Wellness on a Budget: How to Stay Fit for Less
As someone who loves to follow fitness trends, my social media feeds are constantly filled with new wellness products. Vibration plates, kettlebells, protein powders — they all promise incredible results.
I’m often left wondering how to navigate this booming wellness marketplace without wasting money.
They told me to lean on free workouts, trial periods and workplace benefits.
“I’ve been on my own health and wellness journey for the last 10 years and I’ve tried it all,” says Laura Adams, accredited financial counselor and financial coach in Wilmington, North Carolina.
She discovered that for her, the best way to stay fit doesn’t cost much. For her, it’s important to be active every day, even when she’s tired. Movement could be as simple as going for a walk or a bike ride.
Take trial periods for a spin
“Find a gym that will let you come for a month without completing the contract, or sign up for one month for a fitness app rather than paying for the entire year,” she says.
I took this approach when considering whether or not to buy a Peloton bike. I tried out cycle classes with free YouTube videos using an old bike before committing to any new equipment or subscriptions.
Adams adds that you might think you’d enjoy Pilates but then realize you hate it after trying free video classes online for a month.
“Make sure you can really commit before investing financially,” she says.
Get more out of your existing subscriptions
If you already subscribe to an entertainment streaming service or pay for cable, it may offer fitness classes for free.
“There are so many at-home workouts you can do with a YouTube subscription,” says Jasmine Johnson, an accredited financial counselor and certified financial therapist based in Chicago.
Lean on (but don’t necessarily copy) friends
Who needs to pay for a fitness coach when you have a support team available through social media or a phone call?
Johnson suggests asking a friend to meet you at the gym or go for a walk together. She also likes to share on social media when she’s walking.
“People will engage with me while I’m walking, and that keeps me consistent,” she says.
“Just because someone else is suggesting it doesn’t mean that’s what you need. Staying frugal comes down to doing something that you enjoy,” she says. For her, that means a lot of walking and hiking, two activities that are generally free.
Apply available discounts
If you’re going to sign up for a gym membership, Johnson says, try to do so during a promotion period when extra discounts are available. Promotions are typically offered during the end of the year, beginning of the year and early summer.
Factor in the long-term benefits
Some wellness investments can pay off over time and might be worth an initial investment, Adams says. She puts mental-health therapy treatments — such as chiropractic care or acupuncture — and healthy food into this category.
“All of these things might seem like splurges, but they are ways to invest in yourself that will pay off long-term. Your dividends will be a longer life, less health expenses and less lost income due to illness,” she says.
I’m feeling better about my Peloton bike investment already.
