Every year we’re inundated with the notion of ambitious New Year’s resolutions — especially when it comes to fitness.
These promises to do and be “better” often come with a steep price, like signing up for a gym, purchasing a treadmill or overhauling your entire eating plan.
But not every fitness-focused New Year’s resolution needs to drain your bank account. When a commitment is economical and simple to carry out, you’re more likely to maintain it and achieve lasting results.
Opt for new fitness habits that will also keep your finances in good shape.
1. Work Up a Sweat — At Home
We get it: Setting up a home gym can sound pricey. Yet creating a home workout space can be budget-friendly if you approach it with thrift and intention.
Pieces like resistance bands, light to medium dumbbells, a cushioned mat and a doorway pull-up bar typically cost buyers under $20 each, and together they deliver powerful, efficient workouts.
In fact, buying most of the equipment listed above will generally total $100 or less, which — when you contrast it with gym memberships that can be nearly $100 a month — is a real steal.
If you’re handy and frugal, you can even fashion DIY weights more easily than you might expect. Homemade weights can be assembled from everyday items like empty milk cartons, reusable grocery bags filled with sand, or backyard stones. A bit of imagination can produce significant results.
Even if it lacks the polish of your local fitness club, a home gym eliminates the motivation-sapping middle step — commuting — and makes it simpler to stay on track with your exercise goals in the year ahead.
2. Plug Into an Online Community
When it comes to keeping a New Year’s exercise pledge, a sense of community can make a big difference. (This is particularly important after a year where many of us have spent extended periods socially distancing.)
That’s why joining an online fitness community is worth considering. These virtual groups are usually cheaper than a physical gym membership, and you can use your at-home setup and DIY equipment while participating alongside other committed members.
Peloton has become a virtual hub many have gravitated toward in the past year. While a Peloton bike costs about $2,000, the Peloton app is only $13 per month and still allows you to join its classes, though you won’t have access to the leaderboard feature.
Numerous popular fitness programs have shifted online as well. For instance, Jabs, the kickboxing-like workout that originally gained traction in NYC Equinox clubs before branching out, now offers a full virtual schedule. Thirty-minute sessions are about $5 and 50-minute classes run $9, and you won’t need much gear to participate.
You could also try Obé Fitness, which provides hundreds of daily classes and a lively online community. Its equipment needs can be met with DIY workout gear, and membership runs roughly $27 per month.
3. Take It Outside
Sometimes you just need some sunshine. Even in chillier months, outdoor exercise can help reset your circadian rhythm, strengthen your resolve and give you a reason to unplug.
While running is a classic outdoor workout, it’s far from the only way to get fit in the fresh air.
One approach is to move your home gym to a patio, garage or backyard. You can also meet a friend at a neighborhood park for a socially distanced workout.
4. Keep It Simple — Walk
One of the most powerful fitness resolutions is also one of the simplest: walk more.
Though it seems modest, research showed that getting about 4,400 steps per day was associated with a 41% lower mortality rate in certain groups.
Many watches now include step counters, and there are pedometer apps available for smartphones.
No matter how you choose to soak up some Vitamin D, be sure you have sturdy clothing and shoes to help you get where you want to go — which leads to…
5. Score Workout Clothes and Shoes Cheap
Part of reaching a goal is owning the right gear, and that holds true for fitness aims.
Having performance fabrics in your wardrobe helps you stay comfortable, ventilated and less drenched during intense sessions. Workout garments typically include materials like Spandex or Lycra, which wick moisture away much better than those old cotton tees you probably keep around. (And don’t get us started on sports bras…)
Shiny new running shoes may dominate social feeds (thanks, targeted ads), but they frequently demand a big chunk of cash. Instead, hunt for affordable running shoes through online retailers or by checking your local running store during clearance events.
Luckily, the months from January through April are often the best window to snag deals on running shoes, as retailers clear out older stock to make room for spring and summer inventory.
The same principle applies to budget-friendly workout apparel. Your Instagram may push $90 yoga pants, but you can find well-made activewear for far less at places like Target and Old Navy, and on resale platforms such as Poshmark and eBay.
For bargain hunters, outlet malls and reputable secondhand sites like ThredUp are excellent places to discover the perfect outfit that motivates you to move.
Rebecca Clark is a contributor to Savinly.
