3 Exercises Worth the Investment
There are many great ways to save money on fitness, diet and overall health so you can do more with fewer dollars. On the other hand, some sports and activities just seem to cost a lot to get started, and you can't afford to try them all. If you decide to put money into a new activity, it should be something that excites you and gets you pumped for improvement.
The bottom line is fitness costs are an investment in your health and longevity. Here are three ways you can get the best return on your dollar:
Running
How much you invest in running often depends on where you live. Some people enjoy year-round nice weather, making the sport free after an initial investment. Others can only run outside seasonally, and they either do other workouts the rest of the year or invest in a treadmill or gym membership in order to make it a full-time activity. The return on your running investment will depend on your commitment and dedication.
To start running outside, all you need is a great pair of shoes and appropriate, comfortable attire. The shoes should run you anywhere from $50 to $150 for a standard beginner's pair. Shoes should be replaced every 300 to 400 miles to prevent risk of pain or injury from failing support. Clothes shouldn't cost more than about $60 for full garb from an outlet such as Target or Wal-Mart. Go with fairly form-fitting, lightweight garments and moisture-wicking fabrics (especially if you sweat a lot). While these prices are subject to seasonal and location differences, both shoes and clothing can usually be found cheaply. Shop around before you invest, and consider buying items on clearance.
The payoff of running is that it's one of the most efficient exercises you can do. It's highly aerobic and engages the body's largest muscles -- those in the legs -- so the metabolism-boosting benefits of muscle building are optimized moreso than in other cardio workouts. That double whammy is especially attractive for people looking to lose weight. For those interested in improving heart health or fitness, running is one of the quickest ways to do that as well.
[Read: A Beginner's Guide to Running .]
Bicycling
In that same vein, this workout also engages large leg muscles and provides great cardio benefits. It, too, is a fairly seasonal sport but can be done indoors with the right equipment or a gym membership. Both running and bicycling offer fresh air and changing scenery. Plus, they both give you the freedom to go at your own pace -- great for those with independent spirits.
Bicycling's not quite as efficient for burning calories as running is, but the upside is that you can go longer and farther. In addition to clothes and shoes, you'll also need to buy the bike and helmet. How much you spend depends on your preferences and budget, but bikes can be found at discount stores for less than $100. If you would prefer something higher quality while staying on a budget, check out used bikes online in your area. You can probably find a nice bike for around $200. With good maintenance, bike frames can last 20 years or more.
[Read: Yes, You Can Be That Fit Co-Worker Who Bikes to Work .]
Sports lessons
It's important to distinguish lessons from fitness classes. When you take lessons in a sport such as swimming or tennis, you're learning skills and techniques. When you attended classes such as Zumba or CrossFit, you're imitating a leader or being told what to do. These classes still give you a great workout, but they aren't teaching you much that you can use in the future. Some classes, such as yoga or tai chi, do come with a little learning that can be incorporated into independent workouts, but this takes some time. Lessons, on the other hand, are meant to be temporary so once you've learned the basics, you're good to go it on your own. An added bonus is that your instructor will teach you both the sport's skills, as well as the correct form and technique. That way, you'll work more efficiently and be less likely to suffer sports injuries.
What sounds fun that you don't know a lot about? Tennis? Rock climbing? Surfing? Whatever it is, consider the investment in lessons. Chances are that if you're interested in an activity even before starting, you'll do better and stick to it. And sticking to it is the ultimate key to lifelong fitness and health.
[Read: 2014 Fitness Trends: What's In, What's Out .]
Lacie Glover is a blogger for Eat+Run. You can follow her on Twitter @LacieJaeGlo, connect with her on LinkedIn or circle her on Google +.
