Frugal Exercise Activities

Hopefully, you’re now thinking about fitness as a frugal (and easy!) activity, while being relatively cheap in regards to equipment and being more convenient to your schedule and location. Here’s the thing, if you really want the gym membership, use it or lose it. Another good tip about working out is strength in numbers. People tend to stay more motivated when they’re within a group towards a common goal (I would never make it through an hour of core strength yoga without being surrounded by other people watching). Have a friend to work out with, or join a community class.

Here are some activities you can definitely do even in your busy work week:

Like I said before, there are countless media resources available at the tips of your fingers, literally. Not only can you borrow DVDs from your library or from friends, check out www.YouTube.com and type in whatever fitness activity interests you the most. One of my favorite sites, http://www.5min.com/Category/Fitness, has 5-minute fitness videos for not only gym exercises or yoga, but also for kids. 5 minutes is perfect during the week for the busy bee, and it’s so much healthier than nothing.

Here’s a good one: walking. No equipment needed and you get plenty of fresh air. This is especially great if you have a dog. Try to take a quick stroll around the block before you get ready for work (wave to that cute neighbor you’ve been eyeing, he’ll love that cute new bod you’re sporting). For instance, I live about mile away from work so I walk. It’s not only good for my legs but also great points for my carbon footprint.



Rock out while cleaning! I do this on a weekly basis. Turn up the volume to your favorite music that gets you moving and scrub the heck out of that floor. Overall, just move! Grab your girls and go out dancing!


Gardening is also a good calorie burner. Depending on the size of your garden and the types of plants you tend to, you can get a pretty good work-out while make your fabulous life even a little more colorful.

Have a free weekend? Go hiking for a scenic change and it’s great for all seasons (hiking is also a fun free date, bring a picnic!) Ice skating is also a fun date idea as well. From personal experience, it’s a great work out for your arms and your laughing muscles to pick yourself, or your date, up after falling a thousand times. Enjoy a hot chocolate cocktail afterward.

Community and state parks often year round trails, tennis courts, swimming pools and fitness courses you can participate in. Check out your town’s website for more info.

The world is your playground, frugalista! Go play.