Easy Ways to Stay Fit on a Budget

We all know how important it is for both our physical and mental health to stay fit. But it’s not always so easy. Gym memberships, equipment and proper nutrition can be expensive. While there are three main approaches to fitness — free outdoor exercising, membership gyms (though they do have equipment and are weather-proof), and home workouts for a flexible option — which you use is entirely up to you. And, your budget.

Practical Tips to Stay Fit on a Budget

So, with the different options in mind, let’s take a look at how you can get (and stay) fit without spending too much money.

• Outdoor Exercise

There are many ways to get fit that are completely for free. Jogging and walking in your local area are relatively easy ones, as long as you’ve got access to well-kept paths or parks. Some parks, though not all, offer outdoor gyms which are a great way to get fit and also make some friends. These options can be a bit harder in terms of motivation though. Unless you can buddy up with someone, it does require a bit of willpower on your part which is often part of the initial fitness problem.

• Home Workouts and Affordable Tools

Since Covid, the online fitness content has ramped up impressively. Now you can find thousands of excellent sports and fitness videos on YouTube. Better still, these target different fitness levels, abilities, and styles. You can create your own workout playlist to follow as well. There are also fitness apps in place which can give you workout routines so that you don’t have to come up with them yourself. Both of these options offer free ways to create effective routines, though sometimes apps will have additional subscription costs.

What makes these workouts so great is that they often don’t require equipment. And if they do, it’s minimal. For those looking for resistance bands, weights and mats, there are second-hand platforms like Freecycle or Facebook Marketplace where these types of items can be found cheap.

• Using Promotions and Discount Codes

If you are really investing a bit more into getting fit, then you may want to get proper fitness gear or start out at a gym. Luckily, there are ways you can save here too. Most sports and fitness retailers have online sites as do most major gyms. This means that you can often find discounts or promotions. Most retailers have sales and deals throughout the year which are the best times for investing in sports clothing and equipment. Gyms too, usually offer deals on subscriptions, typically at the start of the year when encouraging newcomers to sign up. Making use of these is a great way to gain some massive benefits. 

Additionally, you can make your life easier by using coupon and discount code sites like Discoup UK, which collate all the different discount codes into one place. They’re verified and checked. And, provided with filters and categories, so you can search for a specific brand, product or subscription. Not only can you save time finding discounts by doing this, but you’ll also be able to compare prices and offers more easily for the best deal. Combining resources like this with free fitness options will ensure you have a well-rounded, comprehensive and cost-effective fitness regime.

• Joining Community Teams or Free Classes

If you’re struggling by yourself, and don’t have handy friends close by, then finding a fitness community is a must. Check your local newsletter or Facebook page to see what local sports teams are available, whether there are university clubs you can join, or simply free community fitness programs or park runs in your area. Often these will be free or have very low fees to encourage participants. If you make friends, you may be motivated to team up for other free fitness activities too.

• Healthy Lifestyle Tips to Complement Fitness

With all this talk of fitness, it’s essential to consider your diet as well. Affordable diet changes should be integrated into your fitness goals. Prepare your food at home, avoid junk food, drink more water and look for nutrient-rich protein and budget ingredients. Other small, but impactful changes in your daily routine can include walking to work or simply taking the stairs over the lift. You’ll find yourself saving money as well as getting fitter.

Staying fit doesn’t have to be costly. There are many ways to maintain an affordable, healthy lifestyle. Check out these strategies to start your fitness journey.