Fitness for a Fraction of the Cost
Whether you live in North Miami, Hollywood or Ft. Lauderdale, it’s no secret that some gym memberships and boutique fitness classes can cost a fortune. High priced memberships are definitely worth the dollars if you’re going to the gym almost every day and really getting your money’s worth out of the services. However, according to the authors of Freakonomics, people who purchase gym memberships overestimate their attendance by a whopping 70 percent—this can easily add up to $500 dollars or more that’s doing nothing to help your waistline.
Your Lap Band surgeon has likely stressed the importance of staying in shape after surgery for long-term weight loss results, but you don’t have to confine your fitness efforts to a pricey gym in South Florida. Lap Band patients looking to lose more weight after surgery can get fit at home for a fraction of the cost with these different and affordable at home fitness tips:
Don’t waste money on advertised fitness fads. If advertised fitness products boast claims of fast weight loss with minimum effort, they’re usually too good to be true. No one can get in shape and lose weight with a $20 plastic fitness product, so it’s best to save your money and actually engage in activities that require sufficient effort. If getting in shape was easy, everyone would be doing it. But you just can’t shake weight off—you have to work hard to get fit with exercise.
If you want to invest in an exercise product or machine, buy used. Investing in an exercise machine for your home can really save you money in the long-run, especially if you’re able to find one that’s used. Save money by scanning Craigslist or checking out local garage sales to find gently used exercise equipment for a bargain price. However, when buying from a private seller always remember to test the product out and research the brand before purchasing.
Buy exercise equipment from gyms. Gyms often sell their old equipment quickly to make room when they upgrade to new products. No matter the reason, gyms looking to get rid of used equipment fast typically will sell their items for killer prices. Before spending a ton of money on a brand-new treadmill or elliptical, you may want to call up some local gyms in the area to see if they’re selling any used equipment.
Use technology to your advantage. Nowadays, you can get tips or information on just about anything by checking the Internet. Many websites offer free personal training videos and instructions. Also, if your smartphone has app capabilities, you can likely find one for fitness tips and exercise ideas, so use these perks to your advantage. Your cable television provider may also offer free or purchasable workout videos on their TV guide. Use these technological benefits to save some money and diminish your waistline.
The best workout machine is your body. You don’t need dumbbells or a stationary bike to get fit—you can use your own body to get in a good workout at home without even using equipment. You can do squats, lunges, jumping jacks and tricep dips all for free without stepping foot in a gym. Who said you can only do cardio on the treadmill? Jumping rope, walking and jogging are all great ways to increase your heart rate and strengthen your muscles. Get creative at your house by using chairs or other household items like water bottles in place of a gym workout bench and weights.
These are just a few ways to save yourself some money when you’re trying to sustain results after weight loss surgery. You don’t always have to pay to stay in shape. Try some of the money-saving tips above to maintain your fitness efforts in the comfort of your home at a fraction of the cost of that pricey gym membership!