7 Tips to Stay Physically Active and Save Money

Physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and helps lower the risk for many chronic diseases. An active lifestyle is one of the best things you can do for your physical, emotional, and mental health. There are many ways to stay active without spending money on an expensive gym membership. 

Regular physical activity is one of the best things you can do to improve your overall health and decrease your risk for chronic health conditions like heart disease and diabetes. It can also help you manage health issues if you have already been diagnosed. 

Your auto and life insurance rates may be affected if you have chronic health issues, so self-management is important to keep your rates reasonable. You can get insurance with disabilities, but to find the best rates, you must be managing your condition. 

First, we will discuss the benefits of physical activity in preventing diseases like diabetes, and we will list seven tips to help you stay active in a budget-friendly way. We will also discuss the connection between health, physical activity, and insurance.

#1 – Try Free Online Options

There are many free online workout videos, exercise libraries, and streaming options. YouTube is one website with numerous free workout videos on yoga, dance, and weight training. Nerd Fitness and Geek Fitness are two websites with free resources on fitness and exercise. 

#2 – Use a Free Fitness App

We are always connected via our mobile devices, so why not use them for exercise? There are many fitness mobile apps that are free or have free features. MyFitnessPal is one popular fitness app with many free features. 

#3 – Incorporate Body-Weight Exercises

Body-weight exercises like push-ups, squats, lunges, burpees, and jumping jacks can be done without any equipment. Core and abdominal exercises like planks, crunches, back extensions, and torso rotations also don’t need any special equipment. These exercises can improve your strength and also help you lose weight, which improves joint pain.

#4 – Search Online Ads or Yard Sales

You can find good deals on home exercise equipment by looking for it online or at yard sales. People buy treadmills, weights, resistance bands, or mats with good intentions, but end up selling the pieces after not using them. Many of the equipment pieces are gently used and much cheaper than buying them new. 

#5 – Find a Workout Buddy

A workout buddy is a great way to stay motivated and better yet, it’s free. Ask a friend, neighbor, or family member to join you at home, outside, or at an inexpensive recreation center. You can support each other, share workout tips, and enjoy socializing while staying active. 

#6 – Get Comfortable With the Great Outdoors

Exercising outdoors has many benefits, one of them being that it’s free. Outside exercise is also great for stress management and can boost mental health. 

Incorporating outdoor activity into your daily routine is a great way to improve the way you feel mentally and physically, especially when it’s a regular part of your lifestyle. It’s open 24/7 and doesn’t cost you a dime. 

Walking trails, parks, and your neighborhood sidewalks can help you get your walks and runs done safely. Some parks even have special equipment to help you do strength training exercises like pull-ups, push-ups, or stability exercises. 

#7 – Use Community Options

Many cities have recreation centers or exercise classes at low cost to residents. They may also have sports facilities like tennis courts, basketball hoops, or walking trails that are available to the public. 

Health, Physical Activity, and Insurance

The healthier you are, the lower your life insurance rates. You can compare insurance rates online or work with an agent to find the best coverage and rates. 

Two major aspects of diabetes self-management are eating a healthy diet and staying active. Meeting your fitness goals doesn’t have to come with a big price tag. There are many options to stay active and exercise and keep your budget in check.

Melissa Morris writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, AutoInsurance.org. She is a university professor of nutrition and a certified sports nutritionist.