How to Workout Without Going Broke

Watching celebrities on television exercise with their expensive personal trainers might make you feel as if fitness is only for the rich, but fitness affects quality of life and everyone deserves good health, even on a budget. Fight against your own inertia. Be fit and workout without going broke.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Determine what your budget is and what your main priorities are. Consider your strengths and weakness as well as your workout preferences. Creating realistic goals will set you up for success. Once you've achieved your initial goals, continue to design new ones to keep motivated.
2. Dump or reduce a "bad" health habit, for example, too many lattes, too many snack cakes or cigarettes. Use that money toward your fitness goals. Budget a set amount per month for your gym membership, buying fitness equipment and/or buying healthier food. Remember that this new habit will improve your health.
3. Evaluate whether a monthly gym membership is a good option. A gym membership can be cost-effective if you go to the gym fairly often and it can offer a variety of fitness options.
4. Use a more flexible pay-as-you-go plan, especially if you only go the gym a couple times of month (or less!). Some exercise instructors offer "drop-in classes" or "monthly passes." These options can be cheaper for some people.
5. Consider joining a smaller gym (such as Curves, YMCA, YWCA or a community/faith-based gym). Some gyms offer new membership specials or discounts if you convince a friend to join with you.
6. Use inexpensive "incentives" to motivate yourself to keep fit. Fitness clothes, equipment or music are all good examples of rewards. Discount retailers such as Ross or Wal-Mart can offer a good value on these items.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider buying workout tapes and getting friends together to workout as opposed to joining an expensive fitness class.
• Take up walking. It's an easy activity without a lot of equipment.
• Fitness videos, magazines and books are often available at the local library. Borrow them for free, then purchase your favorites.
• Join an exercise discussion group online. Many groups discuss the best bargains, workout schedules, equipment and other valuable information.
• Include activities you enjoy. For example, if you enjoy running, then you should include it in your workout plan. If you hate running, then obviously you should exclude this activity!
• Beware: Do not be pressured into signing a gym membership contract until you read all the details and understand the entire cost of joining/leaving a gym. Reviewing the contract upfront can save you a lot of headaches if you ever need to get out of your gym membership.