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Today’s Training Tip
Keep exercise affordable
Excuses, Excuses
Occasionally when I tell someone that I’m a personal trainer, their response will be something like, “I wish I could afford a personal trainer so I could get into shape.” I quickly jump into motivational mode while spilling out the plethora of exercise options that cost very little. Walking, hiking, running, bodyweight calisthenics, and yoga to name just a few…
Affordable Ways to Exercise
If joining a gym or hiring a personal trainer is out of the question, opt for less expensive or free ways to exercise. Options could include…
• Walking – One of the best and most basic exercises is walking and is an activity that many people can pick up at zero cost. Unless there are foot issues that would preclude you from wearing sneakers you already own, all you’d need to do is lace them up and head out the door.
• Hiking – Even though hiking might require sturdier shoes and driving to a trail, the chance of seeing animals in the wild, a wider variety of plants, and the possibility of spectacular views can be well worth the extra time and money spent on gasoline.
• Running – Believe it or not, running can be very affordable after absorbing the cost of shoes properly fitted to your particular needs. Just because your friend has a fancy GPS watch and a different brand name running outfit with matching sunglasses for every run, doesn’t mean you need to do the same. Running shorts, tanks, tights, and jackets can be purchased at great prices at Walmart, Target, and online; and one or two of each is really all that’s needed. Rather than buying an expensive Garmin, consider buying a basic stop watch (affiliate link) to record runs on pre-determined distances, or run on time rather than time and distance.
• Cycling – Cycling can be a little more expensive, but if you already have a bike, you’ve already absorbed much of the cost. A well-fitting helmet (affiliate link), is a must, but after that, there’re not a lot that’s absolutely needed. If you have a little extra money to spend, I’d recommend thinking of safety first and buying a headlamp and taillight (affiliate link) before putting money in cycling specific clothing.
• Bodyweight calisthenics – Old fashioned calisthenics can be done anytime, anywhere and without any special gear or equipment.
• Yoga – Yoga can easily be done at home by either doing poses you’ve learned in previous classes or by finding classes online in which you can follow along.
• Swimming – During the summer swimming can be free, or at least very affordable, if your neighborhood has a community pool. If not, check with your area parks and recreation department (rather than a swim club) to see if they have indoor or outdoor pools at their facilities.
• Exercise apps – A wide variety of exercise apps can be downloaded on your phone. Look for free ones first and if you find you need more options, only then consider using one that charges a monthly fee.
• YouTube videos – All types of workouts can be found simply by doing a search within the YouTube app.
Questions
- • What affordable workouts do you do? ~ I enjoy participating in many of the above activities I’ve listed, but because I’ve been doing them all for so long, I’ve invested in a lot of the luxury equipment over the years.
- • When was the last time and where did you hike? ~ Dark Hollow Falls in Shenandoah National Park last fall with Judy
- • Do you use any exercise apps? If so, which? ~ Not really other than tracking my cardio workouts with Strava
I’m linking up with Kim at Kookyrunner and Zenaida of Zenaida Arroya for their Tuesday topics Link-Up. Be sure to check out not only the hosts’ posts, but those of the other great bloggers joining in on the fun!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on the blue product link and then make a purchase, I will receive a small commission for referring you. You will pay no more or less for the product; however, Amazon will show their gratitude for my referral by paying me.
Absolute total agreement! I used a basic stop watch for many years, and then my first Garmin was bought secondhand from a friend. It’s only since last year (almost to the date) that I have been using a new Garmin, bought from an actual store. As for workout gear, I’ve almost always been a diehard Target and Old Navy gal. I do splurge on the shoes, because I think those are the most important piece of the (running) puzzle.
I used a basic stop watch for years because Garmin (or other similar GPS watches) weren’t available yet. 😉
I agree there are so many ways to exercise affordably! I did have a trainer for many years but now I am able to replicate that all and more on my own
Definitely!
Very important and wise tips. Except for yoga I made all the exercises you have mentioned in this beautiful post. Unfortunately I had to give up gym and swimming after the incident at my right shoulder (the movement of the right arm is very limited) and no more cycling because it’s dangerous in this part of the world.
Now I run and I walk everywhere.
Sounds like you’ve had a lot of great workout routines over the years.
These are all great tips! I want to start walking more. And I agree that all I need to do is lace up my sneakers and head out the door.
Sounds like a plan and now that summer school is over you’ll have time for it!