When it comes to staying fit, the cost of exercise doesn’t have to be a barrier. Many individuals find creative ways to keep active without relying on expensive gym memberships, costly apps, or high-end home equipment. Here, we’ll explore practical, low-cost exercise routines through inspiring stories from three amazing members of the Start TODAY community.
These individuals are not just keeping fit; they are making workouts enjoyable and accessible by leveraging everyday activities like walking, dancing, and utilizing free resources online. Whether it’s lacing up walking shoes or exploring workout videos on YouTube, there’s plenty of inspiration to be found.
Here are their no-cost exercise routines that effectively fit into their lives.
Movement can and should be fun. Dancing with her grandson is a staple in Carol Wells’ workout routine!
Carol Wells
Workout routine: Stretching, walking, workout videos, dancing with her grandchildren.
At 62, Carol Wells finds joy in working out with her 2-year-old grandson. They often dance together, using lively Bee Gees videos that not only keep her active but also allow for quality time together. “It makes exercising so much easier and fun,” she shares.
Her routine includes mixing short bursts of activity throughout the day, targeting at least two workouts daily. Here’s how she keeps fit without spending much:
- Stretching: She starts her mornings with a 10-minute stretch session guided by a YouTube video.
Carol Wells following a workout video at home.
- Morning walk or workout: After stretching, she enjoys a one- to two-mile walk. On cold winter days, she turns to walking videos from Yes2Next or Leslie Sansone.
- Afternoon session: She either dances with her grandson or engages in low-impact strength training through online videos. If the weather permits, she enjoys walking outdoors, aiming for 4-5 miles daily.
- Evening workout: After dinner, she exercises again with flavorful music-themed workouts that she searches for online, like “Zumba to ABBA.”
Kathleen Wilkins, 40 pounds lighter after committing to regular walks.
Kathleen Wilkins
Workout routine: Walking, YouTube workout videos, and using vintage equipment.
At 66, Kathleen Wilkins embraces local workouts that fit right into her day. Living in a 55-plus community in Thousand Oaks, California, she integrates walking into her daily routine, covering two miles multiple times a day, often reaching five to six miles.
She finds company while walking with neighbors, even caring for a wheelchair user’s dog, adding some resistance training to her routine. Her commitment to daily walks is both social and healthy, showing that fitness can also foster connections with others.
Kathleen completing a recent walking challenge.
To diversify her fitness routine, she often meets with friends for community workouts based on popular YouTube videos, enhancing both strength and cardio fitness. Additionally, she has rediscovered her old gym equipment, utilizing an ab roller and a rotational disk for core strength.
Judy Wentz before and after her 1,322-day walking streak!
Judy Wentz
Workout routine: Daily walks, workout videos, stationary biking, resistance bands, hand weights.
At age 58, Judy Wentz prioritizes exercise as a way to manage her fibromyalgia pain. “Keeping active helps stave off the pain,” she explains. With a consistent daily routine, Judy cycles on her stationary bike or follows walking workouts as her day begins.
Judy and her husband enjoy walks together, often setting destinations like cafes or local restaurants for lunch. By initially challenging herself to walk short distances, she has built an impressive streak of over 1,322 continuous days of walking.
Judy has built a supportive community through her fitness journey.
In addition to walking, Judy enjoys a variety of home workout routines. She actively seeks new, engaging activities to keep her routine fresh, handling strength and cardio workouts multiple times weekly. Her flexibility has borne fruit, as she has not only shed weight but also improved her overall energy levels, allowing her to truly embrace life.
For those seeking support and motivation, consider joining the Start TODAY Facebook group!
This article was originally published on TODAY.com.
### Conclusion
Staying fit doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. As shown by these inspiring individuals, staying active can be achieved through simple and enjoyable routines, utilizing available resources and making exercise a fun part of your day. Taking small steps like dancing with a loved one, walking in your neighborhood, or following online workouts can lead to significant improvements in health and wellbeing. Remember, fitness is a journey, not a destination, and it can be tailored to fit your lifestyle in an affordable, enjoyable way.
