Have you ever told yourself any of the following?:
“I can’t work out, I can’t afford a treadmill/weights/whatever!”
“Only rich people can afford to join a gym, so I can’t really do that.”
“ Exercise clothing is too spendy.”
I think at one point or another, many people have said very similar things. In some ways, these are just excuses to not get to working out, but they can be somewhat true if you don’t know how to get a better bargain. Don’t let cost stop you from a healthy lifestyle! Here are several ways to get fit frugally:
1. Get fitness freebies on FreeCycle. Freecycle.com is a site that people in local areas can trade and giveaway unwanted items to other locals. Fitness equipment is one of the most frequently posted give-away items on the site in a lot of areas. Most of the time the items are in perfect working order, but the former oner may just not have the room or time anymore for it.
2. Dumpster dive. I’m serious. Exercise equipment is usually just left near waste containers and not in it. A little sanitizing and cleaning and it is as good as new. I have seen $300 machines in perfect shape near dumpsters before.
3. Buy a bike in the fall. Just as with cars and washing machines, new bicycle models hit the floors in the fall. Older models will be sold off for 25% or even 75%. While you may not be able to ride it long with the snow coming in some areas, soon, you will have a great deal and get a new bike for Spring fitness.
4. Consider buying used equipment from a retailer such as a pawn shop or a used sports equipment specialty store. The equipment is usually tested and sometimes repaired and you get it at a great discount. Also, check the local papers and Craigslist for private sellers. You can often find that special infomercial equipment you thought about buying and give it a try on these places.
5. Ask if you can buy the floor model at a department store when the season ends. You can get a good discount on a floor model and while it may have some dents, scratches and shoe marks on it, it most likely runs just fine and comes with a warranty.
6. Don’t let a lack of special equipment stop you. Use bleachers for doing stair climbs, walls and sturdy chairs for stretching, milk jugs filled with beans for extra weight…get creative! Also, exercise can be simply going for a walk. Just get moving! To increase your stamina, just increase how far you go after a little while until you reach your goal.
7. Shop thrift stores for used workout clothing. Just make sure to check it for tears and wear. Washing the clothing in a vinegar solution will help get rid of any odors and stains.
8. If you join a fitness club, use it as often as you can to get the best value. If you are on a very limited income, try the local YMCA. They have sliding scale fees and even “scholarships” and many of them offer the same things health clubs have such as classes. Also, look fro specials if you are a student, military or a senior. Also, check with your local hospital. They may even have a fitness program with the newest equipment for a low price.
9. Take single classes once a week and do exercise on your own at home. Classes at a discount can be found everywhere from senior centers to adult education centers to churches.
How do you save on fitness costs?
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