A quick survey of the people in my life revealed an interesting trend; almost all of them wish they were in better shape. As soon as we started talking, however, about ways to get in shape, the subject of health clubs came up. No one wanted to commit to spending a monthly fee to exercise and work out. The conversation quickly stalled out.
I kept thinking about the topic for the next few days. Surely, I thought, there has to be a way get in shape without giving my wallet a workout. As I’ve kicked the subject around in my head, I’ve come up with a few ideas that I’m going to run past my friends.
Go for a walk. Regular walks will do wonders for a person’s physical shape. Walks will get your blood flowing, your heart pumping, and may even help you drop a few pounds. You can plan short walks with the kids or longer, more challenging walks for the adults. Don’t forget the option of arranging regular walks with a fitness buddy to encourage you to stick with your new regimen.
Play in a recreational league. Do you enjoy soccer, basketball, or another team sport? You can enjoy yourself and get some exercise by joining a recreational team. Fees are usually pretty low for these teams and are easy to join. Check out the bulletin board or websites of your area’s parks and recreation centers to find out when new leagues are formed.
Spiff up your yard. Yard work is great exercise. You will also get the benefit of having a more attractive yard after you’ve put in a few hours. Rake leaves, pull weeds, or simply mow the lawn to get yourself active.
Take a dip in the pool. Although this may not be the best time of year to bring up this suggestion, swimming can be a fun way to get your entire body active. If you’re lucky enough to live in a neighborhood with a community pool, you don’t have to spend a dime to swim a few laps every day. Another option is to purchase a pass at your local community center to use its pool. Although these aren’t free, you will probably still spend less than you would spend at a health club.
Related Posts Related Websites
- Workout Activities for Your Fitness Level Exercising is the best way to get in shape. You...
- The Last Sunday This it it folks. The last Sunday that college basketball...
7 responses so far ↓
1 Cassie // Oct 16, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Swimming and going for walks are two things that I really enjoy doing.. and they don’t feel like exercise, they’re fun! Do them with friends and/or family and it’s even more fun.
2 Financial Samurai // Oct 17, 2009 at 1:21 am
I just got back from playing 2.5 hours of tennis and it was so much fun.
If you find a sport you like to play, then you’ll have fun and get fit with no effort at all!
3 David/Your Finances101 // Oct 17, 2009 at 5:48 am
My health club membership is probably the last and only thing in my life that I would consider a luxury item. Yes, I could save well over $400 per year by quitting and exercising on my own, however I have kpet this memebership for a very good reason.
Oe of my bigger motivations for staying on track with my exercise program is I know in the back of my mind that if I don’t go to the club 4 times a week, then I am wasting this money.
Plus, the gym does offer things that you can’t get without it. You can exercise in the rain, you can swim in the winter, etc.
This is a great post–but I think I’ll wait about 10 pounds longer before I give it up!
4 The Vital Woman // Oct 18, 2009 at 10:33 am
Great post. Exercise is important in anybody’s life, but even more so as a way to deal with stress in tough economic times. I cancelled my YMCA membership last May as a way to save money after I lost a job. To keep in shape, I make sure I get a brisk 3 mile walk at least 5 days a week. I also discovered bird-watching, which is a great way to stay in motion for extended periods of time without realizing you are exercising, because you’re experiencing nature and having fun. All over the country, local organizations offer free bird walks led by expert volunteers. Google “free bird walks [plus your town or region]” For example, I found this upcoming free walk in Wooster Ohio– http://www.ohio4h.org/~news/story.php?id=4883 . Look on eBay or Craig’s list for inexpensive binoculars and a used bird guide.
5 The Vital Woman // Oct 18, 2009 at 11:32 am
I apologize that the link I provided is for a previous free bird walk, not an upcoming one. I’ll try to be more careful in future.
6 Money and kids // Oct 18, 2009 at 1:12 pm
I love the tips and idea – especially the pool. we live in florida [ and while cold for us is not like up north ] we still use the pool off season. And walking the dog is a healthy thing to do and great family time.
7 Jack // Oct 21, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Walking is one of my favorite forms of exercise. Especially now when the trees are all turning. I love a crisp fall day for exercise.
Leave a Comment