Fun Ways to Get Fit and Healthy Without Busting Your Budget

Putting in the work.

There are plenty of trendy—and expensive—fitness routines and diet plans that can guide you to good health. But these aren’t necessary. In reality, being healthy is easy and affordable! Anyone on any budget can exercise, and you can save on gear by shopping at retailers like Walmart and using Groupon codes. There are also cost-effective ways to eat clean and practice self-care. Here are some fun and budget-friendly ways to get fit and feel great.

Work Out at Home with Inexpensive Gear

Engaging in regular exercise is one of the best ways to promote your head-to-toe health. Studies show that physical activity keeps the heart healthy, improves mood, eases back pain, and lowers the risk of several diseases. Fortunately, getting your body moving is extremely cheap!

Find a few different forms of exercise you enjoy, and keep it simple. If you like running, pick up an affordable pair of quality runners from a retailer like Walmart, which has plenty of budget-friendly options for men and women. If weight lifting is your thing, design a low-cost gym in your own home—all you need is some weights and a mat. You can find plenty of affordable workout gear by clicking on this link and using a Groupon promo code or coupon. That way, you can splurge on a few additional pieces of exercise equipment, like an exercise ball, jump rope, and resistance band. To get the most out of your budget, buy multi-use equipment rather than specialized machines that only train certain muscles.

Count Nutrients Instead of Calories

Although counting calories is a common weight-loss method, it can be problematic. According to dieticians, it’s much more effective to pay attention to the foods you’re eating than the precise number of calories you’re consuming. This is great news, because keeping track of each and every calorie gets old very quickly.

Focus your diet on whole foods and try to get plenty of essential nutrients in every meal. Check out this list of six key nutrients to incorporate into your diet. For example, whole grains and beans are good sources of complex carbohydrates, while colorful veggies are packed with powerful antioxidants. Contrary to popular belief, eating healthy doesn’t have to be bland. Keep things fun by trying out new recipes and using spices and herbs to stimulate your taste buds. Try some of these recipes from Taste of Home to keep your meals under budget.

Unfortunately, many people think that following a healthy diet is expensive. But when you shop for whole foods instead of processed products, it’s entirely possible to save money while eating clean. Dried beans, brown rice, and oats are dirt-cheap pantry staples. Also, Forbes points out that these unprocessed foods are sold in greater quantities, allowing consumers to get more servings out of them. When it comes to protein, save money by substituting meat for legumes, eggs, or canned fish a couple of days per week.

Practice Free Self-Care Strategies

While eating well and exercising are important for your whole-body health, your mental health can really benefit from some relaxation. Self-care means something different to everyone, whether it’s relaxing in a bath or giving your brain the gift of a full night’s sleep. There’s really no wrong way to do it! You don’t need expensive creams, luxury vacations, or pricey trips to the salon to treat yourself. Instead, think of some free self-care activities you will enjoy, and make time for them on a daily basis. Go on a walk, practice yoga, or snuggle up on the couch with a good book—it’s up to you. Self-care is all about doing what makes you feel good.

A tight budget shouldn’t keep you from pursuing the healthy, happy life you’ve always wanted. In fact, getting fit may even save you money in the future by reducing your risk of contracting diseases like diabetes. Plus, the money you do spend on exercise gear or healthy food choices is money well spent—you can’t put a price on feeling great!

By: Jennifer McGregor