Gym memberships and workout equipment can be tough to come by when you’re budgeting to reduce credit card debt. Still, exercising and staying in shape is important for your physical and mental health. Here are a few affordable fitness tips that can help ensure you’re staying financially fit while getting physically fit.
You can still pay off debt with these budget fitness tips.
Staying Fit While Staying on Budget
There are many sources of fitness tips online theses days. Unfortunately, few of these take into account how expensive certain activities can be. Buying home equipment or joining a gym to gain access to specialized machines are not good options if you need to pay credit card debt. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to stay active.
In addition to feeling better physically, regular exercise can also reduce stress. If your exercise routine is too costly, you may counteract those benefits. We’ve done the leg work to find some workout ideas that won’t break the bank.
Fitness Tips for Frugal Athletes
- Schedule Your Routine – Many people will pay for classes or personal training sessions just to ensure they commit to consistent activity. If you create a strict schedule for your workout, after a couple weeks it will become second nature. Sticking to it is important and free!
- Use Free Resources – Don’t pay for expensive workout DVDs. Instead, look online for free instructional videos, yoga routines, or aerobics training to follow along with at home.
- Cardio is Free of Charge – There are no financial barriers to going for a run. Or you can find pickup sports games at most parks. Biking, hiking, or swimming can also be low-cost options in certain areas. You don’t have to worry about busting your budget.
- Try Bodyweight Training – If you’re interested in strength training, use your body for resistance. Push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups don’t cost a thing. Look online for more advanced bodyweight workout options.
- Outdoor Fitness Parks – A growing trend around the country is installing outdoor fitness areas. These are free to the public and often include a variety of useful equipment. PlayCore, Inc. has a map of known fitness parks online, but you should also research options near you.
- Buy Used Equipment – If you still feel you need equipment, be sure to buy used so you don’t fall behind in debt management. Check Craigslist and local used goods stores to get good prices on secondhand fitness products.
As you can see, getting in shape and staying that way doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. These affordable fitness tips provide options for almost any exercise preference. Give these low-cost workout suggestions a try, or comment below if you have a different method for staying fit and staying on budget.
If you’re struggling to pay off debt, ACCC can help. Schedule a free credit counseling session with us today.
