When I switched careers last year and my paychecks shrunk considerably, I decided that I needed to make some changes to my budget. One of the first expenses that I got rid of was my gym membership, which was costing me almost $90 a month (I live in NYC). At first I was worried about how this change would impact my health, but it turns out that I didn't need to worry. I'm in better shape now than I have been for years and I don't miss the gym one bit. If you are considering dropping your gym membership to save money, I say go for it. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your non-gym workout experience.
1) Invest in the Right Equipment
One of the most difficult transitions for me was going from running inside to running outside in the winter. After a few frigid runs, I realized that I needed to invest in some serious cold weather running gear. It cost me a little bit of money up front, but my gym savings more than made up for it. Buy the proper equipment for your workouts and you will get a lot more out of them.
2) Ask the Experts
Just because you can't afford your personal trainer anymore doesn't mean that you're on your own. There are a lot of great websites out there that are run by top trainers. Log on and find a plan that works for you. I used Hal Higdon's 10K training program last year and ran my first 10K ever.
3) Buy a Monitor
When you workout at the gym, your treadmill or bike monitors your speed, distance, and heart rate. Without those numbers flashing in front of you, you can fool yourself into believing you're working harder than you really are. I suggest that you buy a pedometer, heart rate monitor, or both. There are plenty of inexpensive versions and a monitor can help you to keep track of your real progress.
4) Don't Forget to Flex Your Muscles
It's pretty easy to do your cardio without a gym. Strength training is more difficult, but there are a lot of great DVDs out there. I suggest using Netflix to preview a few before you buy one. Now that I've found some pilates videos that I love, I'm actually stronger than I was before I quit the gym. I always hated using those weights!
5) Hit the Trails
One of my favorite discoveries this year was finding a nearby park with a circuit training trail. I remembered them from childhood gym class but hadn't been on one in years. Once I started jogging the loop and stopping periodically to do push-ups, crunches, squats, and chin-ups, I realized I was getting a great workout. Now I hit this circuit at least once a week.
6) Treat Yourself
I love yoga and I have found that I get a lot more out of it when I attend class as opposed to practicing on my own. I decided to treat myself to yoga class a few times a month. Even with this expense, I still saved over $50 a month. Figure out what your fitness indulgences are and treat yourself now and then!
Last year, I went from spending $1080 on fitness to spending about $400. The savings were great and I feel more fit now than when I belonged to the gym. It was a win-win situation for me.
Does anyone else have good tips for working out without a gym? Please share them!
Comments (7)
Good tips.
I'm going to be picking up on writing the "Strength Training Without A Gym" series here on Healthkicker. I'm in the process of compiling and writing it right now.
@chow@ireallylikefood - please do. my ymca membership expired and I'm waiting for my school weightroom to open. I'm dying without lifting, even my running has started to suffer and it's only been a week.
And the classic bodyweight exercises mean you don't need a gym for fitness. The Ebook is on way after the classical unique bodyweight exercises posts got everyoneis attention. But this article is a good reminder to every one.
www.stayfitbug.com
I guess I’m lucky because there is a running trail along the mountainous highway and it has that padded surface (like the tracks do) for a few miles. The scenery on the other side of the mountain in the next city is amazing.
If I were in a gym, I would get bored after 30 minutes and would put it off if I came home late. Here, I can go running at night if I feel that I want to because I know the street lights will be on.
To be honest, I hate the days where I have to do cardio in the gym. SOmetimes I even elect to skip it than to go around a track where 8 times = a mile or get on a cardio machine.
For strength training at home I like to use light weights and resistance bands.
I used to workout on my own too....until I won a three month free membership to the MAC and then I became addicted. I am what they call a gym rat. I am there everyday for about an hour an a half. I do mostly cardio. I hate weights...most of my strength training comes from doing squats and things...But then after my three mon membership was up I left for college and UMD had the gym included. and it was an aweeesome gym...I utilized pretty much everything they had except the indoor pool. which I sort of regret..since I am no longer a student there.
when I came home not being able to go to the gym was really odd...and running outside just wasnt doing it for me anymore I couldnt motivate myself to go and run and when I did it was such a chore. I had fallen into a rut and I knew something had to be done about it. I decided to go and joi the gym n pay the monthly fee. I re joined the gym I was at before I left for school and I go everyday and spend about an hour and a half there....I love it!!!
im starting to see my body come back to the way it was and I am extremely happy with my progress....
I think I will always be a gym member...unless I get my own.
I just invested in a set of weights and started working out at home. I have a few books for training tips and exercises, and sometimes I'll browse youtube for new material. Unfortunately, I'm at school and my beloved weights are 2800 miles away
Of course, plyometrics are also great if one doesn't have access to a gym