If you’re not sure whether to start a new gym or just want to gather PT knowledge without committing to a full program of sessions, many trainers offer free first sessions.
“As a PT myself, I don’t feel like I’m disrespecting people who attend taster sessions; rather, I celebrate them taking the first step toward improving their health,” Wiener says. .
It doesn’t even have to be IRL. “Getting help from a PT can make a big difference in your fitness routine. You don’t necessarily need to see a PT in person,” he suggests. “If you really don’t have the budget, find a PT on social media. As long as they’re reputable and qualified, don’t hesitate to contact them with any questions.”
It’s also worth waiting for gym membership sales, which don’t just happen in January. Some gyms offer family discounts, partner discounts, or basic package discounts throughout the year. Depending on how you like to work out and whether you can wait to sign up, this may be the best method for you.
bulk up
With food bank usage soaring and supermarket prices soaring, many people are struggling to get enough to eat. Sticking to macro or calorie goals may feel a bit mundane in the midst of this, but striving towards them has been proven to be very good for self-efficacy, so it’s worth it. Please continue to protect it.
“Bulk buying is always helpful for people on a budget. The frozen section is your friend,” says nutrition and training specialist David Wiener. “Whether it’s fruit, vegetables or meat, it’s cheaper than buying fresh.”
But what about hitting your protein targets? The average man needs 55g of protein per day just to maintain weight. But chicken breasts aren’t cheap these days.
“Even if you don’t buy chicken in bulk, there are options you can take to increase your protein intake,” Wiener says. “Sardines are an affordable and great option. Oats are also high in protein, low cost, and very versatile. Cottage cheese is also an underrated and great addition to salads to increase protein intake. Perfect for chicken or turkey dinners, mix in low-cost, protein-rich lentils.”
Let’s do what we can
If you really want to save money, you don’t have to walk into a gym or talk to a PT at all. Walking is clearly a free form of transportation. Weiner suggests some great podcasts and scenic routes to keep things fresh.
Similarly, calisthenics. “Bodyweight training is a cost-effective training method and can be incredibly intense, making it perfect for fans of HIIT training,” Wiener says. “The short bursts of exercise that make up your bodyweight routine have been shown to help you lose weight more effectively than longer aerobic sessions.”
Many parks now offer pull-up bars, making it easier than ever to get started. You can also combine it with running, stopping every time you see a bench and doing some triceps dips or push-ups.