Here at The Drunk Millionaire, we’re always looking for ways to minimize expenses. One way we’re saving money is by using DIY workout equipment.
Skip the costly gym memberships, and read below to find out if you can utilize our cost saving methodology in your workout routine!
You Really Should Workout
To start with, let’s first discuss the value of physical exercise. From boosting your mood to improving your sex life, routine workouts can greatly increase your quality of life.
According to the Mayo Clinic, routinely working out helps the following aspects of your life (with resulting financial benefits in parentheses):
1) Weight Control (reduced health and life insurance expenses)
2) Combating health conditions and diseases (fewer doctor visits, thus reduced health care costs)
3) Improved mood (better relationships, plus better work performance)
4) Boosted energy/better sleep (More energy to work, increasing work output)
5) Spark your sex life (use your imagination for this one…)
The Mayo Clinic recommends at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.
Avoid the Costly Memberships
Now that we all agree that working out benefits your health and finances in a multitude of ways, how can you avoid those expensive gym memberships?
Where I live, one of the only places to get a workout membership is at the YMCA. Don’t get me wrong, they have awesome facilities in a brand new building with more machines than I could ever use. In fact, I don’t really know how 75% of them work!
Unfortunately, a membership runs about $70 per month! This equates to $840 per year – no small chunk of the budget!
I know that you’re probably saying that you can’t put a price tag on good health, but I wanted to challenge that dogma this year with a different approach.
How I Workout on the Cheap
After we moved into our new house this year, I had to get out of my membership because it was too far away to justify the expense. Instead I built a DIY gym of sorts at my house.
The first realization was how little equipment I actually needed.
I use free weights and bodyweight (think pushups) for all of my workouts. From a bench press that was virtually free on Craigslist, to brake drums that were converted to dumbbells, the few pieces of equipment I use were under $20.00 (thus the $0.02 per workout).
Additionally, I use a pull-up bar, do push-ups, and “try” to run and use a jump rope for a nice cardio addition.
Man, I hate cardio….. 😉
To distill my workout ethos further, I simply push around big (and cheap) chunks of iron to stay in shape. Sure, it’s not as sexy as the shiny machines at the gym, but my results have been consistently the same.
I’m not complaining about the $839.98 I saved this year either! 😉
Final Disclosure
This workout at home approach is not for everyone. For some, the motivation that’s provided from a membership is probably worth the added expense. It takes more self-discipline to regularly workout when you stay home.
Like you, my wife and I ditched the gym memberships a while ago. I’m weird – I prefer cardio in the form of running in straight lines for extended time periods. For a few years, I did most of my running on a treadmill at the gym, but now, I prefer getting outside. Chicago has been insanely hot even in the early morning for much of this summer, so I haven’t been running much. As a result, I gained about 15 pounds over the summer. I normally fluctuate within a 10 pound range, so this isn’t a total disaster, but I’m going to get back into a routine now that the weather is cooling off.
I can’t seem to get myself into a good routine with strength training. If I could find a way to make it more enjoyable, I’m sure I would improve my running performance by leaps and bounds.
At any rate, I love the mindset that fitness need not come at such extravagant costs.
Thanks for your comment! Lets flip flop every other day? I like lifting but hate cardio. I’m all about setting goals and using that as motivation to keep to the schedule. I just need a new cardio goal…
I actually have a gym in my building (one of the benefits of renting!) but I still didn’t get into the habit of working out regularly until I started learning bodyweight exercises. I find it much more convenient to be able to work out in small windows of time without having to go anywhere.
I like your homemade gym! What kind of space is that? Looks like a cool woodworking space or workshop.
Sweet! The free gym is something I really miss from apartment life (plus the pool)! It’s actually a horse stall that’s in a shed at our property. We don’t have horses, so I’ve converted one of the stalls into my workout room! 😉
I’m more of a cardio guy which makes it a lot easier to forego the gym since I can go running and riding the bike anywhere. Plus, less wasted time going to the gym, waiting for machines etc. I can start my exercise whenever and be done pretty quick.
I love your use of old brake pads! Great idea.
That’s great! Cardio is the most important and I’m envious of you cardio overachievers! 😉 I just finished a basketball game, and quickly realized I need to start doing more cardio…
Whoa I’ve never actually seen a DIY gym ever being made, this is a very innovative idea! I’m also in the same boat, I don’t want to spend $36 a month at the YMCA (where I live) when I can do all of this for free. I run outside and do body weight exercises. I get some judging looks here and there for doing push ups in the middle of the street but hey, I’m still working out!
I can’t workout 30 minutes a day, however. I work out 45 minutes 3x a week and I think anything more takes too much out of me!
Sweet! Yeah- the time commitment is the biggest challenge to working out. It’s so important, but it’s usually the first thing cut out of a busy schedule. Haha push ups in the street- I have an epic mental picture right now!
Definitely can get yourself a solid workout by using body weight exercises and cheap weights.
For myself, I actually am a total oddball and when I need exercise, I do on demand bike messenger work by delivering food around town on my bike using Postmates. (Think of it like an uber for food deliveries). Allows me to both get exercise and make money at the same time!
No way- that’s awesome! You are making dough, while selling dough.. and getting in shape. I want your life! 😉