Forget the Gym, Workout for Free!

By Yasarh (view all posts by Yasarh)
at 10:03AM Thursday July 16, 2009
under Money Saving Tips

Thinking about getting in shape, but you don't want to shell out the $30-$60 a month to join a gym? I've got good news for you: you don't have to. There are tons of ways to get in shape without spending all that money on a gym membership that you probably won't be using for more than a couple of weeks.

Here are some of my favorites:

Run, Don't Walk: For the price of a pair of running shoes, you've got a simple way to a great cardio workout. By increasing your pace and your distance as you improve your speed and endurance, you whittle away the pounds as you pound the pavement. Walking at a brisk pace will give you many of the same benefits as running, with less wear on your joints and muscles.
Ride your bike: Besides saving money on gas, you can get a decent cardio workout by just biking to wherever it is your heart desires. In some cases it's even faster than driving if you figure out shortcuts you can take.
Look up workouts on the Internet: There are tons of free workout programs out there on the web that will give you daily exercises that will work out your entire body and they actually work. Some of them require you have some equipment but they usually offer alternatives if you don't have the equipment available. One of the most popular sites is crossfit.com. Or, for a modest investment, get a celebrity-style workout with personal training podcasts from iTrain.
Play a game: I'm not talking about a video game or playing backgammon. Try taking a deck of cards and alternate between doing sit-ups, push-ups, and squats and doing as many reps that show up on the cards. It sounds easy but it adds up and gets you in decent shape. You can even throw in other exercises if you choose or think of another game yourself. Or round up some buddies and get together for a game of hoops, touch football or soccer. Getting exercise doesn't have to be a chore or a bore when you make a game of it.

With all of these alternatives to getting in shape, there really isn't any need to waste all of that hard earned money on a gym. Most of the alternatives are cheaper (even free) and are usually a lot more fun. Now stop reading this and go out and get in shape!

Attention gamers: Follow me on Twitter for great video game deals - @YasarSavings.