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The bottom line here is that if your desire to improve your health is there, you can do it regardless of what kind of budget you’re working with. There are options for all budgets.
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So, you want to start your fitness journey, but you’re on a tight budget. No worries, my friend, all hope is not lost. There are plenty of things you can do while working within a tight budget, and we’re going to talk about them now.
First of all, know that there is virtually nothing that is “necessary” for your fitness journey — well, aside from the desire to improve your health. But as long as you have that, you can make it work with any budget.
The most basic aspect of starting your fitness journey is moving your body more than you currently do. Movement can look like a lot of things; it does not have to be in a gym. You can follow online workout routines, work out with a friend at home, go for daily runs outside, dance in the kitchen while you make dinner or any of the hundreds of other forms of movement. As long as you start moving more than what you’re currently doing, you will notice an improvement in no time.
Does it help to have a gym membership? Absolutely. But if purchasing a gym membership is out of your budget, you can certainly still start your fitness journey. YouTube has thousands of workout videos that you can follow at home, or you could look into local fitness classes, which are usually budget friendly as well.
If you are able to afford a gym membership but have no clue where to start with working out, searching online for routines to follow can be extremely overwhelming. Personal trainers can also be on the pricey side; however, many trainers also offer small packages (one or two sessions) for educational purposes so that you can learn how to safely do some basic movements, learn how to use the machines at the gym or even ask for guidance with choosing and following an online workout routine.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to inquire with your local gym or workout group regarding a lower cost option; some places offer options for those on a limited income.
Home gym equipment can be costly as well, but you don’t need a lot to start. If you are new to working out, one or two pairs of dumbbells would be more than enough to get you going. I suggest going lighter than you think you will need, at least for the beginning, because you can always do more reps with lighter weight; but if the weight is too heavy, you’ll be limited on what you’re able to safely do.
You could also look into getting a set of resistance bands, which are great for home workouts and usually very budget friendly. Check local resale stores for hand-me-down fitness items, or try posting on online marketplaces for used items that people may be looking to donate or sell for a reasonable price.
Gym clothes are also known for being pretty expensive. That being said, there are definitely some brands that are budget friendly. I do strongly recommend having at least a couple pairs of workout clothes to wear to the gym because they are more adapted to sweating and helping your body to cool as you work out.
Proper workout shoes are also important to make sure you are working out in a safe manner. You can also check out local resale shops for some great deals on workout clothes and shoes or look for hand-me-downs from friends or family.
A big misconception is that healthy food is more expensive. And while this might be true for some things, you can definitely still eat healthy while on a tighter budget. Buying things in bulk — like meat, rice, oats or potatoes — can help to stay within your budget. You can also look at buying frozen fruit and vegetable options, as that can also be more budget friendly, and they will keep longer as well.
Lastly, eating at home rather than takeout will almost always lead to lower costs and healthier meals. Get into the habit of planning out your meals for the week to help reduce frequency of grocery store trips.
In addition, learning how to meal prep can save on time and efficiency for getting healthy meals on the table. If you have a nutritious meal already prepped at home, that can help to deter you from the drive-through run after work on a busy night. Plan ahead, and watch yourself succeed.
The bottom line here is that if your desire to improve your health is there, you can do it regardless of what kind of budget you’re working with. There are options for all budgets in the health and fitness world, but sometimes it takes a little more creativity to make it happen.
Remember this: Spending any amount of money on your health and fitness won’t just be a good investment … it will be the best investment you could ever make.
