If you're on a tight budget, there are a number of cheap fitness products that can help you lose weight and get in shape. You won't need a lot of equipment to get moving, but it helps to find great deals on what you might need.
Sources for Affordable Exercise Equipment
If you have your eye on a treadmill, weight bench, or another large piece of exercise equipment, try one of the following options:
- Check the classified ads in your local newspaper. Many people often sell their used exercise equipment at a fraction of the original cost. If you live in a larger community, you may also want to see what is available on Craigslist.
- Look for bargains on eBay. However, it's important to consider the cost of shipping before you make your final purchase.
- See if someone is willing to part with an item on Freecycle. It may not be in top condition, but paying for necessary repairs is often cheaper than buying an entirely new piece of equipment.
- Visit Play It Again Sports online or a store in your area. This chain of stores offers great deals on a variety of used sports and fitness equipment.
- You'll find everything from heart rate monitors and dumbbells to fitness DVDs and home equipment on the website Exercise and Fitness.
- Big box stores such as Target and Walmart offer special online discounts for fitness gear. You can sometimes have it shipped for free to the location nearest you.
Options for Cheap Fitness Products
Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to be rich to get fit. It's now easier than ever to find cheap fitness products to incorporate into your workout routine.
Pedometer
A pedometer is a small device that keeps track of how many steps you take during the day. You can often buy a quality pedometer for less than $20. Use it to challenge yourself to take at least 10,000 steps per day. If you make an effort to go for a walk on your lunch break, park farther away from your destination, and take the stairs instead of using the elevator, you'll see results before you know it!
Jump Rope
Jump ropes aren't just for children. Jumping rope is an affordable total body work out. In fact, you can burn up to 750 calories an hour by enjoying this fun form of exercise.
Hand Weights
Using hand weights during your workout is a great way to tone and shape your body. Hand weights are available in a variety of different sizes to accommodate the needs of both beginning and experienced athletes. If you're on an extremely tight budget, try using canned goods or filling empty soda bottles with sand to make homemade weights, or use your own body as resistance by doing push-ups and leg lunges.
Fitness DVDs
Whether you're interested in yoga, Pilates, or aerobics, there's a fitness DVD that fits your needs. Prices typically range from $10 to $20, but you can try borrowing DVDs from your local library or swapping with a friend for even greater savings.
Radio
You may not think of your radio as a frugal fitness product, but dancing is a great way to get in shape. Crank up your favorite music and dance for 15-to-30 minutes to enjoy a workout that's guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
Spend a Little Now, Save a A Lot Later
While saving money on fitness equipment is important, remember that even a slight investment in your health now may make a big difference in other costs in the future, such as health insurance and doctor's bills. A combination of proper diet and exercise is one of the best ways to reduce your healthcare costs.
