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Getting and staying in shape doesn’t require a ton of money! Here are my 7 budget friendly fitness tips so you can exercise and save money!
We are on a strict budget lately to help pay down debts and save for a down payment, but that doesn’t mean I’m not getting a workout in. In fact, I haven’t paid for a fancy gym membership in 10 years! We’re fortunate to have a gym in our building but it’s not something I’d pay for knowing my free resources!
There are so many resources out there and workouts you can do from the comfort of your own home. Here are my top budget friendly fitness tips so you can exercise on a budget!
Budget Friendly Fitness Tips
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Buy Multi-Use Equipment
Buying equipment that can work many different areas is a great way to save money. If you’re buying items that can only target one area you could be overspending!
Here are some great items to buy that work multiple areas when used correctly:
- Resistance bands. Resistance bands are great for an arm workout, legs and glutes.
- Balance ball. An exercise ball will work the abs, help support your body during weight training and is great for cardio.
- Step. Personally, I use my step ladder but a step is a great thing to have! You can also use your own house steps too!
These items are more expensive, but they’re YOURS. Pay a one time price, and it’s yours forever.
- Treadmill
- Elliptical
- Multi-station Home Gym
Workout At Home
Hello, it’s me. I love working out at home! As a stay at home mom of two there just aren’t enough hours in the day to get in a workout!
I set my kids up with a fun activity and get to work.
You can check out my favorite YouTube channels for workouts at home HERE.
And if you’re already paying for something like Amazon Prime, there’s no reason you can’t search for a workout on Prime!
Also, get outdoors! There’s no reason you need to stay inside. Take a walk or go for a jog. Just get out there!
Use Free Fitness Resources
There are A LOT of free resources out there like YouTube that can help you stay in shape.
Here are some free fitness resources:
- Library. A library is more than just books! Check your local library’s calendar for free classes to attend. Registration and a library card may be required.
- Local Fitness Classes. You might be able to sign up for a free trial class before committing to a big gym membership.
- Apps. There are so many apps out there that can offer FREE workouts! You can pay a price for a premium app that will still be cheaper than a gym membership but do your research and find one that works for you and your budget!
Choose Inexpensive Gear
You don’t need to spend a boat load of cash if you’re looking to start your own home gym!
Here are my favorite inexpensive gym items that I have at home:
- Kettlebell. We found 2 of our kettlebells at Goodwill for under $5. You don’t need anything bigger than 8lbs if you’re looking to start kettlebell workouts to get a complete workout in!
- Hand Weights. I love my 5lb hand weights. They’re a perfect size for me and were inexpensive to buy. You can do a lot of work with hand weights at home using free YouTube workouts.
- Resistance Bands. I mentioned earlier how awesome resistance bands were for working multiple body parts and the great news is that they’re also inexpensive!
- Jump Rope. I feel like a kid trying to jump rope but it’s a great cardio burst to do and pretty inexpensive to get into!
You may also want to check into a pedometer. I have a FitBit Flex 2 that I absolutely love to track my steps but you can get a pedometer for under $20.
Body Weight Workouts
Don’t want to spend money on anything? Body weight workouts are a great way to improve your fitness without spending a dime. A lot of exercises don’t require any equipment!
- Squats
- Lunges
- Push-Ups
- Sit Ups and Crunches
- Planks
- Tricep Dips
Check out my Busy Moms workout for a no equipment based workout!
Take it Outside
You don’t need a gym to get cardio in. You don’t need a gym to do a body weight workout either! If it’s a beautiful day, head outdoors. Use a bench to do push ups and tricep dips, take a jog around a local track or hike in a park.
Exercise with Your Family
Doing fun family activities is one of my favorite ways to exercise. Check out my post of Family Exercises to sneak in workouts while spending quality time with your kids!
What are some of the ways you exercise on a budget? Do you have any additional budget friendly fitness tips?