the goal for vacations and hectic work weeks where you may not be as healthy. 

A schedule is key. Decide how many times a week you are going to work out and schedule time slot sessions in your calendar. Honor these “appointments” just like you would any other. You are worth the dedicated time! Get family and friends involved to keep you accountable. Don’t make the schedule so rigid there isn’t room for flexibility. 

Lastly, be kind to yourself. Some days, some weeks, and some months may not go according to schedule. Let’ be realistic, some years! You can always get back on track. Working out and leading a healthy lifestyle is not an all or nothing thing. Every minute you spend being healthy is better than not doing anything at all.