It's no secret that it's important to keep active to maintain your health. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults receive at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity every week.
Unfortunately, only one in five adults maintains the recommended amount of physical activity and up to 67% of people with gym memberships never use them.
Of course, it can be tricky to stay active when you don't have access to a gym or if you can't afford to visit one. So what can you do to stay fit when a gym membership just isn't in your budget? Here are four ways you can stay active without busting your bank account.
- Go for hikes around your local park. You don't need to live in the mountains to go hiking. Just going for a brisk walk along the local trails can give you the vigorous exercise you need to stay healthy. Just be sure that you wear the right equipment before you go hiking to avoid blisters.
- Watch workout videos on YouTube. You may not have it in your budget to invest in workout DVD boxsets. But if you have WiFi, you can look up workout videos on YouTube for free. Whether you're interested in dance, Zumba, pilates, yoga, or boxing, you can find an aerobic exercise channel that works for you. All you need to do is clear out space in your home to give you enough room to work out.
- Download some workout apps. There are many fitness apps you can choose from that are either free or under $5 on your app store. You can use apps like 7 Minute Workout to squeeze in a quick workout at home or you can motivate yourself outdoors with Zombies Run. If you're already set on your fitness routine, you can also download apps that will give you the ability to count your steps, calories, or mark your goals.
- Participate in free sports at your local university. Certain sports activities around your town or city can get expensive. Roller derby, soccer, and softball can be a lot of fun, but you'll need to buy equipment and have a schedule open enough for tournaments and games. The good news is, you may be able to find free facilities at your local university like swimming pools, tennis courts, or track.
It can be difficult to stay active when you don't know where to start and you don't have a big budget. But the good news, by following the tips above, you can stay active and improve your heart health without living paycheck-to-paycheck.
