The top 5 ways to stay fit on a budget

24 Jun The top 5 ways to stay fit on a budget

The cost of living and doing business is going through the roof! Everything is so much more expensive – houses, rent, petrol, food – you name it – everything is going up!

Unfortunately from my experience, any costs relating to fitness are usually the first to be cut back. To me this is crazy as your health and fitness is the most important thing in your life and you should always be investing in your body.

But if you are feeling the pinch when it comes to money, here are my top 5 ways to train on a budget.

1. Get a group of friends to train together

Split the cost of a training session by training with other people so you pay less per session.

Most personal trainers offer discounted rates when buying training packages. Some will also allow you to break those payments into instalments if need be.

And let’s face it, everything is more fun with a friend.

2. Gym specials

With the weather getting colder, gyms usually get quieter. So to try and gain new members, fitness businesses commonly offer some really good deals this time of year. So now may be the perfect time to snag yourself a bargain.

Not everyone can do this, but if you have some spare time, consider volunteering or working at a fitness studio or gym for a discounted or free membership – you will save a heap of money over time.

3. The great outdoors

It costs you nothing to go to your local park or to hit the pavement to work up a sweat. Many local parks have their own gyms, sports grounds, tennis courts or basketball courts (such as Sydney Park, Prince Alfred Park in Surry Hills, Camperdown Park or Wentworth Park in Ultimo to name a few).

Don’t forget our beautiful national parks – some only an hour or so away from your doorstep. Go for a short or long hike and admire the natural wonders such as rainforests, beaches, ancient caves and unique flora and fauna.

4. Get Online

Fitness apps are a great alternative to gym memberships as they are generally cheaper and often provide good value for money if they include meal plans and guides.

Check out the social accounts of well-known trainers and qualified fitness professionals and see what kind of free content they are sharing. Most of the time, they give their followers a sneak peek at what they might offer in their own workout app, or how their fitness routine looks like, which you can take advantage of.

5. Workout at home

Set up a home gym or get some equipment and train in the comfort of your own home. You can start with just a few items such as some weights, kettlebells, a skipping rope and boxing gear.

When it comes to equipment, you don’t have to buy the latest and greatest – check out eBay or Gumtree for some second hand equipment. Contact your local gyms as they may be looking to offload some machines, bikes and weights.