App Based Fitness
The same old tired story. Sign up for a gym membership on January 1! Go for 3 sessions, and never go again because it’s too far from work, your schedule keeps changing, or you’re just not into that type of specialty workout anymore. Keep spending $100+ a month and never get fit! So how do you keep from wasting your money on fancy gyms you never attend? Here are the best budget friendly options and cheap gyms for the non-committal millennial who is always busy.
App Based Fitness
With the rise of the app economy, fitness apps are exploding. We have so many options at our fingertips now. If you are like me and have trouble motivating yourself to leave the house to work out, look at these options. There are no excuses now!
Fitstar and Fitstar Yoga
Fitstar Yoga – $7.99 monthly, or $39.99 for a year
Fitstar – $7.99 monthly, or $39.99 for a year
No need for an expensive personal trainer or yogi. These apps are cheaper per year than an average monthly gym membership. Both of these Fitstar apps are also adaptive; they learn and adjust workouts to your fitness level. Best of all, these apps use little to no equipment, which makes it easy to keep your routine up while traveling.
Sweat with Kayla
Kayla Itsines rose to fame on Instagram with her famous Bikini Body Guide. While the guide is expensive up front, the app is also an option to be more engaged and gives you a little extra motivation.
For $19.99 monthly, Kayla’s app uses just a little bit of equipment (I confess to using textbooks as weights and my sofa for tricep dips and step ups). As a bonus, the app includes suggested meals, even for vegans. This app is your workout and nutrition in one.
Running Apps
If you’re into but need a little motivation, C25K for a beginners running program. The program brings you from sitting on the couch to running a 5k in just 12 weeks! These apps are free. Just get your running shoes and go!
If you need even more of a reason to run, check out Zombies! Run!
Bloggers/Vloggers
Bloggers/vloggers are dying for your clicks! They create content and create routines online, all for free. Some of the most popular include:
Blogilates
Scott Herman Fitness
And, while not a blog, Convict Conditioning remains one of the highest rated and intense workout guides around ($9-$15 on Amazon, depending on book type).
Amazon Prime
Netflix used to have a good selection of workout videos, but now a lot have been removed. If you have Amazon Prime, look at the “Free with Prime” section of the video library. For $49-$99 a year, not only do you get free shipping, but there’s a whole collection of workout videos to stream.
Cheap Gyms
Never forget about the budget-friendly gym options that are Planet Fitness and 24 Hour Fitness. If you just go in to use the treadmills, ellipticals, and strength machines, why are you paying so much?
Classpass
Maybe you actually need to leave the house to get motivation, and budget-friendly options like Planet Fitness or 24 Hour Fitness don’t cut it.
If you are willing to spend a bit more, but just get bored, Classpass is an option. Now, it’s not cheap, but for $65 – $119 a month, you get access to different types of specialty workout classes across. If your routine is new and exciting, you’ll actually USE this gym membership! At least it’s not $100 being thrown away each month.
As you see, there’s no need for fancy $100+ a month access-only gyms if you’re just doing simple workouts and cheap gyms will do. If you’re committed to a certain sport, you’ll want dedicated, professional trainers. That comes with a cost. Otherwise, learn about your body, learn about nutrition, and construct your own workout routines.
