Staying active and healthy isn’t easy –– and for many –– it isn’t cheap either. Indeed, just signing up for a gym membership can cost as much as $500-$1,200 per year. And hiring a personal trainer to help you get through your exercises may cost double that! Of course, it’s important to look after your well-being and be as physically fit as possible, but you shouldn’t have to break the bank to do so. To that end, today we’re going to list four cost-effective ways that you can lose weight and/or stay healthy without ruining your budget in the process. Check them out here:
Cut Down on Accessories
Fitness is an industry. Unsurprisingly, there are hundreds (if not thousands) of brands that look to capitalize on people’s desire to get fit. The long and short of it, though, is that you don’t need headbands, wristbands, $200 sneakers, or specialty “supplements” that come in the form of shakes or bars to form a working exercise regimen. It’s entirely possible to get all the nutrients, vitamins, and exercise you need without shelling out on unnecessary accoutrements.
Start Running
Running is free, you can do it anywhere, and anyone can do it –– so long as they’re sufficiently motivated. What’s more, running can help you burn about three times more calories than walking a comparable distance. If your goal is to lose weight, then find a way to incorporate an hour-long jog/run into your routine.
Invest in Equipment
Are you a gym rat? If so, then fantastic. Still, you can probably save a lot of money by ditching a gym membership and investing in some equipment on your own. True, items like weight sets and treadmills may cost you a decent chunk of change up front, but if you use them consistently and cancel your gym membership, you’ll actually receive greater bang for your buck! You can also do a number of exercises –– like push-ups, sit-ups, crunches, and squats –– in your own home without purchasing anything.
Take the Stairs
It’s a small thing, yes, but adopting a fitness-first mentality will help you find opportunities to be more active in your everyday life. Choosing to take the stairs instead of escalators/elevators, biking to work, or walking to nearby locations instead of driving are all fantastic methods for squeezing in exercise during a busy schedule. The best part? They won’t cost you anything!
Conclusion
A sound diet and exercise routine can do wonders for your well-being and your mood. However, you shouldn’t take any risks if you feel aches and pains or are concerned that you may have injured yourself working out. Instead, contact a doctor to get diagnosed and potentially receive treatment. Thankfully, there are many new and innovative treatments available, like healing creams and gels, stretching regimens, or even stem cell therapy for herniated disc or a related joint problem. So don’t hesitate to speak to a professional if need be!