Frugal Exercise Routine: How I’m Starting One

So I realize I’m probably a little late to the party with this post since many people make being healthier and working out more a new years resolution. However, I spent the beginning of 2017 sick in bed. It was no fun, but as a result, I’m just now getting around to following up on my resolutions including one to be healthier and work out more. #basic.

Now, as you may recall I also kicked off the year pursuing self-employment full-time. While getting an exercise routine built into my schedule is a big priority, I have to find ways to do so without spending a lot of money. Here is how I plan to build an exercise routine into my daily life without getting bored or spending tons of money.

Taking Advantage of All My Apartment Complex Has to Offer

Like most apartment complexes these days, mine has a gym. Unlike most apartment complexes, the gym here is more than a single treadmill and a set of weights. It’s small but pretty legit, it even has locker rooms and a yoga room.

Besides just using the equipment to work out, my complex has started offering a group yoga class on Sundays. Since stretching is imperative to avoiding my knee issues, I plan to start going to the class. The only reason I haven’t started yet is because I’m still occasionally sound like I’m coughing up a lung. Now, I’ve never been to a yoga class but I’m guessing that kind of a cough would be rather distracting and unwelcome.

Any advice for someone going to their first yoga class?

At Home Work Outs

I have a few workout DVDs (21 Day Fix and an incredibly boring yoga one), I also have a Wii Fit. Though even I have to admit I can get pretty bored doing the same workout over and over again. Not to mention your body will eventually get used to the workout. In order to start seeing changes again, you need to switch things up. This is why I’m currently doing a free trial of Beachbody on Demand. Beachbody on Demand gives you access to all of their programs (I’m really excited to try their kickboxing one).  It only costs $2.99 a week (so pretty much the same cost as a Netflix subscription). If you decide you want to get it for the year it is just $99. They let you do a 30-day day free trial which is what I’m doing right now.

BTW did you know that you can stream Beachbody on Demand via the app on the latest AppleTV? Ya, I was bummed when I realized it wouldn’t work on my older AppleTV but I’m going to try to airplay it through my iPad.

One Off Group Workouts

Late last year, I tried Flywheel and it reminded how much spinning hurts my ass and how much I love group classes. I recently got a promo that allows me to go to three classes for $21 dollars which is the usual cost for one class. So I’m going to buy that and sign up for classes when I’m feeling like I need that extra pumped group workout.

Because while I think yoga will be fun and good for me, I don’t think it’s the kind of workout to get you pumped up.

I also know that there are some gyms around that will let you attend a group class for free to check it out, so I may do some of those. I would like to note that while I’m all for free trials of things, I don’t ever use a free trial of something I wouldn’t be willing to possibly purchase. That being said, I’m also a really hard sell.

Workout Gear

I invested in some new workout gear last summer so I’m all set for right now. However, I’m also very aware that what I bought was not the best quality. So I do anticipate buying some new workout clothes later this year once my exercise routine really gets underway.

My favorite workout clothes are from Athleta, but they out of my self-employment budget for now. As for weights etc. I have a couple sets of weight for when I’m working out at home and my apartment complex gym has more if I need heavier weights. I also have a resistance band and some ankle weights, so I don’t’ see myself needing to buy any more equipment.

Total Estimated Cost of my Exercise Routine = $120

If I decide to go with Beachbody on Demand for the year it will be $99. I do plan on buying three Flywheel classes for $21. Since I don’t know when I’ll need new workout gear I haven’t included it in the estimation.

SMART Fitness Goals

You know that I am all about SMART goals. While being healthier and working out more is a good goal, it’s not exactly measurable. Here are some of my fitness goals this year:

1. Run a 32 minute 5k

I know this is rather slow, but trust me, I’m out of shape, this is a good goal. I’ll have my first test with a superhero 5k I’m doing in March. Finally, another excuse to wear my wonder woman dress and cape!

2. Be able to do 1 pull-up

I have never been able to do a pull-up and it has been a long time goal. I think this is the year I will make it happen.

3. Work out a minimum of 3 times a week

As much as I’d love to think my exercise routine would consist of some kind of work out every day, I think I’d be setting myself up for failure. This way I can, do more than 3 times a week but I have a bare minimum of what I want to accomplish. Though being sick and coughing up a lung will be allowed as an exception.

4. Lose 33 lbs

I am about 23 lbs overweight and I’m 33 lbs over my goal weight. To reach my goal, I’ll need to lose just over half a pound every week.  I started focusing on my weight late in 2016 when none of my clothes fit. I started going to weight watchers, stepped on the scale to find I was the heaviest I have ever been. (That includes how heavy I was after studying abroad in school.) I’ve lost about 7 lbs and still have a way to go.

Wrapping it Up with a Bow on Top

Starting and building up your exercise routine doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can be fit and healthy on a budget (Also, I am NOT eating a cookie as I type this, ok yes, I am). Just take the time to learn about the different exercise options around you.

If you want to be social but not join a gym, join a running club or a team sport. If you’re good on your own there are lots of affordable options to work out at home. Just think about what types of activities you enjoy before committing to something, especially if that commitment involves money.

How do you build an exercise routine without spending a ton? Let me know in the comments!