Physical fitness is a life goal everyone should strive for, but it’s also a costly endeavor when it comes to joining health clubs and gyms. Luckily, there are some ways to make both fitness and frugality go hand-in-hand. With exercise for the budget-conscious in mind, here are five convenient ways to get in shape while spending little to no money at all.
1. Go Jogging
Image via Flickr by Ed Yourdon
Cardiovascular exercise is the best kind of workout when you’re looking to shed pounds, and get your body into top shape. Jogging at even a light pace helps with controlled breathing as well as stamina for other workouts, and daily activity.
In addition, if you already have a good pair of running shoes, jogging is completely free. If you’re up for the task, try challenging yourself distance wise with increased mileage, and change your running routes periodically to switch things up.
2. Skip the Elevator
Whenever you have the opportunity, take the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator in order to get the most exercise potential out of your day. This especially goes for those workout-deprived people that sit behind a desk all day.
Likewise, if you’re stuck at work on your lunch break, hit the stairs and climb some flights. By raising your heart rate periodically throughout the day, the oxygen levels in your blood will rise as well, and you’ll feel more energetic naturally.
3. Try Some Floor Exercises
Whether you believe it or not, you’re standing on a gym in disguise, and you don’t even know it. The floor offers unlimited exercise potential in the form of push-ups, sit-ups, crunches, and practically any other exercises that involve your core muscles.
Completing fifty crunches a day is a great cardio, and core workout. But, if your stomach is a little larger than you’d like due to over-indulging in alcohol, there are alcoholism rehab centers available to help you get your life, and health back on track.
4. Ride a Bike
Not only is that bicycle that’s been hiding in your garage a free way to exercise, it’s also a great way to save on the ever-increasing cost of gas. So, next time you go cross-town to the bank or the post office, why not help save the planet, and improve your health by peddling there on your bike.
And, if you live in close proximity to work, try riding your bike to the office a few days a week. Chances are you won’t have to worry about getting stuck in traffic, and it’ll give you something to look forward to with the morning commute.
5. Find a Buddy
Achieving your fitness goals is a difficult process, but with the help and support of a workout buddy, you’ll hit those exercise milestones in no time. When the going gets tough, a workout buddy is there to push you the extra mile, celebrate your victories, and share in your fitness struggles without costing you a dime.
So, when you’re ready to improve your overall health without hurting your wallet, try some of the exercise tips above.