Not everyone has the money to join a gym. Or maybe you are like me and don’t like the idea of getting in shape around other people. Raise your hand! Any fellow introverts out there? 🙂
What you decide to do will depend on what you fitness goals, personal time commitments and personal budget are but here are 9 fitness ideas that you can do on a budget!
#1 Walking
Walking – It’s the ultimate get fit technique because you can do it anytime, anywhere and it doesn’t cost a thing! Who doesn’t love free?
If you are new to having a fitness routine, this is always a great place to start. You can work at whatever level you are capable and because it’s doesn’t involve hardcore, difficult fitness routine, you are more likely to stick with it!
Here are some great links to check out if you are considering walking as the way to slay your fitness goals for the new year!
#2 Stationary Bicycle
Stationary Bicycle – We have a stationary bicycle in our house and it gets a lot of use. In fact, in the year we have had it, my husband and I have put over 3000 miles on it.
Out of all the different ways I exercise, this is the one I stick with most religiously. I think there is a couple reasons for this. One is that we have it set up in front of our basement TV and so I put on a tv show or movie and start pedaling and before I know it, 30-60 minutes has gone like that. When I want more of a challenge, I can turn up the resistance or pedal faster.
Another reason I think I am so successful at sticking with riding the stationary bike is that I am motivated by the computer screen on it that lets me know how far I have gone, how long I have been pedaling and how many calories I have burned during that session. It pushes me to keep going as long as I can.
There are also some great YouTube videos you can do if you want to take your biking to the next level. Here’s a few to check out!:
- How to to HIIT on an Exercise Bike by the Body Coach
- 20 Minute Cycling Workout for Beginners by Kaleigh Cohen Fitness
- 60 Minute Indoor Cycling Workout with Endurance Intervals by Train with GCN
- 20 Minute High Intensity Bike Workout by Abundant You with Dr. Kevin
A stationary bicycle can be more of an investment than purchasing some workout DVDs or some inexpensive fitness accessories but we paid less than $150 for ours and I expect we will get at least another 2 years of use out of it so $50 a year isn’t too bad for something I use all the time!
In case, you are curious, the stationary bicycle we own is still on Amazon. We are very pleased with it. If I had to have one complaint about it, it is that my bottom can get a little sore if I am on it for too long.
#3 Jessica Smith Workouts
Jessica Smith TV – Jessica Smith has a great YouTube channel with all kinds of great workout routines.
She also sells systems online that you can follow. I own her Walk Strong: 6 Weeks Total Transformation Program.
I like it because it is challenging but not impossible. I don’t like workout routines where I can’t keep up with the instructor or that has complicated moves that the average person can’t handle. Sometimes I have to go a little slower than Jessica is moving but I am able to do everything she is doing.
The 6 Week Total Transformation System includes 10 different workouts that target different areas. It also comes with a calendar with a recommended schedule to follow for the 6 week program. I like that it takes all the guess work out of it.
#4 Chloe Ting Workout Challenges
Chloe Ting Workout Challenges – Chloe Ting is another YouTuber who has some great fitness challenges. I just recently stumbled across her channel.
Her challenges run 14 days to up to 8 weeks and are arranged by the areas the target. Some target multiple areas. Programs include shreds, tummy, arms, thighs, booty challenges and more.
I feel her workouts are a lot more challenging than Jessica Smith’s. I have tried a couple and couldn’t keep up. I plan to revisit them in the new year as one of my 2021 Health and Fitness Challenges.
You can find all her programs here. And her YouTube channel here. She has over 16 million subscribers!
#5 Leslie Sansone Walk at Home
Leslie Sansone Walk at Home Workout Videos – If you are looking for some inexpensive cardio workout videos, I have always really enjoyed Leslie Sansone’s Walk at Home DVDs.
I own at least a dozen of them and I always enjoy doing them. They are not hard or overcomplicated which I love about them. I always feel like I get a good workout with them and I have a fun time doing it!
You can get Leslie’s fitness DVD’s for as little as $10 each on Amazon. Some of her DVD sets include fitness accessories such as resistance bands with them. She also offers some free workouts on her Youtube channel if you want to check her out for free.
#6 Yoga Workouts
Yoga – Yoga has a ton of health benefits. It is great for improving your strength, balance, and flexibility and is something that you can do at home for little to no investment.
There are many great YouTube Channels dedicated to yoga. Here are some you might want to check out!:
SarahBethYoga – Sarah Beth has over 350 yoga videos on her channel. The videos are grouped by length and target/focus so it’s easy to find what you want. She also has a whole section for beginners as well as a 7 Day Challenge.
Yoga with Adriene – Adriene has 565 yoga videos and counting on her channel. Categories include a section for beginners, a section by length, and a section on yoga for back pain, among other things.
Yoga with Tim – Tim has over 260 yoga videos on his channel including several 30 Day Challenges.
Suggested equipment includes a yoga mat and maybe some comfy yoga pants!
Yoga at Home - Recommended Accessories
Gaiam Yoga Mat – This is a fun yoga mat. It is reversible and has designs on each side. It’s 6mm thick and measures 68″ X 24″. It’s available in several colors and patterns and sells for less than $30.
Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat – This mat is a little more budget friendly at $19. It is also slightly longer at 72″ x 24″ and slightly thicker at 1/2″. There are several colors to choose from!
Yoga Pants with 4 Way Stretch – Available in different colors and with or without pockets, these yoga pants are an affordable option, running between $20 – $25 depending out which color and style you choose.
Fun Yoga Finds
Rosie the Yogi T-shirt – Thought this workout shirt was cute! Don’t know about you, but cute workout clothes always help motivate me to workout 🙂
Yoga Socks – Some fun yoga socks for your workout.
Yoga Pose Poster – A poster to help you learn and remember the yoga poses.
#7 Pilates Workouts
Pilates – Pilates is a lot like yoga but it doesn’t have the focus on breathing and meditation that yoga does. Pilates focuses has more on the core. Like yoga, there doesn’t have to be a lot of cost involved with doing pilates.
You might want a mat, maybe some resistance bands and possibly some workout clothes that you are comfortable in.
Fun Pilate Finds
Mantra Sports Pilates Ring Magic Fitness Circle
Viajero Pilates Bar Kit – 
#8 Resistance Bands
Resistance Bands – Resistance training is another thing I plan to add to my 2021 Fitness Goals.
I found this set on Amazon for $12.99 that comes with 3 bands with different resistances and an eBook workout guide for using them. The included bands are for a light, medium, and heavy fitness level.
#9 Couch to 10k Challenge
What’s your favorite way to get fit on a budget?