Whether you’re self-motivated, need encouragement, or professional structure and guidance, we look at the ways you can save on a gym membership but still keep your healthy habits.
Your physical health is important. Whether you work out a lot or occasionally, whether you are fit or trying to get fit – health is never something you should save on. (Disclaimer: your mental health is just as important, please don’t neglect that either).
So, while you shouldn’t be saving time in your busy schedule by skipping a healthy workout, you can certainly save money by changing how you work out.
Gyms aren’t cheap. If you pay around £45-£50 a month, you are lucky. In most cities, it will cost you more just for gym access, with more on top if you want to add on some classes or other services (or parking, and now even more expensive petrol to get there). Is it time to quit the gym and find an alternative? Not that gyms are evil, but if you are trying to save a little every month, then maybe this is the place to start.
What can you do to keep your healthy habits?
First, look at what motivates you to work out and what you need to get motivated. That will help you decide on the best strategy for you.
If you love working out and don’t need any motivation from the outside, simply move your workout routine to your home. Grab a mat, some resistance bands and even a few weights if you need them. Sure, it’s an investment at first, but everything you need won’t cost you more than a month or two at the gym, and they will be yours to use whenever you please (and so much more sanitary!).
While you can’t do the exact same exercises as you would do on let’s say a rowing machine, you can still look up equivalent exercises for each group of muscles online. If your home set up allows it, you can even print out the exercises, so you have a reference and you’ll have a workout zone. And instead of jumping on a treadmill, you can go outside for a run and get to know your surroundings in a whole new way.
The advantages: you only need to invest once, then you can use everything as much as you want, and if needed, you could eventually resell. You are also more flexible in your work out times as you can squeeze it in more easily with no commute! Another advantage? You can shower right at home. The other good thing is that you can work around other chores: turn the washing machine on between two sets or check on dinner.
When you need a little motivation
Some of us however need the motivation from the outside, meaning other people to hold them accountable. At the gym, you feel the pressure to go, because the regulars (and the staff) will see if you don’t show up.
This can easily be solved: create your own group to hold you accountable. Work out together if you can (go for a run, do yoga in the park, or meet up at someone’s house if you or they have the space). It doesn’t have to be daily. A weekly meet-up on the weekend may be enough to motivate you to train during the week.
If your schedules just don’t allow it, keep each other motivated; do it at the same time (but in your own homes), send each other motivational messages and – very important – plan rewards if you achieve your goals.
The advantages: you are much more likely to keep going (at any project) if you are not doing it alone. The feeling of motivating others and being part of a positive change for them is gratifying and generally, doing something with other people gives you a social activity to look forward to.
If you need structure and guidance…
Sometimes the reason you go to the gym is for guidance. If you are a novice, or trying out a new type of workout, or just feel better with having someone show you what to do, then know that there are plenty of classes online you can follow.
If you are also part of category two, where you need outside motivation, take a look at classes that are live on YouTube for example, meaning you have to take part in morning yoga every day at 6.30am, for example.
Think of the type of exercise you usually do and check out videos online. Either, you work with the same video every day, until you are ready to move to a new routine, or you can look for a series. Again, if you need to sign up to get extra content, it is often a one-time investment.
The advantages: you can choose between a live class or a recorded one depending on your schedule; you can change workouts, teachers and routines as often as you like and, most importantly, you will find whatever you need online. There is something out there for everyone, from beginners to experts, from cardio to strength training. Whether you are looking to lose weight and want exercises that are easy on the joints, or are pregnant, or post-partum, whether it’s a women’s only workout or something to involve the family – there are endless options. There are even workouts you can do in bed – we are not kidding!
Featured image: Karolina Kaboompics
