How to Get Fit on A Budget
By Sandy Schroeder
If you are bored with the gym, and happy to save the money, there are lots of other ways to slim down and stay fit.
DumbLittleMan.com suggests a few ways to get started.
Walk 10,000 steps a day - If your phone has a step-tracker use it to add up your steps. Or buy a pedometer. As you begin tracking your steps you will probably find yourself building in more walks. Shoot for a 30-minute walk every day and build from there.
Work up a sweat as you volunteer - Look around for nonprofit organizations that build trails, dig gardens or help build houses. You can also volunteer to walk dogs at the shelter, or clean up the local park.
Do some cleanup chores - Clean out the garage, wash the windows, or wax the floors. If that inspires you, move on to paint the extra bedroom or redo the family room.
Pick up games in your neighborhood - If you love to shoot hoops or play soccer, touch football or volleyball, look for local groups, formal or informal, and enjoy yourself while you get a workout.
Make hiking a weekend sport - Check your community for special hikes such as wilderness or nature hikes. If you have younger children look for shorter hikes geared for them.
Start biking more - Pick the bike that suits you and bike instead of driving whenever you can. If your community has a network of bike trails consider exploring them with your family on the weekends.
Enjoy dancing - Dancing classes that burn up a lot of energy with an hour of high power moves may be just right. Or you may prefer a ballet studio dance pose workout.
Reactivate some favorite sports - Whatever your favorites used to be, this may be the time to get back into them. Boating, horseback riding, tennis, golf or skiing can all be counted on to burn off a few calories.
Set up a home gym in the family room - Treadmills are regaining popularity and stationary bikes also work well to encourage everyone to take fitness breaks. Resistance bands and small weights and exercise mats can be added too.
Form a lunch/exercise group - Do stretching exercises or short local walks.
Meet up with a friend - Meet for swimming, tennis, golf or any other sport that the two of you enjoy. You might try for a once-a-week meeting or start running or jogging together on a regular schedule.
As you become more active, keep looking for more ways to keep moving.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Missouri City, Tex.