10 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle on a Budget
Many people may be disillusioned into thinking that adopting a healthy lifestyle is too difficult and expensive. If you happen to fall under this category, all you need is a change in mind set and a little investment of your time to achieve your healthy lifestyle goal. You don’t have to be a member of the city’s classiest gym or own the most expensive exercise equipment at home to keep fit. Stretch your creativity and explore all the facilities around you to see if you can utilise them for your exercise needs without straining your budget.
Photo by jpo.ct
1. Taking the stairs instead of the lift
If you live in a high-rise apartment, make it a habit to use the stairs at least once daily. This gives you a good opportunity to improve your cardiovascular fitness without having the need to use any exercise equipment.
2. Use the park
A nearby park is an ideal place for an early morning brisk walk. If you find this activity a tad too mundane, listen to your favourite music while you brisk walk to liven things up. The crisp early morning air will also help to physically and mentally prepare you for the day.
3. Working out with exercise videos
Instead of paying sky-high yearly gym membership, invest in a good instructional DVD on a particular activity you enjoy such as yoga, Pilates or aerobics. Choose a decent time when you can concentrate and follow the work-outs without distraction.
4. Raid your pantry
Inspect your pantry to see if there is anything that can be used as weights for arm exercises such as soup cans and soda plastic bottles. You will be surprised to see what exercise gadgets you can come up with using products around the house.
5. Use your furniture
You can forego the use of exercise equipment if you are creative. A sturdy chair or bench is handy for triceps exercises and a sofa serves as a great foot anchor for crunches.
6. Surf the web
The internet offers a wealth of visual resources that you can tap into to make your training sessions possible. You can download free video workouts ranging from kickboxing to yoga available for a duration that ranges between 10- 60mins.
7. Buy healthy foods in bulk
Food such as granola bars, cereals, dried fruit and nuts can all be purchased in bulk for huge savings. These foods are low in calorie and high in fibre that keeps you full for longer periods.
8. Purchase fresh produce at farmer’s markets
Fruit and vegetables are best bought at your weekly or monthly local farmer’s market. They are not only fresh but also cheap, especially if bought in bulk. Share the cost with a friend if the amount sold is too much to be consumed by just yourself or your family. Fruit and vegetables can be eaten as they are or made into fresh healthy juices.
9. Check healthy life program options with your insurance company
Call your insurance company for any deals available that may cut costs for gym memberships or appointments with a nutritionist. Some health insurance companies offer partial or full reimbursements for gym memberships or nutritionist appointments to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent obesity, which can lead to more health problems and costs.
10. Cut down on snacks
Eliminating snacks in your diet not only cuts down the calories and salt or sugar intake but also saves money. Make this a habit and you will see how much difference it has brought to your weight and overall health by adopting healthier food choices.
As mentioned in the strategies above, a healthier lifestyle doesn’t have to be costly. If you have the right attitude, are creative and are willing to invest a fraction of your time in your busy life to do workouts on a consistent basis, you can achieve and maintain the healthy lifestyle that you desire without having to burn a hole in your pocket.
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Category: Health
I walk everywhere – to work, to the shops, to visit friends and family. Often I have my one-year-old with me in her buggy, which gives me even more of a free workout! It really is the cheapest way to get some exercise, and you get fresh air and changing views to enjoy.