The Price of Health
Every few days, lame excuses aside, I go for a run. Running itself is free. The added costs might be a decent pair of running shoes, which I bought to protect my joints; an iPod, which I use to boost my speed by playing energetic music (anything from Tool to Scissor Sisters); a cap, for keeping the sun out of my eyes and maybe a bottle of water if it’s a hot day. Running gives me time to myself and I don’t have to arrive anywhere at a certain time, get changed and then follow a buzzing timer to complete my routine.
On the other hand, some people prefer gyms for their classes, the circuits, the company, the structure. Fair enough, although I know a lot of people who joke about their annual “donation” to the gym because they rarely show up. I’ve joined a few gyms and enjoyed them, but can’t really justify the cost when there are free options.
Here are the free exercise options I can think of, off the top of my head, although many have added costs like equipment.
- Running/walking
- At-home classes (using DVDs etc)
- Free classes (some schools offer free yoga on Sundays)
- Swimming at the beach
- Sports
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Dancing
- Sex (well, it is!)
What exercise options do you use? How much does it cost a year?
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Posted
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Saturday, May 12th, 2007 at 9:35 am
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Equipment is the real kicker. But I do fully support exercising on your own - without a gym membership. That definitely saves money.
I’ve gotten into cycling, and it’s anything but free. I had a used bike given to me. But I had to get inner tubes, a pump, and a helmet. After a couple years, I’ve decided I’ve earned a new used bike. That’ll be some more cash. But I’m not laying out anything like the hard core cyclists - thousands of dollars in equipment. That’s crazy.
May 14th, 2007 at 10:57 pmWe’re lucky enough to live on a street with a 30% grade, so the minute the weather is good enough we transition from the free gym at work to nightly walks together.
May 15th, 2007 at 11:16 am