How to Save Money on Fitness and Wellness

Cultivating fitness doesn't need to be costly! From taking the stairs instead of an elevator to squatting while brushing your teeth, you can easily incorporate healthy habits into your daily routine without breaking the bank!

Consider signing up with multiple gym locations or offering discounts to family and friends. Some gyms even provide class packages to make personal training affordable.

Shop Around

Costly gym memberships, boutique studio classes, and organic nutrient-rich smoothies add up quickly; but while investing in workout gear and nutrition products that meet your individual needs is crucial to leading a healthy lifestyle without breaking the bank.

Utilizing fitness discounts is an easy way to save money. Many gym chains offer discounted membership fees in January and September when trying to attract new members.

Find deals on fitness classes through websites like Groupon and LivingSocial. Many gyms and studios also provide discounts through these platforms; keep an eye out for sales or promotions throughout the year.

Negotiate

Signing up for a gym membership may feel like going into a car dealership; as an ex-automotive salesperson myself, I can say with assurance. But gyms are more flexible than they appear and willing to negotiate than you might imagine.

Make a list of what you NEED from a gym and then bring quotes from competing facilities and negotiate accordingly. Doing this will demonstrate that you're serious about signing up and can serve as an effective bargaining chip; ask for free trials and waived initiation fees if possible; also, some clubs charge monthly maintenance or operating expenses which should also be discussed at length when signing the contract.

Check with Your Employer

Many companies provide wellness programs to their employees in order to help them remain physically fit. Some offer reimbursement costs for gym membership and fitness classes while some even provide cash incentives or pedometer allowances for tracking fitness minutes, says Canstar's Effie Zahos.

She recommends checking with your health insurance provider for discounts or reimbursement options at gyms or nutrition guides and personal trainers sessions, which may be tax-deductible expenses.

Never discount community resources: local groups or community centers frequently provide free or low-cost exercise classes and training sessions that give people an opportunity to explore various workout types before investing in equipment or lessons.

Look for Community Resources

Many communities provide wellness programs at no or low cost that provide valuable information regarding exercise, nutrition and mental well-being. These programs can offer invaluable insight.

Local governments also offer recreation facilities at reduced rates, as well as fitness classes like indoor rock climbing or yoga studios that add variety and challenge to an otherwise mundane exercise regimen.

If your gym membership is costing too much and only gets used sporadically, consider switching it for a community rec center in warmer months when outdoor activities become more prevalent - that way you'll take advantage of discounted summer rates!

Get Outdoors

No matter the season or temperature, Mother Nature provides plenty of benefits that simply aren't possible in a gym environment. Not only can she provide you with ample calorie burn, but there's nothing quite as fulfilling or challenging than running outside!

Gardening or yard work can be considered moderate physical activity and is estimated by the USDA to burn up to 330 calories an hour for men who weigh 154 pounds, according to their USDA database.

Outdoor exercise offers many distractions that keep you from watching the clock, extending your workout longer than you could in a gym. Just ensure you bring appropriate gear - such as waterproof jackets for colder conditions.

Keep an Eye Out for Discounts

Reaching your fitness goals doesn't need to break the bank; with some creativity and resourcefulness there are numerous ways you can stay efficient while remaining effective without breaking your budget.

Consider checking with your health insurance provider to see if they offer partnerships with fitness studios or gyms; many plans offer discounted membership fees or even free classes!

Two heads are better than one when it comes to working out! Team up with a friend or coworker to share the costs associated with fitness classes, equipment purchases, or gym membership fees.

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