I’m sure that I’m not the only person who hears about a new gym or sport, thinks it sounds cool and checks it out, only to almost throw up when I see the price tag. That is not an example of how to stay fit on a budget.
$80 for a weekday ski pass? Yikes.
$200 a month for a gym with an attached tanning salon and in-house chef. Not what I’m looking for.
If you work out to stay in shape, are trying a new hobby, want to meet some new friends, or just want to get ripped bro, you probably don’t want to immediately drop hundreds of dollars on memberships or equipment.
And there’s no reason you need to. There are plenty of ways to get a good workout without breaking the bank.
Here are a few ways to work out, stay fit, and maybe even have some fun, on a budget.
Staying fit and bringing your friend to the gym
There are plenty of gym chains out there. They provide members with quality workout equipment, multiple location options, and flexible hours of operation for under $30 a month.
Some gyms such as Planet Fitness (Black Card members) and our own Philadelphia Rock Gyms even let members bring a guest to work out with them. They also offer discounts on other fitness options such as classes or personal training.
Even basic laps or reps can be a blast if you’re hanging out with a friend while doing them.
Find an affordable facility and make plans with a friend to work out together once or twice a week.
Remember, most places will offer a free trial period. You can make sure the facilities and equipment are to your liking before committing to a location. Plus, if your friend really likes the place and they choose to sign up for a membership of their own, many gyms will give you rewards for referrals.
If you are searching for how to stay fit on a budget without being bored this is definitely a good move.
*College students can bring a friend to their campus recreation centers. Most major colleges have 1-3 gyms around campus. They offer students everything from weights and indoor tracks to pools and tennis courts, all covered by tuition.
Stay fit and try alternative fitness
Are you looking for a gym with a few more options than Planet Fitness? Are you not willing to pay $150+ monthly dues even if this includes access to a spa, aromatherapy chamber, rooftop lounge, and a butler? Ok just kidding on that last one.
Finding a middle ground between these two extremes can be tricky. Picking up a new, less mainstream sport can be a clever way to do so.
Alternative fitness gyms are becoming more and more common, and tend to offer membership prices between $40-$90 per month.
This usually includes access to a space dedicated to that sport. Depending on the facility, it may include the equipment you might find at a standard gym, such as weights and cardio machines.
As a bonus, these gyms frequently offer members complimentary or discounted classes. A few suggestions include dance and yoga studios, ninja warrior or parkour gyms, martial arts or kickboxing studios, and rock-climbing gyms.
At Philadelphia Rock Gyms, we have multiple locations in the Greater Philadelphia area with membership prices running between $45-60 per month. Another local area gym, High Voltage Gym in Limerick, PA, offers instruction in a variety of different martial arts for $50 per month.
*Colleges often have clubs with instruction led by students or faculty members who are familiar with the sport. Usually, there is a 2-3 week free trial period at the start of the semester. Fees are usually far cheaper than any other facility is likely to offer.
Budget and buy used equipment
It can be hard to know exactly where to start when getting into a new sport on your own.
What equipment do you need, what’s the best gym for it, and where can you get good instruction? All of this is much easier to learn if you have a friend to point you in the right direction.
Think about some of the ways your friends stay fit, and figure out what sounds fun to you. Then ask your friend if you could tag along one day. Not only is this a good, low-commitment way to see if you like a sport, but it’s likely to be more fun for both of you. You’re working out together instead of on your own!
If it turns out you want to pursue the sport, this can be a good way to find the necessary equipment. Your friend might be willing to sell or pass down some of their equipment when making upgrades. This can be a good way to lower the entry cost of some expensive sports, like kayaking, biking, or skiing.
If you take this route and get some useful pointers or cheap gear from a friend, make sure to say thanks by paying for dinner or a 6-pack after training one day. A pizza and some beer in exchange for lessons or secondhand gear is a pretty good deal.
*If you find a sport that you’re excited to pursue that requires equipment, look in Facebook groups in your area or at REI garage sales. You can find great quality secondhand gear for very reasonable prices.
Budget and bring the gym outside
If you just want an effective, no-frills workout but aren’t excited about being stuck inside, skip the gym and head somewhere outside to train.
Gyms are stuffy and dark, which can kill motivation. Save the money you would spend on your membership for a rainy day. Go for a run on a local trail, do yoga in the park, or find a boulder and rock climb in the sunshine.
Maybe there’s a lake nearby where you can swim in the warmer months. Or get your dumbbells and medicine balls out of the basement and bring them to the backyard.
Being in the sun feels much nicer than indoors, and it’s free. Or even better, have a friend come over and do a backyard or park workout together. It shouldn’t be too hard to convince them. Who wouldn’t be psyched to get outside and get some exercise without needing to pay?
How To Stay Fit On a Budget?
You can get fit on a budget if you are flexible. Working out with a friend who has a gym membership will keep you and them accountable.
Try an alternative sport, such as climbing, to keep working out exciting and affordable.And don’t forget that weather-permitting exercise can be invigorating with sunshine on your face.
Even better is if you can use the super-discounted used gear you snatched up at the same time. Getting fit has never been better (and cheaper)!
