OBSTACLE 3: MONEY

“I DON’T HAVE MONEY!”

The list is endless for those

who say they don’t have

enough money to get—and

maintain—good health. While

a lack of finances does

complicate the pathway to

good health, it certainly isn’t

an insurmountable obstacle.

You can get and maintain good

health on any budget.

WHAT YOU MAY NEED MONEY FOR

Gym membership

Child care

Workout clothes

Workout shoes

Equipment/videos

Healthy food

Personal trainer

GYM MEMBERSHIP

Gym memberships aren’t as expensive as

they used to be. Places like Planet Fitness

offer memberships as low as $15-20 a month.

But if you can’t spare that—and sometimes

you can’t—keep this in mind, you don’t have

to have a gym membership to get in shape.

• Workout in your home with an exercise

video

• Walk/jog around your home or head to a

local high school/college track or park

• Join a rec league, which can be as cheap

as $20-$30

• Take the stairs, walk when you can

CHILD CARE

Child care is an issue for working

parents who want to get a good

workout in. Many gyms now offer

child care in their facilities, and some

small town gyms offer it for free. But

when that’s not an option, you don’t

have to skip a workout.

• Workout at home—have your kiddo

watch TV while you do a DVD or

YouTube workout video.

• Workout with your kiddo—go play

in the park or head outside with a

football.

• Ask a friend or family member to

watch the kiddo for free

WORKOUT CLOTHES

You need comfortable clothes to workout,

but you don’t need to break the bank.

Wal-Mart and Target sell inexpensive

options, as do second-hand consignment

shops.

• But really, wear what you’ve got—

sweat pants and t-shirts are fine, as

long as you’re comfortable and you

won’t get overheated in clothes that

are too heavy

• Ladies—DO, however, spend money

on a good sports bra

WORKOUT SHOES

This is one area you can’t skimp—

save up money and buy good

athletic shoes. Your feet, knees,

and hips have to carry you

through life in everything you do,

so don’t rough them up by not

having proper support when you

workout.

Make sure you go shoe shopping at

a store with knowledgeable sales

people who can measure your feet

and stride and fit you properly.

EQUIPMENT/VIDEOS

Working out at home is the cheapest option out there—and the equipment you need is minimal. Most workouts can use bodyweight exercises to get the job done, or you can visit a secondhand exercise equipment store or Craig’s List and get what you need on the cheap.

• Exercise videos

• Dumbells—Start with 5, 8, 10—pound weights, then move up to 12, 15, 20—pound weights.

• Mats, exercise clothes, accessories

HEALTHY FOOD

Eating healthy can be more expensive, but not in comparison to healthcare costs for obesity-related illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure. This is simply one area where you have to budget accordingly.

• Set aside money every week for what you’re going to need to buy healthy food

• Plan your week of food and do weekly food prep

• Don’t waste any food—re-use leftovers in creative ways

PERSONAL TRAINING

Personal trainers can be worth the money. They hold you accountable, teach you proper form, and help you build your endurance and strength steadily. But they don’t come cheap. So, how can you get access on a tight budget?

• Most trainers offer free sessions before you commit—take advantage of them

• Most trainers/gym offer a variety of packages, including writing you a workout plan or group training—these are cheaper than 1:1 training.

• Get online—lots of trainers do virtual training or have YouTube videos offering expertise.