Free Fitness Options
Gyms can be costly, especially when they offer extras like saunas, classes, and a spa. Luckily, there are tons of ways you can get in shape without breaking the bank. You can get in shape from the comfort of your home with YouTube, planning meals, or researching supplements. Or head out and make new friends at free classes or join a neighborhood walking group. We explore these options below, and we offer tips on how to save in your everyday life so that you can save for the future.
Use YouTube For Fitness Classes
YouTube is the best bang for your buck. They offer thousands of free workout videos to choose from. Pick some that fit your physical capabilities, whether that’s yoga, a HIIT workout, zumba, or pilates video, there is something for everyone.
Soon you’ll be burning calories without having to leave the house. Look for YouTubers who are professional trainers and specifically cater to home workouts that don’t require a ton of space and fitness equipment. You can explore the options and read the video reviews before picking one that’s right for you. CNET has a good list of free fitness on YouTube here!
Find Free Classes Near You
Your town or city might have plenty of offerings for free classes. These can include classes like vinyasa yoga, cardio dance parties, bootcamps, walking and running clubs, and yoga. These are fun and exciting ways to not only burn calories, but to meet new people and explore your city. You can usually find this on your city’s website, Facebook page, or message board.
Another way to find instructor-based fitness is to look out for gyms and studios where there is no charge for your first class or have “fitness for the community” days where anyone can use the gym or attend classes for free.
Get Outside to Exercise for Free
Choosing to walk, run, or bike can improve your health both mentally and physically. Use your phone’s fitness or health monitoring system to track your steps and compete with yourself (or friends) each week. Along the way, you might even spot outdoor gyms that cities have been installing all over the US. Google “outdoor fitness park” to find a free location near you.
Plan Your Meals
Planning your meals is one of the most effective ways of sticking to a budget and calorie limit. You should budget time and money toward your meals. You’ll avoid spending money on expensive salads and deliver-to-your-door meal services.
Dedicate a few hours one day a week to shop and prep meals for the entire week. Adding nutritious, balanced foods into your new routine will ensure you reach those fitness goals. Get creative, learn new recipes, and amaze your family and friends with your new cooking skills. Abs are made in the kitchen, right?
Research Supplements Before Buying
Just because that Instagram video says you’ll lose weight in a snap doesn’t mean you should just hand over your credit card. There’s more to fitness than just taking one supplement for magic weight loss.
Most people only need a multivitamin that fits their gender and age group to fill the gaps in their diet. Look for vitamins that have real science backing them up and not just the spokesperson behind the product.
If you choose to introduce a suite of supplements, always consult with a doctor as many of the products on the shelf have not been approved by the FDA.
Check Your Employee Benefits
More and more companies are offering gym membership benefits to their employees. This benefit has been known to increase employee retention and create a stronger (literally) workforce.
A gym membership benefit can be a free or discounted membership plan that you must use to keep the membership active.
Reward Yourself With Gear
If you are just starting a workout routine, it’s not the time to drop hundreds of dollars on brand new gear. You might not have a brand new pair of Nikes or Lulu Lemon leggings, but don’t let that stop you!
Get in a solid routine and reward yourself after milestones you have achieved. As a MoneyLion member, you can even shop at stores with cashback rewards on fitness equipment and attire. Just check the Rewards tab in the free MoneyLion app for offers.
Time to Get Squatting!
Getting started on a fitness regimen will improve your life physically and mentally. You don’t need to spend the average $50 each month on a gym membership to get fit either. If you’re looking to save some money for a rainy day or get in shape for an upcoming vacation, you can get started with a MoneyLion membership. You’re on your way to tackling your physical goals, why not improve your finances too!
