Getting regular exercise can help lower your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. While many people get their exercise at gyms and by using expensive equipment, working out doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
By taking advantage of what you have around the house, your own backyard and local parks, you can get the exercise your body needs without spending big bucks.
Here are a few ways to work out without breaking your budget.
Find free exercises to do at home
In the age of Pinterest and YouTube, there are thousands of exercise programs and workout routines available for free or nearly free. You can get the exercise you need without ever leaving your home. This is especially helpful for moms who don’t always have the opportunity to work out outside of the hom.
This blogger integrates exercise into her daily routine like doing lunges while she’s brushing her teeth and doing push-ups while she’s waiting for the oven timer.
Go for a walk
Even if you’re not looking for a super intense workout, it’s always good to get outside and move around. And it’s much more interesting to walk around outside than to stare at a TV screen while you’re on a treadmill.
If you’re not fond of the view in your neighborhood, then visit a local park and walk around nature paths or take a few laps around the playground equipment while your kids play. They’ll have a chance to run off some energy and get some exercise while you get some time to de-stress.
Go for a swim
Working out doesn’t have to be lifting weights or going for a jog. It can be as simple as swimming laps in a pool or taking a water aerobics class. According to the CDC, participating in water-based exercise can help improve the symptoms of those battling chronic illnesses like arthritis, can improve mental health and can help maintain bone health in post-menopausal women.
There are several places to find water-based exercise classes and lap pools in the area. If you live in the Waco area, try one of the YMCA of Central Texas locations, in Temple try the Sammons indoor pool, in Belton try the Roy and Jean Potts Belton Swim Center and if you’re in the Killeen area find some swim time at the Aquatics Center.
Play a pick-up game
Getting regular exercise doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as meeting friends to play a game of basketball at a local park. And if you’re looking for something a little more challenging, try challenging a friend or family member to a game of disc golf at one of the many disc golf courses in the Central Texas area.
Whatever you do to get active is better than not being active at all. So, get off the couch and go for a walk. It will improve your mental and physical well-being and motivate you to integrate exercise into your daily life.
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Jessa is the Editor-in-Chief of Hooray for Family and the mom of three energetic children. She has a BA in Mass Communication/Journalism from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and is a long-time resident of Central Texas. When she isn't writing and editing, she enjoys playing board games with her kids, teaching Sunday school and channeling her creativity into craft projects.
