Get fit without the gym
Many of us want to get fitter but without having to pay for an expensive gym membership. With the rising cost of living coupled with stagnating wages the gym isn’t the only option for busy families. It is estimated that 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week is enough to keep you fit and healthy and helps to combat chronic illnesses like coronary heart-disease and type 2 diabetes. So I’ve put together a few options that dispel the myth that an expensive gym membership is the only way to achieve your goals!
The great outdoors
This is a great option for the whole family that encompasses many different activities. Pull on your hiking boots and explore the great outdoors a gentle walk or a more demanding hill climb is a great way to get out amongst the fresh air and elements and re-connect with the natural landscape.
A gentle mountain bike ride is a terrific family activity that generally has a low impact on the body rentals are available year round if you do not own your own wheels. Alternatively you could pick up your own second hand bike free of charge from websites like freecycle.
This weekend I’m making my way up Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern United States at 6,288 ft! I’m only planning on making it halfway in celebration of my 70 pound weight loss – but by next summer I’m going to the top! I keep working harder, getting stronger! This has been a lifetime dream to do!Â
Join a team       Â
Signing up for your local sports team will not only help you regain your fitness, it will introduce you to a whole new social circle. Although it depends on your personality, (mainly if you’re as competitive as I am!) and how far you want to push yourself joining your local Softball, Football, Rugby or Netball team is a sure fire way of shedding the pounds in a fun structured environment.
Swimming
Swimming is a great choice when getting back into fitness. Most pools offer classes for those wanting to improve technique, child and parent sessions are another fun way to introduce the little ones to a vital life skill that can keep them active for years to come. At a fraction of the price of a visit to the gym it’s a no brainer for families operating on a budget.
Cue the music
Dancing is my final choice that may raise a few eyebrows. The last few years have see rise in the number and type of classes available. Street Dance, Zumba, Ballet, Contemporary, Salsa, Ballroom to tap. The list is endless which is great for those of us who can now find the perfect class a block or two away. Whatever your flavour, pull on your dancing shoes and start making fitness fun again!
 Talk to me: How do you get fit on a budget?Â
In the spring, I started walking 3 miles a day. I loved it – even when I hated it. Unfortunately, the same problems I had with my feet when I was in the Navy came back to haunt me, and using corrective inserts in my shoes caused blisters the size of walnuts on my ankles/heels … so, it put me out of commission for the summer. They’ve just healed up, and I’m going to start looking for hiking boots because I’m determined to see all of the waterfalls in Georgia! <3
Getting fit is really hard to do, but these ideas are great! I love swimming and it’s such a great low impact exercise
My fmaily goes out on a lot of walks, hikes and bike rides during the few short months of summer we hae here in New England.
I have several acres here, so walk around it a lot. I used to love walking down the lane, but a family moved in with a vicious dog (this dog even believes it can kill cars) a few years ago, putting an end to that. I also play upbeat music and dance around the house.
I’ve totally been getting my work out by being outdoors. I spent the morning at the beach with the kids today and totally feel my thighs burning from running in the sand.
I love working out outdoors! It’s doesn’t seem like a chore if I am out enjoying nature! Especially if my family is with me!
We can’t afford a gym. We love to mountain bike and hike!
I hate gym memberships! They are always too expensive!
I love to be outside. It doest feel like exercise. I just got a fitbit so I can’t wait to track my steps.
I like to exercise in ways that don’t require any equipment. Not only is it easier to accomplish on short notice, I don’t have to worry about storing/finding the right stuff to exercise.
woo hoo!!! mt washington is not an easy hike. go you!!
Congrats on losing 70 pounds. Good luck on your trek up Mount Washington.
I use the workouts on our xbox to workout at home. I don’t need the gym membership anymore.
I really love hiking outside! I’ve been wanting to take dance classes too!
I love hiking in the great outdoors. I hope you have a great time summiting the mountain.
I like being outdoors with my family. My boys keep me pretty active. I like to hike when possible. I’d rather be outdoors than inside a stuffy gym.
I find that I actually do need the gym to stay motivated to keep working out. However, on the weekends I do love to explore the outdoors with my family. That way we are all getting fit together!
The great outdoors is a great place to get fit! We love hiking and kayaking. Sadly, once winter hits I stay inside because, for me, it’s much too cold to venture into the outdoors.
I prefer to go for runs versus being in a gym. All great tips
I love this post! People always think they have to go to the gym to work out. Well you don’t have to go to the gym or “work out” to stay healthy. You just have to get active.
There are so many ways to get some exercise without having to spend a ton of money on a gym membership. These are some great tips thanks so much for sharing. Now i just need to get motivated.
I am fit without the gym! I walk around my neighborhood to get my steps in!
I wish I had hills and mountains to look at while I ran! I definitely love good scenery
I have a love hate with the gym. I dont mind it, but I would rather be outside.
These are really great tips! It really shows you don’t need to go to the gym to get fit!
I love this! Getting outdoors in the fresh air is the BEST way to get fit IMO.
There really are a ton of ways to get fit without incurring gym costs. My two older boys made a gym at home when they were in high school. And swimming lessons is a good one too!
My dh and i do an online gym that’s like $8/mo. We get a great workout in at home and never leave the house.
I’m a runner so anytime I can just get out and run, I’m happy. Plus it only costs me new shoes!
Outdoor activities are good, riding a bike is the most easy thing to do, just simple ride around to relax, go to mountain biking if you have time.
Thanks for nice post!