Exercise is an important part of a daily routine, working out at home ideally saves money. Putting together a frugal home gym is easy, efficient and economically saves money. Years ago we were a new family with 2 children and could not afford a gym membership. I also could not afford gas to and from the gym. Money was tight, but I went to a second hand dvd store and bought a few used workout dvd’s.
We are now able to afford a gym membership only to save money on sports for the kids. Our garage has been turned into a home gym. Each day, the kids and I take a 30 minute break and workout together. Staying at home allows me to workout with my kids, and teach them the importance of exercise and nutrition
Use The Space You Have
First, use what you have to assemble a frugal home gym. Treadmills fold up for easy access in a bedroom corner, or an exercise bike may work its way into the living room or sunroom. The important part is to set a time and make the space. I love the watches now that track steps. Fitbit, Apple and Samsung are ones that I have personally seen or used. There may be other ways out there, but these are the ones I have encountered. Next, write down a walk each day for tracking.
Goal setting with my apple watch is so easy now. I know that by the end of the day I have so many steps and exercise minutes to achieve. The satisfaction of closing three rings has become my driving force with exercise. Moms who have a frugal home gym know that 15 min. is better than none.
Buy Used Equipment
New equipment is not the key to success in assimilating a home gym. Facebook groups are a great place to ask for used workout equipment or wait for one to be posted. Sometimes garage sales have used equipment. We have a second hand consignment shop that sells used equipment in our area. Once my mother in law brought me up a treadmill to use while I was expecting our second child. It was such a big help to get on the treadmill for a set time each day. Used equipment that works is great to create a frugal home gym.
My husband bought our kicking bag, punching bag, and weights at the second hand shop. Creating a well equipped frugal home gym with cardio, weights and dvd’s doesn’t happen overnight. Frugal people are patient and wait for a deal.
Knowing exactly how you want to work out and waiting for the purchase ensures a cost efficient approach. Watching for a good deal on facebook or free equipment from friends is a process that pays off in the end.
Exercise Tapes and Youtube Videos
I mentioned earlier that I bought used tapes at a second hand store for dvd’s. Those tapes have helped me lose my pregnancy weight, allowed me to set workout goals, and create a daily workout routine that does not take hours. Four kids later it is not as convenient to pack everyone in drive 20 minutes to the gym, bring everyone in, check them in and workout. Hilariously enough, getting to the gym was the workout. Discouraged for such an effort and little reward would cause me to not want a daily exercise routine.
Setting up my own frugal home gym saved so much time. Right now, we go to the gym a few times a week and do a daily stretch routine at home. On days when I can’t run at the gym, I use a youtube video to get in my cardio. I don’t own a treadmill anymore because it takes up a lot of space. Four of us workout at the same time limits space in our garage.
Working out at Home Is Cheaper
Working out at home is definitely cheaper for frugal home intentions. A frugal home gym saves space, so no need for decluttering. No gas is needed for a frugal home gym. Finally, and most importantly no monthly fees are needed. The cost of equipment is minimal, because everyday housework is a good workout. Cleaning is good for cardio and outside maintenance is good strength conditioning.
The easiest jobs of carrying in milk jugs and groceries work out muscles and help with balance. Going to a gym in not necessary for daily exercise, but in actuality is for more of social intent.
Allowing some of the frugal home gym ideas to be pursued is definitely a money saving strategy. Saving money in areas of monthly memberships is a cost effective way to cut back on unnecessary expenses.
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