Gyms are too expensive. I can’t get in shape!

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Gyms are too expensive. I can’t get in shape! This is an excuse, not a fact. If you’ve ever uttered this phrase, I hope you weren’t serious. Just because gyms are expensive doesn’t mean you can’t get in shape. Don’t get me wrong, gym memberships range in price and can certainly cost a good bit of money, but there are plenty of ways to get in shape without using cost as a convenient excuse. The Mayo Clinic states that working out even as little as 10-15 minutes at a time can have huge health benefits in lowering stress and anxiety.

With focus increasingly being put on self care, make sure to make some time for you. In addition to the physical health benefits, working out can also give you some time to think or even be a way to be productive and do something fun at the same time. You should pick the form of exercise that you will most enjoy. It could be a workout class or video, walking beside your friend while you talk about what’s new in your lives, spending some time walking with your dogs, or even walking while listening to music or a podcast you really enjoy.

Four less expensive workout options:
1. Go for a walk. Chances are there is somewhere nearby you can walk. If the weather isn’t cooperating or if safety is a concern, find a mall you can walk in. As long as the mall is safe and won’t tempt you to spend, a brisk walk around the mall definitely counts as exercise.

2. Buy some hand weights and work to tone your arms. Wait wait.. cost again. Here’s a trick. Not only do places like Walmart and amazon carry inexpensive weights, but often stores like Five Below, Craigslist, or Play It Again Sports do as well. For less than the cost of one month’s membership at a gym you can buy a pair of dumbbells, an exercise ball and a yoga mat that you’ll use more than once.

3. Go on YouTube or any streaming site you have a membership to (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime) and search for free workout videos. There’s a lot out there and you can find anything from zumba and kickboxing to yoga, barre, and lots more.

4. Do exercises that don’t require any equipment or memberships. Think pushups, situps, jumping jacks, running in place, etc.

Four ways to get the most bang for your buck with a gym membership.
1. Pick a gym that includes classes with their membership so you’ll have the option of doing an independent workout or a group class at the same price.

2. If you’re trying to save money by cutting cable, pick a gym with lots of TVs so you can watch your favorite live TV show (without paying for it) and get a workout in at the same time.

3. Trying to save on childcare expenses? Look for a gym with childcare included. Your little one can play and have fun with the other kiddos while you work out.

4. Compare the prices of several gyms in your area. Since costs can vary so much, make sure you’re comparing price while at the same time not compromising on safety or cleanliness of the gym.

The moral is that if your goal is to get in shape or even exercise more, don’t use money as an excuse to not achieve it. You may have to be creative and put a bit more thought into it, but you can find a way to get in shape if that’s truly what you want. If you find a way to combine exercising with something you really enjoy, exercise is even more enjoyable.

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