Can't Afford It...

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Replies

  • bowser625
    bowser625 Posts: 95 Member
    Your local library should have videos to rent...

    Or ask your friends. They are bound to have a video or two stashed somewhere they aren't using anymore!!

    My faves: Jillian Michaels' Banish Fat Boost Metabolism and any walking video by Leslie Sansone (which you can find on YouTube)
  • iarookie
    iarookie Posts: 140
    I didnt read 5 pages of answers- Do you have a Wii??
  • concordancia
    concordancia Posts: 5,320 Member
    What do you guys do if you can't afford to get a membership at the gym and you have no gym equipment at your house? On top of that it's freezing outside. Just wondering what you all do for fitness and exercise when you mainly can't afford to go to the gym and you have no gym equipment at home.

    I need to do some exercise because just counting calories doesn't seem to be working for me.

    Define Freezing.

    Anything below 60deg F to my reptilian desert blood

    Yep. It doesn't matter what the definition is, it matters that a certain person uses it as an excuse to not workout. If you have alternatives, you don't have excuses.

    There are some really great ideas here, from online videos to using the library to checking out community resources.

    And don't forget, you can always turn up the tunes and dance!
  • KittieLea
    KittieLea Posts: 1,156 Member
    Watch Sit and Be Fit.

    LOL
    Is there a Fitness Connection in your area? That's where I go, and it's only $10 a month.
  • yonky50
    yonky50 Posts: 29 Member
    See if there is a Planet Fitness in your area. $10 a month with an annual $39 fee due in May or Sept , I think. No contract, great atmosphere for the novice.
  • ash8184
    ash8184 Posts: 701 Member
    Go running/walking! You can do jumping jacks, jump rope, push-ups, sit ups... grab a couple of cans of soup (or milk jugs) and use them as weights. Clean your house vigorously. Lots of options!
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    Walk, run, hike, bike, dance, swim, calisthenics, jump rope, plyometrics, climb something, lift something, push something, look for free workouts on TV or the internet.
  • fbmandy55
    fbmandy55 Posts: 5,263 Member
    I can't do workout DVD's at home. No space and crappy subfloors. The rec center I play volleyball at has fitness equipment and you can 'pay by use' for $2 a day for when I can make it. Maybe see if there is a place like that around?
  • ames105
    ames105 Posts: 288 Member
    My experience has been that exercise alone, without taking calories into consideration, resulted in no weight loss at all. Exercise is great for improving cardio health, toning, muscle building, etc. But without creating some kind of (healthy) calorie deficit, you won't experience very much weight loss. Especially if you are fighting with a condition like PCOS or underactive thyroid.

    Instead of focusing on counting calories (that can be frustrating for a lot of people), try reducing portion size and focusing on fresh fruits and veggies. That can be managed on a budget.

    And yes, look on the internet for free exercise videos. If you have cable TV, they usually have free videos as well. Even walking/jogging in place, squating, situps, pushups, lunges etc, while watching TV is good free exercise. Good luck in your journey!!
  • majikmiker
    majikmiker Posts: 291 Member
    Didn't want to read through 5 pages to see if this was suggested. But I sometimes go to the mall when it's really cold outside. You can walk for miles, inside, and you can do the stairs instead of the escalator, and use the benches for squats etc. You may get kicked out, but if you pretend to look in a few stores you should be fine. Sometimes the mall allow people in to walk around before the stores open.

    I know where I am there is a leisure access program that gives free membership to the municipal pool / gym if you can show you have a low income. But I'm in Canada, and everything rocks here, so.....

    Good luck. Cheers! :drinker:
  • rob1976
    rob1976 Posts: 1,328 Member
    If you get ESPN Classic, they show reruns of Jack LaLanne's old exercise show.

    If not, he has a bunch of videos on his website: http://www.jacklalanne.com/watch-jack/
  • ShannonECTD
    ShannonECTD Posts: 203 Member
    Get some workout DVDs, jillian Michaels programs are pretty cheap $10 each. All you'll need for those is a couple sets of dumbbells, try craigslist for those or play it again sports if you have one in your area... if you don't walmart has em for a decent price. Walmart also has adjustable dumbbells that got to like 24lbs or something which is great for a beginner.

    You could try a program from Beachbody, like Turbo Jam or Chalean Extreme and do a few monthly payments on them too I don't sell that stuff but you can just go to their website. :smile:
  • Celeigh12
    Celeigh12 Posts: 763 Member
    Walk.
  • alikona22
    alikona22 Posts: 56 Member
    What do you guys do if you can't afford to get a membership at the gym and you have no gym equipment at your house? On top of that it's freezing outside. Just wondering what you all do for fitness and exercise when you mainly can't afford to go to the gym and you have no gym equipment at home.

    I need to do some exercise because just counting calories doesn't seem to be working for me.

    I'd reassess how much you're eating and if you may have any underlying medical conditions before you claim it isn't workign for ou


    I'm trying my best to stick to my calories on MFP. I do have PCOS, which I was told that it makes it harder for me to lose weight. But I don't want to use that as an excuse.

    I have PCOS as well, so I understand your struggle! I feel like others can simply cut out some calories or add in some more cardio and they lose weight quickly, but for me it requires being strict and dedicated to eating a low-glycemic diet, lots of cardio, strength training, and stretching. Just wanted to let you know that you're not alone!
  • Shelialouise66
    Shelialouise66 Posts: 56
    Make sure you have a library card and check out video's. I have digital cable and sometimes, I get bored, with the dvd's that I have, so I go on demand and try out a workout.

    I spent 5 bucks, got a hula hoop and I burn over 100 calories in 10 minutes. I am starting slow and working my way up. Oh and don't forget places like Goodwill, dvd's for 2.99. Just takes a little creativity but you can get it done on a budget.

    Forgot about the hospital that I work at, offers all types of health and wellness classes to the public, so try your local hospital and see what they offer. Many gyms will give you a free 1 week trial as well.
  • Sweet_Potato
    Sweet_Potato Posts: 1,119 Member
    I don't think anyone's mentioned it yet, but there are a ton of Living Social/Groupon-type deals out there and many of them end up being pretty cheap. I've gotten Jazzercise classes for $4 apiece, yoga classes for $3, Bikram for $6. I've even seen yoga deals for just $1 a class.

    Also, look for deals during slow times of the year. Bikram classes, for example, always go on sale in the summer when no one in their right mind wants to be in a sweltering hot room. A lot of fitness studios also offer the first class for free.

    Finally, make sure you haven't overlooked any free or cheap stuff in your area. I didn't know my city had free aquatic centers until I moved next door to one! This time of year I like to take advantage of the ice skating rinks which aren't too expensive. And once it gets warmer there will be a lot of outdoor yoga and pilates classes that are normally free.
  • lacurandera1
    lacurandera1 Posts: 8,083 Member
    youtube. tons and tons of vids. Also slowly amassed a meager set of weights. Bought stuff little by little.
  • okidoki7
    okidoki7 Posts: 151 Member
    lots of great ideas on here :)
  • jilliew
    jilliew Posts: 255 Member
    What do you guys do if you can't afford to get a membership at the gym and you have no gym equipment at your house? On top of that it's freezing outside. Just wondering what you all do for fitness and exercise when you mainly can't afford to go to the gym and you have no gym equipment at home.

    I need to do some exercise because just counting calories doesn't seem to be working for me.

    Sometimes I do Zumba on the Wii in my livingroom, and before someone bought that for me I looked up a workout online (that included pushups, situps and other calisthenics like that).

    Most of the time I walk. Outside. In the cold. I live in Alberta, Canada. It's -20*C right now, -30*C with the windchill. That's -22*F. How cold can it possibly be where you are? ;)
  • karllundy
    karllundy Posts: 1,490 Member
    If there is a YMCA branch in your area, check them out. They offer financial assistance for those who qualify. I don't qualify for that, but my employer partners with the Y for reduced memberships for employees, which is nice.

    This!! My YMCA Membership is only $23/month.
  • Caryn03
    Caryn03 Posts: 62 Member
    Copied this straight off of Tumblr:

    FULL BODY WORKOUTS:
    Jillian’s 30 Day Shred]: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Pc-NizMgg8
    Cardio, Sculpt & Tone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6olejYe6bU
    Beginners Total Body Workout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCg_gh_fppI
    New Body Makeover!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMnY5jAlp6Y
    Total Body 10 min Sculpt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWQtEfZMTB8
    AT HOME CARDIO

    Fat Melting Routine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOvIKdG7AwM
    Food Baby! HIIT Workout: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSIgraWAisQ
    Summer Sweatfest: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1WPkgEb4t4
    At Home HIIT Workout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS7XkoGmhXQ
    30 Minute Cardio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwXzXpmwFG4
    Slim Down Cardio Burn [Made a post about this before, SO much fun!] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwVqStjPYQ0
    Quiet Cardio for Indoors!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8CRUrRekOQ&list=FLIJwWYOfsCfz6PjxbONYXSg&index=27
    New Year Slimdown!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8aLJTXkdbI
    ABS

    Beginners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0HBmX0PuGc
    Abtacular Pilates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7XuiAmvrjk
    30 minute Flat Abs!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBqj6n5Mb-I
    VS Ab Workout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZoR7YKqIe8
    ABS ABS ABS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_1e7g1Smks
    HOT ABS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1DS7G9OjfQ
    Abominable Abdominals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zB3637w-5_M
    BACK:
    How to strengthen your back: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBl5wxZfl7s
    Bodacious Back & Sleek Shoulders [My fave - changed my back omg.] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmKHy3rQ3Fk
    Sexy Back Workout!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZGmmDU7-bg
    Backless Dress Workout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7H4A2-UTZM
    Sculpted Back: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5h79Yj0De9U
    Back Exercises: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6YPZ5j5nXs
    Back Attack!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmktEl7KZxQ
    MUFFIN TOP

    Beginners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5aU3kLmX60
    Muffin Topless: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1okL7ieoyY
    Muffin Top Meltdown: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mz-d97h6ZZw
    Exterminator!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVWZAjHM328
    Uh-Oh! Obliques: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93e5RP8Wd5I
    WAIST:

    The Corset Workout: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yENYdGnxmhg
    Cinch That Waist!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKj6yEAW6GI
    Waist Slimmer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUur9Jqm64c
    Waist Exercises: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82O3hS4Tm2M
    ARMS:

    Beginners: Sleek and Sexy Arms: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MO87_yr7pjo
    Arm Attack!: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmuH3Jw-FAE
    Awesomesauce Arms: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3j1MGTLeFw
    VS Arm Slimming Workout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8rUKK8E19k
    Sculpt & Shrink: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTGBFlB1fEI
    Tone Tone Tone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpotY6rZL4o
    Slim Arms: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihok8WJnVd4
    Toned Triceps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WN8PdSn_XjI
    Tricep Toner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVnT72Hy_HA
    LEGS:

    Beginner Inner Thighs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltVa07h87bw
    Legersize Workout: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpLUaGa8Wew
    Inner Thigh Insanity: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UT4UlsoQchY
    Legs & Thigh Workout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHfe0rG_THk
    Inner Thigh Workout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0G7A14-q7k
    Lean Legs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-4A_Ki7us8
    Standing Pilates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5mYC9xUtDA
    SQUATS|GLUTES:

    Butt Blaster: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Q7L673i8OY
    Bee Bootylicious: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzZSCsw6i2c
    Super Workout: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LLFHwI3SJM
    Bubble Butt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faQ9lkjiRaM
    VS Bombshell Workout: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsrCv3OktCs

    WOW! Thank you so much for this. This will be helpful!!!
  • majikmiker
    majikmiker Posts: 291 Member
    What do you guys do if you can't afford to get a membership at the gym and you have no gym equipment at your house? On top of that it's freezing outside. Just wondering what you all do for fitness and exercise when you mainly can't afford to go to the gym and you have no gym equipment at home.

    I need to do some exercise because just counting calories doesn't seem to be working for me.

    Sometimes I do Zumba on the Wii in my livingroom, and before someone bought that for me I looked up a workout online (that included pushups, situps and other calisthenics like that).

    Most of the time I walk. Outside. In the cold. I live in Alberta, Canada. It's -20*C right now, -30*C with the windchill. That's -22*F. How cold can it possibly be where you are? ;)

    I'm over the mountains in BC. Plus 7 here today. Just thought I'd rub it in..... :)
  • psfr
    psfr Posts: 25 Member
    Save.
  • kimosabe1
    kimosabe1 Posts: 2,467 Member
    Planet Fitness is ten bucks a month.......
  • kelsey1754
    kelsey1754 Posts: 3
    I put on an hour's worth of music and just dance like a maniac. Forget about how it looks just try and use all your muscles, a lot of standing crunches, arms in the air, punching at your reflection works too. Just do not stop moving until your music list stops. It really works. Just make sure that you're out of breath and sweating. It's the only way to make it work!
  • RobinvdM
    RobinvdM Posts: 634 Member
    Didn't want to read through 5 pages to see if this was suggested. But I sometimes go to the mall when it's really cold outside. You can walk for miles, inside, and you can do the stairs instead of the escalator, and use the benches for squats etc. You may get kicked out, but if you pretend to look in a few stores you should be fine. Sometimes the mall allow people in to walk around before the stores open.

    I know where I am there is a leisure access program that gives free membership to the municipal pool / gym if you can show you have a low income. But I'm in Canada, and everything rocks here, so.....

    Good luck. Cheers! :drinker:

    This too. Our mall opens early to let walkers in. I hadn't heard of such a thing until a few weeks ago. Commendable attitude IMO :)
  • alifer
    alifer Posts: 387 Member
    Some health insurance policies will cover a portion of a gym membership. Check with your employer or health insurance.
  • lovelymrsbasham
    lovelymrsbasham Posts: 73
    I have the Jullian Michaels 30 Day Shred DVD and am waiting on a dance workout I ordered called Pump It Up Ultimate Dance. :) I live in an apartment and there's nowhere to walk around here and I don't feel comfortable going to a gym by myself so the DVDs work nicely and whether you do them through Youtube or order them they can be pretty cheap :)
  • whitmars106
    whitmars106 Posts: 118 Member
    Have you really researched every gym's membership fees in your area? I know what it's like to pinch pennies sometimes, and yes, gyms CAN be expensive. However, there are gyms like 10 Gym & Planet Fitness with memberships for only $10 a month. Think of what you blow $10 a month on...nothing important. So re-evaluate how you're spending your money, and put that toward something useful. I think Just Ladies Fitness is in the $20 range a month. A lot of gyms are much more affordable than you may think. Ask your friends and/or family to pitch in together for your next birthday or holiday to help you pay for a membership for a year. Think outside the box.
  • Caryn03
    Caryn03 Posts: 62 Member
    How cold is it where you are? I didn't start running until a couple months ago when it was getting chilly. Granted, NC isn't exactly known for brutal winters but I still find myself jogging in 40 degree weather pretty frequently. Also, as far as the gym membership goes I'd ask yourself how much it's worth to you and is there something else you can cut out if it is worth it. My gym is pretty cheap so money was never an issue but before I got serious I never went often "because I didn't have time." So one day I just shut off my cable. Guess, what? I had lots of time (and money too).

    It's not freezing where I am. And the cold isn't that big of an issue. I do go on walks/runs because I love to be outside. It's just when it does get really cold I have a hard time breathing in the cold when I'm running. So I usually do walking then. And I could probably shut off my TV more often to get things done and have more time.

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