Many people with lower incomes or tighter budgets use their finances as an excuse for eating unhealthy, being overweight or unfit. When I see the family on television, complaining that they are all overweight because gym memberships are too expensive and they can only afford “Drive-Thru” meals it irks me a little. I don’t irk very easily, so that’s saying something.
You can whine that you can’t afford a designer handbag or that fancy new car you’ve been eye-ing, but you CANNOT whine that you are unhealthy as a result of your finances. You just can’t.
You can live a healthy lifestyle on a tight budget
There. I said it. And it’s true. Choosing a healthy lifestyle can be a challenge for anyone, regardless of their finances, so yes, it’s difficult. But friends … it’s worth it. Many, MANY times it’s the difficult things that are really worth doing. Below are some ideas to get active without spending a cent. This post is not weight-loss driven but more health-driven, encouraging you to create some new, healthy habits. If you needed a gentle nudge in the right direction, here it is.
Walk!
That’s right. Walk places. Walk your dog. Push the stroller. Walk with your spouse. Follow your young child on their bicycle. Walk by yourself. Walk quickly and get your heart rate up for a bit. Break a sweat. It will feel great!
Choose the stairs. Purposefully park far away in the parking lot. Make everyday choices that force you to walk further than usual.
Run!
Maybe you’re not a natural-born runner – but it’s worth trying. Check out the Couch to 5k running program. There are all sorts of podcasts out there to motivate you too. Start out small and work your way up, that’s the key. Don’t just go out and run 5 miles tomorrow. You’ll probably end up throwing up. Running is excellent exercise – the best in free fitness in my opinion.
Move!
You can’t be fit if you don’t increase movement. Are walking and running too boring for you? That’s ok. Try playing basketball, cross-country skiing, biking, swimming or hiking. It doesn’t matter so much what you do – just that you DO something. Some of you may have made a resolution last month to be healthier this year – do it!
Keep in mind, getting started is the hardest part. The most effort you’ll have to put forth is getting out of bed earlier when your alarm goes off, or determining to switch the television off and get out of the house. It’s willpower. Once you begin – momentum will keep you going. Once you start feeling healthier, you’ll want to remain healthier.
Why I do what I do ~ Has your child ever done a running commentary while she’s with you in a public restroom? It’s happened to me multiple times. It’s embarrassing for sure. Know what’s more embarrassing? When she gives a running commentary on SOMEONE ELSE in the bathroom.
Chloe: Mom, another girl just came in the bathroom.
Me: Yup.
Chloe: She’s going in the one next to us.
Me: Yes she is.
Chloe: I think I hear her pants going down.
Me: Shhhh ….
Chloe: She had a lot of pee-pee, Mom
Me: SHHHH ….
Chloe: Why do you think she had so much pee=pee?
Me: (whispering furiously in her ear while finishing my own business) We don’t talk about what other people are doing in the bathroom!!!
Chloe: Why not??
Me: (muttering to myself like a mom that’s losing it) Just get out of the bathroom, Nicki. Make a quick exit and look no one in the eye …
walking photo credit: Mike Saechang
running photo credit: lululemon athletica
basketball photo credit: laffy4kHave you liked Domestic Cents on Facebook yet?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
The bathroom commentary is hysterical!!
I’m time poor (and have a tight budget, too) and find that instead of adding a workout to my routine, walking is a great solution. If we can walk there, we do, and the kids think it’s great.
Elisa | blissfulE´s last [type] ..and it was called ‘lellow
Great post, Nicki! Is there one about healthy food on the cheap to follow?
Oh, wait. You DO do that quite often, don’t you? We all have excuses about why we’re unhealthy. Thank you for inspiring us to ditch the excuses and just get moving!
You rock, Girl!
Very true! We do not make alot of money so when I started trying to save money and eating healthier at the same time, I found that alot of times they go together! Buying fewer prepared foods and ingredients and learning to make them from scratch has made a difference in our food budget, it just takes more time. This blog is great for learning to make things yourself!