Lots of people make New Year’s resolutions to start working out, but the numbers show that less than 20% keep it up more than two months past January 1st. It doesn’t have to be that way, though! Here are some ways you can keep your New Year’s resolution and save money by not signing up for an expensive annual gym membership...
Keeping Fit Doesn't Have to Cost a Lot
If you’re looking for a way to work out in 2018 that doesn’t involve breaking your budget, there are plenty of easy ways to find free or cheap exercise. If you want information on how you can save money, check out this list of tips for keeping fit without going broke. Even if you need more convincing about joining a gym but don’t have time for a workout at home, these tips can help motivate and lead you towards working out more often.
Buy A Good Pair of Shoes
Our feet have hundreds of bones, muscles, and joints. That’s why they can get sore so easily. The right pair of shoes can help by providing more cushion and support when you’re on your feet all day. If you shop online, you can often find a good pair of workout shoes for less than $100. And if you think about it as an investment in your health and happiness, that’s a pretty sweet deal!
Get The Right Attire
If you’re trying to change your workout routine, first get new gym clothes. Exercising in clothing that’s comfortable but different from what you normally wear can inspire people to move differently. Also consider changing up your scenery—working out at a new location, like a park or a beach, can help keep you on track. You could even sign up for an exercise class as an extra accountability measure.
Choose the Right Time For Exercise
It’s hard enough finding time for exercise, so if you want to work out—literally and figuratively—it’s crucial to choose an appropriate time. Many health experts recommend that you schedule your workouts in advance and put them on your calendar as meetings (just like a business meeting or dinner with friends). This way, they won’t be bumped by a last-minute errand or party invite.
Find the Best Workout Equipment
You can find treadmills, elliptical machines, and weight-lifting equipment at most gyms. That said, how you exercise is up to you. Exercise bikes are a great alternative for people who don’t like treadmills—you can watch TV or listen to music while using them. Also, consider taking a class with other people—Zumba and yoga are both awesome options if you want a fun new way to get active.
Create Music Playlists
People who exercise without music aren’t getting as much out of their workouts as those who do, according to research. Specifically, people who listened to music in their first workout sessions were more likely to stick with it over time than those who didn’t.
Find Something You Enjoy
Exercising is easier when you’re doing something you enjoy, such as hitting a ball with a bat or swimming. And if you don’t want to shell out $200 for a gym membership that won’t get used, take advantage of your living space and invest in some home gym equipment. You can find a wide variety of affordable options online, including dumbbells and kettlebells, resistance bands and yoga mats.
Get Accountability From Friends
A study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that people who kept their goals private were less likely to stick with them than those who made their goals public. Next time you decide to work out more, tell a friend and get each other accountable. You’ll be more likely to keep your resolution if you know someone else is depending on you for motivation.
Try Different Class Types
Instead of trying to join a new expensive gym, why not try out different class types and find ones that you enjoy? Join a yoga studio, take a few classes at your local dance school or even download some workout videos from YouTube. Try out lots of different workouts until you find one that fits your lifestyle and doesn’t break your budget.
Tell Everyone You're Going To Do It
If your goal is to sign up for a gym membership, set it as a Facebook status. Tell everyone you’re going to go exercise in January, and mean it when you say it. If you tell other people that your goal is exercise, then there’s no way they will not remind you. This also keeps them accountable for making sure that you go and exercise. A little peer pressure goes a long way!