I’ve tried it all. I’ve had a Lifetime and LA Fitness memberships, Corepower Yoga membership, and Barre membership. They all served me in different ways but I felt extremely bored after each month and honestly couldn’t afford the $130+ monthly fees. In the fall of 2017, I was laid off of my corporate job (but received a very nice severance package) and took 3 months off work. I spent the time finding myself again and focusing on aspects of life I had pushed to the back burner. Fitness and health were two things that never came easy to me and I found myself making excuses when I had a job. I was too tired, too poor, or too busy. But now that I had the time and energy, I was ready to find my routine and motivation. Getting a solid workout in doesn’t have to break your bank and it sure as hell doesn’t have to take up more than an hour of your day. Here are 3 ways to successfully balance a 9-5 job and still workout 4 times a week without throwing money and time away!
Join the Fitness App “Class Pass”
I first decided to try out Class Pass because it offers a free first month, but I was hooked after my first week and immediately increased my membership! I know there’s several other similar concepts and fitness apps (studio hop, Kayla Itsines) but Class Pass helped me finally find a consistent workout schedule that didn’t bore me or break my bank. Class Pass is a fitness “membership” that is present in over 50 cities nationwide. There are 3 different packages available for purchase that are based on a monthly points system. Class Pass is in-network with over 100 studios in each valid city, which allows you to visit any participating studio and gym without having a membership.
I have the highest membership, which I think is the best value for your dollar. I pay $105/month for 70 credits. Each studio and class differs in how many credits it “costs” you. The credits are based on class popularity and time (evening classes are normally more.) The average amount of credits I’ve seen for a class in Dallas is 7, which means I can usually attend 10 classes a month. This is perfect for me since I also have a full-time job and normally like to spend Friday-Sunday as rest or travel days.
The most beneficial aspect of Class Pass is the versatility and accountability. It’s important for me to mix in cardio, toning, and strength into my workouts and Class Pass allows me to do that with a single membership. Class pass also holds me accountable. If you enroll in a class, and cancel it less than 12 hours before class time, your account is charged a $20 late fee. This makes me to stick to my schedule and leaves no room for last-minute excuses!
If you’re in Dallas and want to join me, my weeks normally look like this:
- Monday: Session Pilates at 6:30 pm
- Tuesday: Class Studios at 6:30 pm or Rise Nation at 6:15 pm
- Wednesday: Cycle Bar at 6:30 pm or We Yogis at 7:30 pm
- Thursday: SolidCore a 6:30 pm or Zyn22 Barre at 6:30 pm
Class Pass BONUSES: You can cancel your membership at any time without fees, you can upgrade or downgrade your membership at any time, and any leftover credits from the month before roll over to next month!
If you’re interested in a Class Pass membership, please reach out for a code for $30 off your first month!
Purchase Your Own Budget-Friendly Equipment
Another key way to achieve your fitness goals without breaking the bank is to purchase your own equipment. If you don’t want to pay for a monthly membership and would rather opt for at-home workouts, all you need is a quick trip to TJ Maxx or Home Goods. A mat ($10), resistance bands ($7), and a jump rope ($6) should be just enough to implement cardio, toning, and strength into your at-home workouts!
If you choose to do a monthly membership with a studio or gym, it’s best to purchase the equipment and accessories you’ll be using frequently. Studios tend to charge rental fees and $3/class can add up! For example, I do cycling, pilates, and yoga every week so instead of renting cycle shoes, sticky socks, and a mat every day, I invested in my own cycle shoes, bought a 5-pack of sticky socks , and purchased my own yoga mat. Even though some of the products were a splurge at the time, I definitely have already gotten my money’s worth!
Participate in Community Activities
No matter where you live, the health and fitness community is probably bigger than you realize. I recently came across “Dallas Fitness Ambassadors” on Instagram and it’s a space where fitness gurus in the Dallas metroplex come together to organize group workouts and events. The ambassadors collaborate with local brands, studios, and restaurants to host free rooftop yoga, boot camps, barre sessions, HIIT classes. The events are usually free (or donation-based) and are not only a great way to get a free workout in, but a wonderful opportunity to meet like-minded people!
Have any other tips to achieve your fitness goals while maintaining your budget? Drop your tricks below!
Your style is really unique in comparison to other folks I
have read stuff from. I appreciate you for posting when you have
the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark this blog. https://rippednox.org/
Your style is really unique in comparison to other folks I have read
stuff from. I appreciate you for posting when you have
the opportunity, Guess I’ll just book mark this blog. https://rippednox.org/
Howdy! I could have sworn I’ve visited your
blog before but after looking at some of the articles I realized it’s new to me.
Anyways, I’m certainly happy I found it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back regularly!
You could certainly see your enthusiasm within the
work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid
to say how they believe. At all times follow your heart.
Like!! Really appreciate you sharing this blog post.Really thank you! Keep writing.