Saturday, February 14, 2009

HMAH Tip #15 Save Money Ditch the Gym

I may get a lot of "boo"s from the gyms throughtout the world, but my next tip could save you a bunch of money. Ditch your gym! I'm not saying to ditch exercising--just the gym.

Gym memberships generally run $19.95 a month or about $240 a year. Think of all the ways you could use that $240. Now I'm sure you can come up with a bunch of reasons to keep going to the gym like emotional support, variety, etc.

There have been plenty of ways you can get your exercise that do not require going to a gym. Here are a few examples just to name a few:
  • Walking
  • Jogging
  • Aerobics
  • Exercise videos
  • Kick boxing
As for emotional support, this is easy, get an exercise buddy or go online and sign up for a support group. An awesome support group online is http://www.Sparkpeople.com. Best of all, it's fr*ee. They offer forums so you can talk with others anytime day or night. There is an online or printable food diary to keep track of calories, fat grams, carbs, etc. Sparkpeople also offers an exercise log with tons of pictures and directions on how to execute the exercises correctly.

Some people will complain about lack of variety. There are tons of different things you can do in addition to the ones listed above to stay active. You can take up basketball, dancing, yoga, tai chi, tennis, racket ball, golf, or a number of any other activities.

The great thing about working out at home is most exercises are free or very low cost with no equipment required. Also, you don't need to drive your car to the gym and back wasting time and gas just to get there.

Really consider dropping your gym membership if you want to save some money. Find new and exciting ways to get your exercise each day.

Don't just take my word for it here are links supporting exercises that could be done at home:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/walking/HQ01612
http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/11/02/the-health-benefits-of-dancing----including-specific-benefits-of-different-dances.htm
http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/beginnersguide/yogabenefits.asp
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aerobic-exercise/EP00002

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