Cheap Alternative to the Gym: Turn Household Items Into Exercise Gear

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 just requires you to look around the room: turn household items into exercise gear.

Setting up an at-home gym makes it easier to squeeze in a workout whenever you have time rather than having to drive to a health club. However, cardio and other fitness equipment will cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the gear you choose. Instead, look around your home for items that can be used as exercise tools to get started.

For instance, canned goods or bottled water can double as dumbbells. Meanwhile, a chair is the perfect prop for tricep dips and incline pushups or step-ups. Schatzle regularly shares videos of workout moves using canned soup and says it’s an effective tool to exercise your arms.

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