Frugal Tips for a Healthy Lifestyle
Eating right and including a workout routine in our day-to-day is imperative to a healthy lifestyle, yet many of us forgo healthy habits due to lack of time or will. But lack of motivation isn't the only factor that prevents individuals from working out and eating right, and in doing a little research I've found that one of the most common excuses is that it's too expensive. A tight budget can inadvertently contribute to idleness or unhealthy habits, and can lead to thoughts such as "the dollar menu is the most affordable option," or "I can't afford a gym membership." Well, I'd like to debunk this notion that exercise and healthy eating habits are too expensive with a few budget friendly fitness tips.
Fitness Options That are Absolutely Free!
Get out and about! Duh, no brainer but this requires motivation. Motivation is the first step towards a healthier lifestyle and it doesn't cost a thing; you just have to be willing to accept the free offer! Start out by encouraging yourself to get outdoors for a regular stroll whether it be a 5-10 minute walk during your lunch break, or a brisk stroll after work. Walking too boring? Well step it up a notch with a regular jog through your neighborhood or an intense hike on a local nature trail. Not only will you be taking your first steps towards a more active lifestyle, but you'll also be taking in plenty of fresh air which is always a good thing, and getting outdoors will make you realize how enjoyable it actually is.
Another activity that's great for the body, and might I add free and quite refreshing, is a swim at your neighborhood pool or local body of water. Swimming works just about every muscle in your body, making it one of the most effective workouts that really doesn't seem like a workout at all. This is why water aerobics have become such a popular activity among fitness enthusiasts and senior citizens.
Just get active! Head to the basketball or tennis courts a couple times a week for a solo shoot around or friendly pick-up game; hit the backyard with your kids and toss a baseball or football around for awhile; or go all out and get involved in local intramural sports. If your son or daughter is involved in a school sport help them train while getting yourself in shape. Heck, even yard work is a great way to get active. Any outdoor activity that involves a little effort and body movement is a good start towards getting back in shape; not to mention the fact that the outdoors is open to the public and free of charge!
Affordable Fitness Options
Now, if you really want to get (back) in shape or happen to have more advanced fitness goals, you may have to spend a few bucks, but don't worry, there are plenty of affordable options. Ponying up for a gym membership or personal trainer is ostensibly the first option, but monthly budgets don't often agree. Consider these tips instead:
- Forget a personal trainer; unless of course you're rich, lol. Any advice a personal trainer will give you can be found online, and you don't want someone telling you what they think you need in order to reach your fitness goals. Planning is the first step to reaching any goal, and healthy living is no exception. Take a few minutes to figure out and list exactly what your fitness goal(s) is(are), whether it be to lose weight, build muscle, lower cholesterol or whatever. With a simple online search you'll find just what you need to get started and the steps you should take to continue towards your goal.
- Instead of joining a gym or health club, workout at home. Sit-ups, push-ups, and pull-ups are some of the most effective workouts that you can perform because they isolate a number of key muscle groups and they help burn unwanted calories. You don't see military recruits banging away on a workout machine or free-weights do you?
- Investing in a home gym, treadmill or workout machine is another option, and although the upfront cost might be a bit intimidating, over the long-run the savings and convenience really add up. Take advantage of monthly payment options, which would be about the same as a monthly gym membership, and own your very own workout machine or home gym. This also goes back to helping with motivation because the convenience of not having to make the trip to the gym will encourage a more regular workout routine. Checkout Bowflex, Smooth Fitness, or LifeCORE Fitness for a great online selection of workout machines, treadmills and ellipticals, plus take advantage of coupon code savings when available.
- Free-weight exercises are another great option, and they provide a healthy and affordable way to workout from home without a bulky machine or treadmill. Stop by Sports Authority online for a great selection of free-weights and workout accessories, and remember to check for any available discounts or online coupons for extra savings.
- Recent technological advancements in footwear have taken fitness to an entirely new level, and by slipping into a pair of these newly developed shoes you can give your lower body an intense workout with every step you take, on any occasion. A couple examples are the Skechers Shape-Ups and the Reebok EasyTone, which have been specifically designed to promote a healthy stride with every step. Their special design isolates and tones leg muscles and relieves stress on your lower back. Wear a pair of fitness shoes on every day outings, while jogging or at the gym to really get the most out of your workout.
Eating right and avoiding junk-food is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and as difficult as it may be it's got to be done. One step to take while working towards this particular goal is one that's quite simple and in fact, I myself have actually found quite useful (and budget friendly)- packing your own lunch. Now this might sound obvious enough, and yes it is, but why then are the drive-thru lines at local fast food joints still jammed packed everyday during lunch?! Each week or month look for deals and coupons at your local grocery store on healthy items that are lunchbox friendly. Items like bread, lunch meat, yogurt, fruit, granola bars and trail-mixes. Not only will you be eating healthier, but you'll be saving a bundle by not eating out everyday.
Like mom always said, eat your fruits and veggies! Plain and simple as that. You can't expect to be healthy if you don't eat healthy, and adding fruits and vegetables to your diet is the best way to do so. And here's a tip: Buy frozen for maximum affordability. The fresh produce section is, often times, a bit pricey, so frugal shoppers should consider frozen fruits and vegetables. These are often much less expensive and because they are usually frozen at the peak of their ripeness, they maintain the same level of nutrients. For budget friendly tips on buying organic foods, check out this VIDEO from CBSNews.com with Kelli Grant, Sr. Consumer Reporter for SmartMoney.com.
Well folks, there you have it. Just a few friendly frugal tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Remember to stop by our Fitness Savings Section for the latest online discounts and coupons for exercise equipment and fitness essentials.
Posted by Ryan on June 30, 2011 Tags: Fitness Savings
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