12 May

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?