Use these fun, free and frugal ideas to get fit without a gym membership. You don’t need to spend a lot to get your exercise on!
We all know that to stay healthy, its important to stay active. Whether or not you have (or can afford) a membership to a gym, there are plenty of ways to get your exercise without spending big bucks.
To get you started, we have a few ideas of how to stay fit without a gym membership.
How to Stay Fit without a Gym Membership
Hit the Playground
A playground has lots of equipment designed for play that can also be used for getting fit. Do pull ups on the monkey bars, do dips on a park bench, push your child on the swing, just get moving and have FUN!
Free Fitness Videos
Do you like the idea of an exercise class or direction in your exercise, but don’t want to pay for a class or videos? If so, you can get fitness videos for free. Either rent free DVDs from your local library or go online to YouTube where you’ll find free full-length video. Lionsgate BeFit has over 600 free videos available from top trainers like Jillian Michaels, Denise Austin and Scott Herman.
Community Resources
Many cities have community education programs where you can take group classes for low prices. Many also have “open gym” nights with volleyball or basketball that is open for anyone who wants to join in, again often for just a few dollars. Check with your local school district – they usually can provide information about what sessions are being held and how you can join in.
Be a Volunteer
Volunteering can be a great way to get active while doing good. Look for opportunities like walking dogs for an animal shelter, doing yard work and shoveling snow for senior citizens, etc. You can find lots of opportunities through Volunteers of America. Not only will you be helping your health, you’ll be helping others too!
Mira V says
Great tips!! I failed on my new year resolution so those will help me get back on track!
Janel says
Great tips, I hate the gym since I’m more of a private person and don’t like being in large groups of people,so I typically walk in my neighborhood and/or work out at home.
Chelle says
There are lots of things you can do around the house that simply use your own body weight. 🙂
Dana Matthews says
One of my New Year’s resolutions is to get healthier. Being a single parent I can’t afford a monthly gym membership….thanks for the encouragement to be creative and use what is already available.!
Duke Vukadinovic says
I totally agree with you that getting a great workout doesn’t need to happen within the walls of a fitness facility. I’m much more motivated to get my workout outside and know I’m not the only one who likes a little fresh air. In fact, playgrounds for adults are being planned in several states across the country 🙂
shelly peterson says
This great information. This is helpful for those who don’t like going to a gym or cant afford it.
Rosie says
I just do exercises at home, not the same as going to the gym, but I can’t afford it and don’t have the time. Also I got impetigo on my face from when I went to the highest rated gym in my state, and don’t want that ever again.
Sara Zielinski says
Great tips for staying fit.