Fitness on a Budget

From DietWatch

by Jennifer May, M.S., R.D., M.S.

The quest for fitness can be expensive—but it doesn't have to be. With just a little creativity, you can put together an exercise plan that will get you into shape without breaking the bank.

Take Advantage of Your Surroundings

The most obvious way to work out without spending a lot of cash is to just get outside and walk, jog, or bike. Enjoy local trails and parks, or simply map out a route around your neighborhood. In fact, you may want to plan out a couple of different routes—so that you can plan for both longer workouts and shorter ones, or just so you don't get bored with the same scenery day after day.

When planning your routes, consider your fitness level. If you are a beginner or if you have knee problems, look for a flat road or trail. If you are a more advanced exerciser, you can head for the hills if you need more intensity. A walk on a sandy beach will also give you a tough workout. Finally, stay safe: don't go out alone at night, walk or jog facing the traffic (and bike with the traffic), and carry identification and a cell phone (or change for a pay phone).

Do you like to swim in the summer? You can enjoy most public beaches or lakes for free. If your apartment complex or neighborhood has a pool that is free to residents, then take a dip!

Don't forget that many outdoor chores "count" as exercise. Gardening, mowing the lawn, raking leaves, and shoveling snow will all give you a great cardio workout and condition your muscles. However, you may need to get a doctor's clearance first, especially if you have health problems (such as asthma or heart disease) that could make these activities risky.

Save Money on Fitness Equipment

Of course, the weather is not always conducive to exercising outdoors. You will want to have some kind of plan in place for indoor workouts, whether as a part of your usual routine or as a backup plan in case of rain, snow, etc.

The cheapest, and simplest, way to exercise indoors is to invest in a few exercise tapes or DVDs. All you need is your television, a VCR or DVD player, and enough room to move (choose a bare floor or one that does not have thick carpeting). Some workouts may also require dumbbells or a fitness ball, which can be purchased inexpensively at a department store. Check your library or your favorite video rental place for fitness videos to try. Flea markets and pawn shops may also have discounted fitness videos available. Swap videos with friends, or find an online video exchange.

If you'd rather invest in a piece of home exercise equipment, such as a treadmill or stationary bike, check the classified ads—you may be able to get a piece of high-quality equipment that has only been used a few times. There may also be a sporting goods store in your area that deals in used equipment. Ask about testing the equipment before you buy, though, so that you don't walk away with a lemon.

If you plan to buy new equipment, do your research first. You'll spend less money in the long run if you buy one good piece of equipment that if you buy several shoddy pieces that you have to replace. Check Consumer Reports for product reviews, or consult a magazine that caters to your chosen activity (for example, Runner's World often features treadmill reviews). Naturally, you should also choose equipment that you will enjoy using. If you buy an exercise bike even though stationary biking bores you, that bike will become an expensive clothing rack!

Save Money at the Health Club

There are many advantages to a health club membership. For example, a gym membership gives you access to a variety of high-quality cardio and resistance equipment—and frees you of the responsibility of maintaining the equipment. Here are a few tips for saving money on gym fees:

• Find out what your workplace has to offer. See if your company has an onsite fitness facility, or if employees at your company are eligible for discounts at local health clubs. Ask your human resources representative whether your health insurance covers any fitness-related expenses.
  
• If you can, try to join in January or May, when clubs are most likely to offer discounts on membership fees.
  
• Look for membership deals such as group or family discounts.
  
• Investigate lower-cost alternatives to private health clubs, such as community recreational centers or the YMCA/YWCA. If your town has a college or university, find out whether residents can use the school's recreational facilities.
  
• You could also purchase a few sessions with a personal trainer, or attend a few classes (such as yoga or Pilates), to learn a workout that you can then continue on your own.

The other side of value is getting the most for your money. Ask about purchasing a few day passes, or a trial membership, before you commit to signing a contract. This way, you have a better chance of getting a gym membership that you will actually use. If you find that your gym membership isn't working out for you, be sure to cancel your contract—don't continue to spend monthly fees on a service that you're not using.

To learn more about finding a gym that's right for you, read How to Choose the Right Health Club (and the Right Personal Trainer, Too).

Sometimes It Doesn't Pay to Save

There are a few things that you should be willing to spend a little extra money on. Your most important investment will probably be your exercise shoes. Your shoes don't have to be endorsed by a basketball star, but they should fit well and be suitable for your chosen activities. Don't automatically equate price with quality, but do be prepared to spend $75 or so. You can still save a bit if you watch for sales or check outlet stores. To learn more about selecting shoes, read The Ultimate "Feet": Finding the Right Athletic Shoes.

If you are a woman, you'll spare yourself some discomfort if you have a good exercise bra. If you wear an A or a B cup, you can probably find a fine exercise bra at a department store. If you need more support, or a larger size, check Junonia and Title 9 Sports.

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Jennifer May, M.S., R.D., M.S. is the Manager of Nutrition Services for DietWatch.com. Jennifer has provided nutrition and fitness counseling in a variety of settings, including medical facilities, assisted living communities, health and wellness organizations, and educational institutions. She has also produced articles, newsletters, and other educational materials and has appeared on radio and television. Jennifer holds two master's degrees from Indiana University, one in nutrition science and one in exercise physiology.