Once you commit to getting fit, don’t sweat the cost of a gym membership, high-tech treadmill or well-equipped elliptical trainer. A healthy lifestyle is possible on any budget.
Economical Exercise
Toning your muscles and strengthening your heart doesn’t have to blow your budget.
- Find your fit at NKCH. We offer an impressive range of fitness classes and health education courses, opens new tab for a reasonable fee (some are even free). What sets us apart from other fitness is facilities is that our instructors take time to show you how to use the equipment safely and can help you modify moves to meet your needs.
- Go old school. Forget the fancy equipment. Your body is your own personal gym. Body weight training, walking, stair climbing and running are always free.
- Be a homebody. If you have a smart TV, tablet or phone, you can stream any number of free workouts. If you live in an apartment, use the on-site fitness center.
- Shop around. Shopping apps often offer discounts on classes and gym memberships.
- Join a gym. If joining a gym will get you results, know this: The best times to join are at the end of the month, during the summer and in December when volumes are low and discounts are high.
Frugal Food
Physical fitness only gets you so far. Eating right takes you all the way. At first glance, fresh fruits and vegetables and other whole foods seem pricey. It’s all in how you approach your purchases.
- Do your research. Explore our suggestions for cheap eats, opens new tab and ideas for on-the-go eating, opens new tab.
- Stick to your list. Meal planning can trim your food costs considerably because it eliminates impulse buys, you have healthy options at the ready, you control what you eat, and you can prep and freeze meals for a quick go-to breakfast or dinner.
Long-Term Savings
Looking good and feeling great are definitely two of the biggest short-term benefits of building solid exercise and diet habits. Over time, healthy habits lower your chance of developing obesity, diabetes, heart disease and other serious health conditions. As a result, you keep your healthcare costs down. You also increase the likelihood you’ll stay healthy well into retirement, meaning you can soak up the sun, or whatever your dream may be, in style.
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