Counting Pennies

Lack of money is no excuse for lack of exercise. I worked for many years as a personal trainer and I always told my clients that you don’t need to sign up for a gym membership in order to get fit and lose weight.

Take Advantage of Your Environment

There are no rules that say you need an actual gym to get a good workout. In fact, getting your daily dose of exercise outdoors or by doing simple everyday chores at a higher intensity can be equally effective. Before you despair for not being able to afford a high-tech option, head to your local park and search for an open playground. If there are benches, monkey bars and other type of metal construction, you should be able to workout most muscle groups (think pull-ups, ab training and triceps dips) without any trouble. Otherwise, simply use your own furniture at home to do this and then head to the park for your cardio workout: take to the trails, use the local track or play Frisbee with the kids.

Look for Discounts

Lots of gyms offer a trial membership so you can try their place and see if it fits you. While these trials are short (one to two weeks is the norm), it may be a good solution if you are just temporarily short of money and will eventually be able to pay for a membership. Otherwise, look for ways to get a discount based on other factors. For example, many gyms offer free membership to their workers. This may mean something as simply as working a few hours behind the desk or as involved as becoming a trainer there. If you are over 65 or have a medical condition, you may be able to work out at a local Y for a reduced price as well.

Buy Your Own Equipment

While spending money doesn’t seem to be the smartest idea if you’re on a budget, the truth is that having your own workout equipment can save you tons in the long run. While a full-size gym may be out of reach for most people, don’t overlook the opportunities that abound at garage sales, online stores and second-hand shops. From small sets of dumbbells to workout stations that come complete with cables and pulleys, buying something used can be a great moneysaver and a good jumpstart to your workout. If your budget is very small, start with some basic items, such as step and a weighed bar or a par of dumbbells and that should get you through a few months of workouts before you need to upgrade to anything heavier or more involved.