How to save money on keeping fit

I had an £80 per month gym membership until last summer when I left teaching.  I liked going to the gym and using the running machine, followed by a sit in the jacuzzi and possibly twenty minutes in the sauna.  I would take the children swimming once a week during term time and a bit more during the holidays.  However it was something that I had to give up.  I didn’t really get £80 worth every month if I’m honest.  I didn’t actually even need to sit in the sauna it wasn’t for health benefits more of a reason not to go home and get the dinner started if I am honest! Therefore all I was using the gym for was some running and and a bit of weight lifting.

Now I run most mornings.  I drop the children at school and I run from there.  I do about 4k a day it doesn’t take me long I’m home about 9am and I then do a few sit ups before heading to the shower.  I then find I am alert and ready to start answering emails and writing.  I love it.

At first it was hard and I had to force myself to put my running gear on at 7.30am but now it wakes me up and gets me going.  I am enjoying being outdoors and I love seeing the sky and running through the park.  The first time I ran in the rain and felt it on my skin was pretty good, there is something so satisfying about being outdoors.  What is interesting is that I enjoy running outdoors far more than I ever did on a treadmill and I run further now too.

 

My tips for keeping fit on a budget

1. Use free apps to track your progress and goals.  I rate MapMyRun which gives me data like how far I have run, my calories used and my split times.  It stores the data so you can witness your achievements.  I like that as I am running it gives me my distance and time every mile.

2. Park Run’s are free events that take place all over the country. They meet each week for a 5KM race and they even record your time for you. Registration is free and it is a great way to run with others and enjoy running for fun.  I plan to start doing these each week.

3. Use a DVD or even better use YouTube (it’s free) and exercise at home.  The 30 day shred is a popular series of exercises and these are shown on YouTube and you can then do them in the comfort of your own home.

4. Look at adding more fitness into your daily routine.  Can you cycle to work which will save you money, keep you fit and maybe even save you stress if the commute is in rush hour and traffic hotspots?

5. Lastly if you want to use some free weights and do some gentle exercises use tins of beans (or similar) from the kitchen.  They are often the ideal weights needed.  If you do want to get some specific hand weights keep an eye in charity shops as many often end up here after a well intended set of New Year resolutions.

This week I am privileged to be announcing that I will be co-hosting Fabulously Frugal with Jen, Cass and Becca each Sunday. It is a blog hop where I really want to know how you save money. I really am looking for inspirational ways to live well but for less money. We are share the vision that we like nice things but want them to be affordable. Please link up any posts that save parents money.