I don’t need to remind everyone about the state of the American global economy. I’m sure you all have felt the effort somehow, either in the grocery store, in your pockets, or even through your home. Don’t let the effects show up in your belly, butt, thighs, wherever. Don’t neglect your health because of the economy! How can you do that, especially since in times like this, one of the first things to go are the gym and fitness center memberships?
Well, if it’s possible, rearrange your budget to include your gym, and instead take out those 3 lattes you get every single day. Or maybe the daily fast food excursions could get the boot.
But, what if you have to let that membership go and there is no cheaper alternative, such as no local YMCAs or other community gyms? (Remember, the YMCA and community gyms are highly viable options; they may not be as flashy as those big commercial gyms, but you don’t chose your gym based on flash, right?)
If you don’t have a gym, that is not an excuse to let your fitness progress lapse or to throw away those fitness goals.
In case that was not clear, I will repeat myself. Not having a gym to go to is not an excuse to let your fitness progress lapse or to throw away those fitness goals. Nor does it excuse you from starting a new fitness program!
So what can you do?
Well, the last time I checked, walking is free. So is running. So many people overlook the value of walking. They say, “Hey, I walk everyday! I walk to the bathroom, to the kitchen, to my car, to the boss’ office, and to the vending machine!”
Yeah, but what are you doing for the other 23.5 hours in the day when you aren’t walking to such places?
Try walking around your neighborhood, or around the community where you work. Walk upright, with a decent pace, and switch up the pace throughout your walk. Walk up and down hills. Challenge yourself and work your way up to jogging, then running.
If you choose a walk that passes a park, guess what you now have? An instant outdoor gym! And for free! Monkey bars can act as pullup bars, and if you swing from them, you can get a killer core workout. You can easily do dips and pushups on park benches.
Jumping jacks are free, too. A jump rope isn’t expensive, yet is an extremely effective fat-loss and conditioning tool.
You can do plenty of burpees in a park!
How to Do a Burpee (video)
But what if it’s raining? Again, a jump rope can come in handy, if your ceilings are high enough and if no one lives under you. If you have stairs in your house, run sets of stairs. Play with your kids.
Buy a pack of inexpensive exercise tubes! You can do just about anything with tubes that you do with machines or free weights.
There are endless possibilities, but my point is clear: a bad economy is not an acceptable excuse for being a slacker. Period.
Any more tips for staying fit in this economy?
Thoney Gangstasweet
GREAT POST! i haven't been to the site in a while, but you guys are doing a SPLENDIFEROUS JOB! i'm sure u remember my fatty mcchunkins days at hf Fred, but the things mentioned in this article are how i shed my pounds[100 of them to be exact]!
Ladies[and gents] if you power walk regularly making small adjustments like walking to the farther bus stop heading home from work you will lose lbs, and begin to see a a sexier leaner muscle tone from head to toe! Steps are also how my built my booty[hey i can be crass if i wanna ;P] try skipping every other step to work your tighs. if you have children, give 'em a piggyback ride while you lunge! the added weight definitely helps and the kid will enjoy it! bondings's always a great thing!
another random hint i learned from a friend is cleaning/cooking in heels. fellas, you can wrap weight bands around ur ankles/wrists. the muscles that you use while bending and reaching are kinda cute and sometimes hard to isolate intentionally. when you dusting that higher cabinet, ur back and abs are working in a uniqe way, that when enhanced just slights, results in a rather cute tummy/sexy back……
December 5, 2008 at 9:52 am
hiphopmuse
This is a timely post for me, I recently cancelled my gym membership to save money. The idea of walking or jogging around the neighborhood is very much overlooked. Luckily I live on the 4th floor of my apartment, so I can take the stairs when I come and go. Also, lunch hour is a good time to take a walk.. Buying an exercise ball is a good investment, along with workout DVDs. Fitness websites and magazines have great ideas for things you can do at home.
December 5, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Thoney Gangstasweet
Bonjou hipHop,great pt! I forgot about the yogaballs/bands. Family, you can find Bally's Brand yoga equipment at Aldi food stores, and TJMaxx/Marshall's. TJ/Marshall's also carry weights,videos, and books that have proven QUITE helpful for me during my transition from the gym to my home!
December 5, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Jessica
Thanks for those awesome ideas! I never knew about the heels thing. Congratulations on losing the weight and living a healthy lifestyle!
December 6, 2008 at 6:42 am
Kimberly
With snow on the ground, I can't break out the stroller and take a walk with my baby. But I do love Exercise TV (Comcast On Demand) and I've said this in other comments, but I love the Biggest Loser workouts. If you don't have comcast, the dvds are very inexpensive. Thanks for the post Jessica!
December 6, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Jessica
TJ Maxx is one of my favorite places to shop for everything, especially exercise equipment. I can't tell you how often I shop there for my mom and sister's workout clothes and equipment. Be careful on which fitness sites you visit to get information! I've run into quite a few people who were injuring themselves by following advice and exercises that aren't necessarily the best for you that they found on some websites…
December 6, 2008 at 5:19 pm
Roslyn Holcomb
I don't think joining the YMCA is an alternative to the gym. Maybe it's just a southern thing, but around here a Y membership costs as much if not more than a gym membership.
I don't belong to a gym. I like to walk in my neighborhood. When it gets too cold (or hot) I walk in the mall.
December 8, 2008 at 7:35 am
Jessica
Wow. Around here, the Y is definitely cheaper than the gym where I work now and been affiliated in the past. But I'm glad you found a way to fit in fitness into your life anyway! A gym isn't necessary, as you have proved.
December 8, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Health
Here`s one from me, basically fitness without a healthy nutrition is zero so get some advices from a nutritionist
January 22, 2009 at 3:58 pm
Belly Burn Fat
Thanks so much for this great article, me and wife just love it.
January 28, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Baby Doll Strollers
Good post. Have bookmarked your blog and will surely come back.
January 31, 2009 at 8:43 am
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hen I come and go. Also, lunch hour is a good time to take a walk.. Buying an exercise ball is a good investment, along with workout DVDs.
February 10, 2009 at 11:43 pm
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must contend with you that blogging is not community organizing. As one who both blogs and does in the field community organizing, they are easily not the same. Throwing some post up on the net, and getting out in the field and actually organizing are a far cry from one another.
February 10, 2009 at 11:49 pm
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what if you stuck at work for long time very often? I was going to gym very often but after this rescission life becomes hell
February 11, 2009 at 1:57 am