• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Because dads don’t always think like moms™

  • Dad
    • Celebrities
    • Gay Dads
    • Sex
    • Single Dads
  • Pregnancy
    • Labor or Delivery
    • Pregnant Wife
  • Baby
    • Baby Naming
    • Feeding
    • Sleep
    • Toilet Training
  • Kids
  • Teens
  • Activities
    • Local
    • By Age
    • Movie Reviews
    • Celebrations
  • Toys
    • We Recommend
    • Toys
  • Coaching for Dads
  • Great Dad Talks Podcast

Working out on a budget

October 22, 2009 by James Dunsford Leave a Comment

The recession coupled with job uncertainty for many is causing a downturn in the exercise industry. Reuters reports that a recent sporting goods industry survey has found fathers across the country are downsizing their exercise budgets, according to MSNBC.com.

So how can you stay fit without breaking your budget? Consider giving up your expensive gym membership in exchange for a more frugal option. Check to see if there’s a YMCA or other community-based fitness facility available near you. These can save you a lot of money without compromising on equipment, facilities or classes in many cases.

Check to see if your employer or health plan offers a discounted gym membership near you. Some companies are able to make deals with local health clubs to save their employees money. Many health insurers will reimburse you for fitness costs as well. They know the importance of exercise for optimum health.

If you simply don’t have the time or money to join a gym, consider investing in some basic exercise equipment to keep active.

A pedometer can help you measure your steps and see how much you’re walking every day. Gerald Endress, Fitness Manager for Duke University’s Diet & Fitness Center tells ABCnews.com that individuals should aim for 10,000 steps a day, which is about four miles. If you’re falling short of this number, the pedometer will help you make a conscious effort to increase your walking activity.

Myatt Murphy, author of The Ultimate Dumbbell Guide, tells Reuters that free weights, hand weights and dumbbells are a great choice when considering a budget. "There were thousands of exercises you can create using one pair of dumbbells. And if you’re on a budget, that equals pennies per exercise at most," he said.

Finally, remember that staying fit isn’t just about setting time aside to exercise. You can increase your heart rate and work up a sweat doing everything from raking leaves to vacuuming the house. Playing with your kids is great exercise as well, just aim for 30 minutes a day.ADNFCR-1662-ID-19416293-ADNFCR

Filed Under: Dad

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
SIGN-UP TODAY to receive the only baby newsletter written by dads, for dads. Act now and receive a free copy of the popular GreatDad E-Book!
My baby's due date or birthday :
Profile picture
Privacy Policy and Terms
Baby Name Finder!

what's in a name

  • Show names for:
  • Boys
  • Girls
  • Either
Finding a name you can both agree on isn't always easy. Use our simple name generator to get started.
First Letter
Last Letter
Number of Letters
Origin
Find a name!

More to See

family under a cardboard

Over 40? The Five Types of Insurance You Should Have

October 22, 2022 By Contributing Authors

A Dad’s Guide to Bonding with Your Kids Through Computer Games

May 5, 2022 By Contributing Authors

Tags

529 Plan budgeting for teens college savings compromise dad dads Father's Day fatherhood friendship in-laws love marriage Movie Review parenting advice parenting skills prepaid cards ritual Sundays travel vacation

Footer

Hi mom!

Would you like to share this site with your husband or a friend?

Just enter his email address and your name below and we'll let him know all about GreatDad.com.

His email address
Your Name

Recent

  • Special Clarity session – $25
  • Over 40? The Five Types of Insurance You Should Have
  • A Dad’s Guide to Bonding with Your Kids Through Computer Games
  • 5 Ways to Prepare Your Child for a Surgical Procedure
  • How to get kids excited about dental hygiene

Search

Tags

529 Plan budgeting for teens college savings compromise dad dads Father's Day fatherhood friendship in-laws love marriage Movie Review parenting advice parenting skills prepaid cards ritual Sundays travel vacation

Copyright © 2023 . GreatDad