Staying active doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Financial counselors Laura Adams of Wilmington, N.C., and Jasmine Johnson of Chicago explain how families can follow popular wellness trends while keeping budgets in check.
Start with Free or Low‑Cost Options
Both counselors recommend beginning with free resources. “You can get a solid workout from a YouTube subscription or even a free account,” says Johnson, who pays $16 a month for YouTube Premium that includes a library of fitness videos. Adams adds that many apps and gyms offer trial periods. “Find a gym that lets you try for a month without a contract, or sign up for a short‑term trial of a fitness app before committing to a yearly plan,” she advises.
Leverage Existing Subscriptions
If you already pay for streaming services or cable, check whether they include fitness content. Many platforms now bundle workout classes at no extra charge, turning an existing expense into a health benefit.
Use Your Social Network Wisely
Instead of hiring a personal trainer, enlist friends for accountability. Johnson notes that walking or hiking with a buddy not only provides free exercise but also creates social motivation. “People will engage with me while I’m walking, and that keeps me consistent,” she says.
Take Advantage of Workplace and Credit‑Card Benefits
Adams points out that employer wellness programs often include gym discounts or health‑related insurance perks. She also recommends timing gym memberships or equipment purchases to coincide with promotional periods such as year‑end sales, Memorial Day, Labor Day, or Black Friday. Credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve can offset membership fees through rewards points, while other cards may offer cash back on drugstore purchases, fitness club fees, or sporting‑goods stores.
Consider Long‑Term Investments
Some wellness expenses, though initially larger, can pay off over time. Adams includes mental‑health services such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, and nutritious food in this category. “These might seem like splurges, but they are investments in a longer, healthier life and can reduce future medical costs,” she explains.
Practical Steps to Get Started
- Identify free or low‑cost workout videos on YouTube or other platforms.
- Look for trial offers from gyms or fitness apps before signing a long‑term contract.
- Check your employer’s benefits portal for gym discounts or health‑related rebates.
- Schedule purchases of larger equipment during major sales events.
- Use credit‑card rewards to offset recurring fitness expenses.
By combining free resources, smart trial periods, workplace perks, and strategic purchasing, families can stay active without compromising their financial goals.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
