It’s springtime; just take a gander outside at the crazy weather that is bouncing up and down from beautiful sunny days to cold or cold and wet. Spring is a time of transition and it is also a time to get started on new ideas, new fitness plans and of course – getting ready for swim suit weather and more.
We’re working on our Spring Forward to Action 2007 fitness challenge. Yesterday, I discussed the Personal Health Investment Today Act that was re-introduced to Congress. This amendment to the Internal Revenue Code could allow taxpayers to claim fitness costs for club memberships or exercise equipment in the same way you can claim medical costs.
But until this is a fact, you may still want to know how to get a low-budget workout.
Garage Sale Season
Springtime is a great time for locating equipment at garage sales. You’d be surprised by how much workout apparatus is found at garage sales. You can find treadmills, exercise bikes, standard bikes and even free weights and more. While this equipment may not be in the best shape, it’s usually very inexpensive in comparison to buying it new. You can also find roller skates, roller blades and a great deal more, so be sure to check out your local options.
Water Weight
Swimming pool season is coming up soon. I think our local pool will be opening this May. A swimming pool gives you the opportunity to swim laps. The great thing about water is it allows you a chance to perform low impact exercise and get in some good cardio at the same time. Homeowner’s dues govern our local pool and since we have to pay those anyway – it means we have access to the pool regardless – so it’s almost a free option.
Gardening Groove
Do you like to garden? Hang up your water hose and get an old-fashioned water can. Fill it with water and create a weight that you have to carry back and forth in order to water your garden. This is an old-fashioned and easy way to get a workout that encourages endurance, strength and a pretty garden. Do you enjoy seeing your flowers bloom?
Look Locally
Check out your local options with county and city recreation departments. Many of them will offer fitness classes for low to no cost. They may even have a weight room available to city or county residents. You can also post to local community boards looking for fitness and workout partners. You can even create a DVD swap of fitness DVDs so that you and your neighbors can enjoy a variety of different workouts. You may even be able to get a neighbor or three to join you for personal training – if you split a personal trainer’s fees three ways, it can save you a lot of money.
Low budget exercise is still exercise, can you think of other ways you can save money?