Cheap Alternative to the Gym: Find Your Tribe

Exercise is critical to looking and feeling good, but the high cost of getting in shape is often a barrier for those on a tight budget. In fact, a 2018 Dare to Be Free survey from Freeletics, a fitness app, found that 28 percent of participants said they would exercise more if they could find cheaper alternatives to the gym.

Here’s the good news: You can exercise for FREE by spending time researching options. “You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on expensive gym equipment or trainers,” says Jenny Schatzle, certified personal trainer and founder of Bond Fitness. “There are ways to get in shape all around us.”

Here’s one that only requires you to do a little research into your local community: Find Your Tribe.

Join a Community Meetup

Not everyone has the self-discipline to exercise on his or her own. If you need the motivation of an instructor to get you moving, connecting with like-minded fitness enthusiasts in your area who are planning an outdoor workout is easy through sites such as FitnessMeetups.com or Meetup.com. There’s no cost and you can find a group exercise to join. You can also tap into your social network to find workout buddies. Eddie Johnson, chief executive officer of Anabolic Bodies, a site that offers fitness advice, suggests joining a Facebook group, where you can find hiking groups, or people who enjoy swimming. “The best part is you can join several groups and line up as many free, fun workouts as you want,” he says.

Check Community Centers

Your local parks and community centers may provide free exercise classes. All you need to do is run a Google search or review your newspaper’s online calendar for options nearby. Even your local library may host a variety of fitness classes, from yoga to boot camp. What’s more, you may even find gently used, free exercise equipment through local ad listings. “A lot of times, people will invest in a treadmill, weights or another expensive item, only to find that they never use it,” Johnson says. “It can be hard to sell used exercise equipment if it is large, so many people will give it away for free as long as you can come pick it up.”

Look at Local Fitness Store Classes

Your favorite exercise brand isn’t just a great place to find workout gear and clothing. Many offer complimentary fitness classes, too. Stores specializing in running shoes and apparel often organize free running groups. Meanwhile, you can find complimentary in-store fitness classes every Sunday at select Lululemon locations and free boot camp, group runs, yoga and more at Athleta. Check your local store’s calendar for a schedule of offerings or ask a store clerk if and when they may be offering a free class, with no purchase required.

—
Photo Credit:  David Tadevosian / Shutterstock.com