How to Afford the Exercise You Actually Love

 

Whether your exercise routine consists of going to a gym to run on the treadmill, lift weights or attend dance classes like I do, one thing is certain: it costs money!

Yes, there are free options. You can walk outside, join a workout group in your neighborhood, or follow one of the thousands of free YouTube videos.

 But in my experience when you truly enjoy a particular workout, you are more likely to stick with it. Meaning you may actually have to pay to do the exercise you love.

Science is on my side too: According to the American Psychological Association, when people enjoy an activity, they experience positive emotions that motivate them to keep going. Enjoyment, more than cost, predicts whether you’ll stick with it. A lot of people choose the workout they think will give the biggest health benefit, but if you don’t actually like it, chances are you won’t keep doing it.

For months I bounced from one workout to another, never finding “the one” until I discovered Zumba. I started out wanting to lose weight, but my motivation quickly shifted. Now, I’m in it for the long-term benefits including strong bones, (and arms 😉😉) heart health, and the energy to keep moving well into old age.

If I’m going to be active for life, I’m willing to pay for it. The key is making sure that “paying for it” doesn’t break the bank.

Here’s how you can make paid-for exercise affordable:

 

1. Budget for it

We budget for rent, food, school fees but often forget that our bodies and minds need investment too. Treat your exercise classes like an essential bill. Decide what you can realistically afford every month and stick to it.

 

2. Don’t commit before you build a habit

Don’t lock yourself into a long-term workout package before you’ve built the habit. Try a few drop-in sessions first. That’s enough time to see if the activity truly fits your schedule and lifestyle and whether it passes the “enjoyment “test.

A study from UC Berkeley found that 80% of gym members would have saved money if they’d paid per visit instead of a flat monthly fee because they didn’t go as often as they thought they would.

 

3. Create a sinking fund for fitness

If your favorite class costs more than your current budget allows, start a dedicated savings pot a “fitness sinking fund.”  That’s how I pay for my Zumba classes! Set aside a small amount each week or month in a separate account. You can  also take it a step further:

• Invest the savings in a low-risk option (like a unit trust account) so it earns interests and grows over time.

4. Pair exercise with healthy eating

A poor diet can undermine your exercise efforts. You don’t have to buy expensive “health foods” focus on whole, unprocessed options: seasonal fruits, vegetables, affordable proteins including beans and peas, and whole grains. Markets often have fresh affordable produce.

 

5. Develop a value-for-money mindset

Ask yourself: is this class helping me stay consistent, happy, and healthy? If yes, then it’s worth finding room for it in your finances. if it keeps you moving for years to come, then it is money well spent.

By Martha Songa

miss.songa@gmail.com