I frequently hear people say one barrier to a healthy lifestyle is that it\u2019s too expensive to commit to long term. \u00a0While it\u2019s true you can spend a fortune on expensive gear, personal trainers, nutritionists, and various other tools to keep you healthy and fit, you can also spend next to nothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Cost of Not Being Healthy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The cost of\u00a0not<\/em>\u00a0being healthy is astronomical. \u00a0Obesity contributes to so many diseases that cause lost wages, productivity, and savings as one combats deteriorating health. \u00a0An array of studies have shown everything from overweight people earning lower salaries than their svelte counterparts to obese patients spending sometimes thousands a year in out of pocket expenses to gulp pills and visit doctors. \u00a0And if you\u2019re balking at a paying a monthly gym membership, all I have to ask you is: What is your monthly cable bill? \u00a0Yeah, I thought so \u2026 (And that\u2019s\u00a0before<\/em>\u00a0you added in your Netflix subscription too, right?)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bare Bones Fitness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Truthfully all that you need is your own body and a combination of weight training and plyometric work. \u00a0You can even get away without sneakers if you\u2019re not doing a specific sport like running. \u00a0Walking briskly is better with good shoes, but you can manage with what you usually wear. \u00a0 Simple exercises like squats, push-ups, and crunches will get your muscles responding, and combining them with cardio such as walking or just dancing in your living room is a great start. \u00a0You can also use that cable subscription to access free workouts at home (via the OnDemand feature). \u00a0Almost every cable company in the U.S. has something available, just search the listings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Basic Gym Membership<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are really crappy gyms that have super cheap $19.99 monthly membership fees and, you know what? \u00a0If you\u2019re just going in to lift some weights or hop on a cardio machine, they\u2019re fine. \u00a0It\u2019s inexpensive, you can get done what you need to get done, and then be on your way. \u00a0Just don\u2019t expect much guidance from staff and\u00a0don\u2019t<\/em>\u00a0use the showers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Fancy Gym Membership<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Then there are luxury gyms that can cost as much as $150+ per month. \u00a0They have great facilities and you\u2019ll want to hang out a while after your workout to hobnob with your friends. \u00a0Expect high-end personal training facilities, great group ex classes, and super-clean locker rooms. \u00a0You should be able to ask staff for help here and get sensible, effective advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Outdoor Workouts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Most people prefer not to belong to a gym though, so to the great outdoors we go. \u00a0There are a myriad of ways to do this. \u00a0A good pair of hiking boots and a map makes for a great workout in the woods. \u00a0A pair of running shoes and a lap around the neighborhood or local park works well too. \u00a0 These types of activities will cost you less than $250 a year for 2 pairs of sneakers or one pair of boots. \u00a0You can\u2019t really argue with that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Studio Workouts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Yoga, Pilates, personal training, Tai-Chi, boxing, karate in all its forms, even dance classes. \u00a0There are all types of fitness studios and the prices range from $20 for group classes to $85 or so for one-on-one work. \u00a0You\u2019ll find experts in their field to guide you. \u00a0There won\u2019t be much diversity but it can be good for cross-training, or if you really love a particular type of movement, then why not go to the best you can find in your area. \u00a0They\u2019ll keep you safe and you\u2019ll train smart for maximum effectiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Luxury Fitness<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s really no limit to what you can spend. \u00a0You can have personal trainers five days a week, a home gym that rivals anything in Beverly Hills, and exercise pants that are more than $100 a pair. \u00a0 Spending all that money can keep you motivated since if you\u2019re dropping that amount of coin you\u2019d better be sure and use it all. \u00a0Also, if the personal trainer is buzzing your doorbell every morning it would be rather rude to just ignore him and hope he goes away. \u00a0 I have clients in my studio that spend over $7,500 a year and I\u2019m only\u00a0part<\/em>\u00a0of their fitness routine. \u00a0You can easily spend more than $15,000 a year just on training and fitness gear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n