Photo credit: RLHyde
As I try to keep my family healthy, I encourage all of us to engage in sports activities as often as I can. Where’s the fun in spending our time huddled in front of the television? I would much rather we spent our Saturday morning at a soccer game or start our morning with a quick workout. I’m convinced that everyone has a sport that he likes; he just has to discover it.
The only downside to sports is the cost of equipment. Soccer players need shin guards. An indoor workout may require a treadmill. Even something as simple as a game of basketball in the driveway requires you to buy a basketball.
So how do I manage to fit the cost of sports into our family’s tight budget? Well, I do not spend an exorbitant amount of money on gear for each member of our family. Rather, I’ve got a few tricks to help me save money on sports equipment:
Buy used.
So many people buy sports equipment for a new sport only to give up the sport in a few months. Their loss is your gain, though. The thrift store in my neighborhood always has a treadmill or exercise bike for sale; I bet the one in your neighborhood does, too. You can also look for used equipment on Craig’s List or at a store that specializes in used sports equipment. Also check out those spring garage sales!
Buy as little as possible.
When you or a family member takes up a new sport, it’s easy to fall into the trap of buying all kinds of gadgets to make the sport more fun. If you end up deciding that this sport isn’t the one for you, you’re left with a bunch of barely-used equipment that you don’t need (see above). You can avoid this problem by only purchasing the gear you have to have right away. Over time, if you stick with the sport, you can always add to your equipment.
Don’t think you’re a professional.
Whatever your sport is, you probably don’t need the latest and greatest gear for your sport. If you like to play golf, for instance, you probably don’t need to have the most expensive clubs available at the pro shop. Your five-year-old also doesn’t need expensive cleats to play soccer. Enjoying a sport doesn’t mean that you have to spend a ton of money.
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Sports equipment is very expensive, heres a good to help with those expenses, start saving all your loose change around the house in a piggy bank or jar, by the time for your kids sport season to start you would be pleasantly surprised by how much extra money you have to purshase his/her equipment.
I totally agree with you. My kids have tried and dropped many sports. When it comes to equipment, I found you had to buy on sale, and buy things that are high enough quality that will not hinder their success at the sport if they do like it. Also, with musical instruments, I never, ever went with the school plan. I bought a cornet from ebay for a lower price than 4 payments had I gone through the school.