6 Inexpensive Alternatives to Gym Memberships

February is American Heart Month, and we’d love to help you find ways to improve your heart health without jeopardizing your financial fitness.

A gym membership can be a great way to stay active and do heart-healthy exercise, but we know from over 40 years of financial counseling that gym memberships can be a painful subscription to pay for.

Here are some less-expensive alternatives to gym memberships in honor of American Heart Month:

Affordable Alternatives to Gym Memberships

1. Go for Regular Walks

You can set up a walking club. Check with your local community center or see if your neighborhood is on Nextdoor. Use these resources to get together with neighbors to walk together—try to motivate each other to increase your heart rate!

2. Visit Your Local YMCA

You may have a YMCA or recreation center that offers swimming, workout rooms, and more. These memberships are far less expensive than joining a traditional gym.

3. Take Advantage of Public Parks

Your public park may have basketball or tennis courts—if those are sports you enjoy, take advantage of the free venue to stay active.

4. Join Public Classes at the Community Center

Your local community or recreation center might offer workout classes at a much lower cost than a commercial gym. Whether it’s aerobics, yoga, or step classes, any activity is better than nothing.

5. Use Smartphone Apps

You’ve already paid a lot for a smartphone, so take advantage of it by downloading a good workout app. Many apps are available for a very low cost and can guide you through effective workout routines.

6. Search YouTube for Free Workout Videos

Back in the day, people paid good money for workout tapes to follow along at home. Now there’s a wealth of free content just a few clicks away, perfect for helping you get active.

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Develop the Habit First

Whatever you do, find some activity that can help you get your heart rate up and that won’t get you stuck with an expensive subscription. Develop the habit of being active first, before you start spending more money.

If you need help achieving fiscal fitness, call us today for a free credit counseling session with a certified counselor. Debt counseling is available on demand and is completely confidential.

To learn more about American Heart Month, visit the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) online, the American Heart Association, or Million Hearts from the Department of Health and Human Services.

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If you need help with credit or debt, or want to learn more about budgeting or personal finance, get started with free, confidential counseling and education right here at Credit.org.