How to Get Fit Even on a Tight Budget

So you can’t afford that Peloton bike or a Bowflex Max Trainer this year? It doesn’t mean that you can’t get fit. You can still get a great workout at home.

For way less than the price of either of these machines.

Or a gym membership, for that matter.

Any exercise routine you are contemplating should begin with a conversation with your doctor.

Is there any reason why you shouldn’t attempt some of these exercise routines?

Are there alternatives that will be more suited to your physical condition?

Once you get the all-clear there are no excuses!

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How to get a no-cost workout

If you are motivated to get fit and get moving there are many options that have no cost associated with them

Start with an activity that you like and are inclined to do. It’s that simple.

There are dozens of easy activities that cost ZERO dollars, are incredibly effective, and only require that you DO them to get results.

Incorporate a combination of exercises that focus on cardio, strength building, endurance, and flexibility into an effective workout routine that fits your schedule and your budget.

Put together your workout playlist, your favorite comfy shoes and workout clothes and you will have all you need to get it in gear.

Walking

A comfortable pair of walking shoes and a safe place to walk is all you need to get started on a goal of 10,000 steps a day. Whew! 5 miles a day. That sounds like a lot. The good news is that all of your steps count and you don’t have to do it all at one time.

Use the tracker on your phone or download a free step tracker app to get a picture of how many steps you take during the course of your day. You might be surprised to see what you accomplish without even trying.

Then look for that place where you can concentrate your efforts in reaching the goal of 10,000 steps per day.

Don’t forget the water bottle, stay hydrated with any exercise program you choose to do.

Take the dog (and the kids) for a walk in the neighborhood or a local park. Walk around the mall at lunch.

Whether it’s in your neighborhood or a community rec center with a walking trail, carve out an hour of time and get your steps in.

Going back to Gym Class

The basic exercises that you did in gym class are still just as effective today at strengthening muscles as when you complained about them in 7th-grade PhysEd.

Click to see the correct way to do these exercises for maximum results.

Squats and lunges

Push-ups

Burpees or squat thrusts

Jumping Jacks

Create a custom workout routine using these exercises. Start with 20 reps of each move 3-4 days a week and increase the number of reps as you get stronger.

Taking the Stairs

There are more expensive ways to increase endurance than climbing stairs, but none more effective. Did you know that you can burn more calories climbing stairs than jogging? Stair-climbing exercises reduce the risk of stroke and improve cardiovascular health.

Spend 30 minutes a day climbing stairs or stadium bleachers if you have access to them. Run up the stairs and walk down.

Use free exercise YouTube videos

Check out YouTube for thousands of free workout routines. From HIIT to Pilates to Zumba, you will find a video that shows you how to properly execute the moves you can use if you want to lose weight, tone muscle, and improve your overall health.

Follow along with a dance video, Bokwa or Zumba in your living room. Get the whole family involved, you can hold each other accountable.

Exercise gear under $25.00

Yoga

Yoga and pilates are effective for increasing flexibility and strength. They’re also low-impact if you’re at a point where your joints and internal organs dictate a lower level of activity.

A thick exercise mat for floor exercises such as Yoga or Pilates is a must. This basic mat from Amazon is 1/2″ thick, it provides cushion and support, as well as a non-slip surface that provides stability and traction.

Yoga blocks provide a soft non-slip surface necessary for stability and balance to help with optimal alignment, deeper poses, and increased strength.

Jump Rope

Cinderella dressed in yellow

Went upstairs to kiss a fellow

Made a mistake, kissed a snake

How many doctors did it take?

1,2,3,4….

Can’t you see a tough MMA athlete singing this jump rope ditty while training for the next MMAnia competition? Jumping rope has always been a good exercise, even when we were on the playground in elementary school.

An adjustable, tangle-free jump rope for kids or adults is an effective, yet inexpensive, piece of gear to add to your home gym. The jump rope is used for MMA, boxing, and cross-training.

It’s a good option for an aerobic workout when you don’t have a lot of room or if going outside for a run is not an option.

Or you just want a change of activity.

Resistance Bands

 

Resistance bands are very much like a gym in a bag. They function to increase the difficulty level of many exercises. They take up very little room, are available in a variety of resistance levels, and are inexpensive.

What should be in the best home gym?

YOU

It’s not the money spent on pricy equipment or programs.

It’s the combination of activities that you are motivated to do every day.

You can design the workout that is right for you. Add variety to keep from getting bored.

Your home gym can be a small corner of your unfinished basement or in the family room in front of the TV.

You can hang all of your gear in the compartments of a hanging shoe organizer or from hooks on a piece of pegboard attached to the back of your bedroom door.

Wherever you work out regularly becomes the best home gym.