1. If you can't splurge on classes, do a workout DVD. Beach Body has tons of options for at home workouts. Check out what they have at my website here. Savings of up to $180 in just 60 days! Plus they never go bad so you can repeat workouts over and over for YEARS to come with a few different purchases.2. Treat your workout time like a class. Schedule it, write it on your calendar or in your phone, and stick to it. Invite a friend even so you can't bail out on someone else when you don't feel like working out.
3. Reward yourself for workouts you do. Incentives are the most effective way to promote a healthy change. The simple Jar effect - giving yourself a tip after every successful workout and trading it in at the end of every month for a special treat such as new shoes, a massage, or a pedicure.
4. If you can't splurge on a trainer, hold yourself accountable. Gym-Pact is a great accountability tool to keep you up to your workout pact for the week. You simply commit $X to a number of days working out. If you don't do all the days you pay that amount at the end of the week, if you do meet your pact you win the money that went into the pot. Its fun to see how much you can accumulate. As of right now its only available on iPhone/iPod or Android but you can check it out here.
In addition, once you download the app, use promo code cleanKory for an extra $5 bonus after your first complete workout. I have already bought myself 2 pairs of Nike's since January with my incentive winnings!5. Join an online community. By joining the online gym you can find workout buddies, join fitness groups, get involved with my monthly challenges, plan and track your workouts, and get lots of motivation and tips.
6. Pictures speak a thousand words! Take "before" and "progress" photos... when you can see the difference you will be more likely to stick to it.
7. Think outdoors. Why spend money on something was given to us. The great outdoors is the world's largest gym. Hiking mountains, biking streets, swimming lakes, running stadiums... the possibilities are endless. Cardio can be done anywhere and chances are, you'll find its more enjoyable when you are outside.
8. Play like a kid again. Playgrounds are the perfect place to workout also. Pull-ups, push-ups, sprints, hop-scotch, monkey bars, hula-hoop, jump-rope.
9. Save on fitness equipment by making your own. Everyday items can be used to strength train. Canned Soup as weights, furniture for instability, old tights as resistance bands, and milk or soda crates as steps.
10. If you do want to buy a pair of weights, the heaviest weight you can lift with good form is your best bet. You will not outgrow this like you would a light pair of dumbbells and you can do many different exercises with just a single pair.
11. Resistance bands are also a great option. They come in different resistance levels, can be stored with minimal space, and are fairly inexpensive. This makes a great option for busy travelers too.
12. Learn to shop smart when it comes to nutrition. With pre-planning you can eat well and stay within budget. Only get the essentials, look for coupons or sales, and stick to your list.13. Shop the perimeters. Seasonal produce, lean meats and seafood, and all other basics are on the perimeters of a grocery store. No need to hit the aisles when the real foods are on the outside. Just staying out of the median aisle will likely result in more nutrient dense eating.
14. Read up. Tons of nutritionist who are worth your time, likely have published books. The local library is a great place to read the facts about better nutrition.
15. Plan your meals ahead of time, go to the store when you are not hungry, and stick to your list. Online meal planners help for making this process less stressful and you won't get tired of having the same thing over and over. Plus leftovers make for the perfect lunch the next day and you can save money and calories by not eating lunch out with the office.
