Affordable Ways to Stay Fit: Practical Advice from Everyday Heroes

In a world where gym memberships and fancy equipment can feel like the only paths to fitness, it’s refreshing to hear from individuals who prove otherwise. Meet three inspiring members of the Start TODAY community—people who stay active without breaking the bank. Their creative and budget-friendly approaches to fitness not only keep them healthy but also make exercising enjoyable.

Embracing Movement: Carol Wells’ Creative Routine

Workout Routine

• Stretching
• Walking
• Dance workouts with grandchildren
• YouTube videos

Carol Wells, 62, showcases how fun movement can be. Watching her 2-year-old grandson has led to a delightful exercise combo: dancing to Bee Gees classics while getting her steps in. “It makes exercising so much easier for me!” she shares.

To ensure she stays active, Carol follows a structured routine. Here’s how she incorporates movement into her daily life:

1. Stretching: She starts her day with a 10-minute stretching session, guided by a YouTube video.
2. Morning Walk: Weather permitting, Carol goes for a one to two-mile walk. If staying indoors, she opts for walking videos from creators like Yes2Next or Leslie Sansone.
3. Afternoon Activities: Carol aims for another session of dancing or fitness videos, often emphasizing low-impact, bodyweight routines that work for her.
4. Evening Workouts: Carol looks online for themed workouts, such as “Zumba to ABBA,” exploring a variety of options through channels like Keep on Moving.

Movement can and should be fun. Dancing with her grandson is a staple in Carol Wells’ workout routine!

Finding Fitness at Home: Kathleen Wilkins’ Walking Strategy

Workout Routine

• Walking
• YouTube workout videos
• Vintage home equipment

At 66, Kathleen Wilkins has designed a fitness regimen that fits seamlessly into her life after retirement. “I like to exercise close to home,” she explains, emphasizing a routine built around walking and workout videos rather than gym memberships, which proved unsustainable for her.

Kathleen conducts her exercise routine primarily through walking and neighborhood activities. Here’s how:

1. Regular Walking: Kathleen walks two miles several times a day in her 55-plus mobile home community. This totals five to six miles daily.
2. Socializing: She often walks with neighbors, which adds both social interaction and some resistance training with a dog she babysits.
3. Strength Training: Three mornings a week, she and fellow residents choose various Paul Eugene workout videos for a good mix of strength and cardio.
4. Vintage Equipment: Kathleen recently started using an ab roller and a rotational disk to enhance her core strength.

Wilkins blew past the 30-mile goal in a recent Start TODAY walking challenge.

Staying Active Daily: Judy Wentz’s Resilient Journey

Workout Routine

• Daily walks
• Workout videos
• Stationary biking
• Resistance bands and hand weights

Judy Wentz, 58, is all about persistence. Living with fibromyalgia, she focuses on low-impact workouts. “I keep moving to manage my pain,” she says, illustrating the power of staying active.

Here’s how Judy manages her fitness:

1. Daily Walks: Every day, she walks with her husband, always aiming for five to seven miles, customizing the length based on her energy levels.
2. Varied Workouts: She complements her walks with a mix of workout videos at home. Each week brings a new schedule, including cardio and strength training.
3. Home Workout Videos: Judy explores a variety of free online workouts, including Metro Physical Therapy, Zumba, and resistance band exercises.

Wentz with fellow Start TODAY member Tammy Carter Skov. She has found support and made real-life connections through the Facebook group.

Conclusion

Staying fit doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Whether through walking, dancing, or utilizing free online resources, these three individuals remind us that creativity and commitment are key to an active lifestyle. With endless ways to move beyond the gym, why not find what makes you smile and start your own fitness journey today?

For more support and community engagement on your fitness path, consider joining the Start TODAY Facebook group.