Being fit and healthy is extremely important in today's world. There is so much that we as individuals can do to take great care of ourselves. I have high blood pressure, so exercising and watching my salt intake is very important to me. It's also important that I exercise at least a little bit each day. There are numerous programs out there that say they will whip you into shape. They include the popular Zumba and The Curves for Women program. Not to mention, all the advertisements for gym memberships. All of these places cost money. Many of us simply can't afford to pay out money for these types of places. If you are like me though, I can't afford to pay to exercise. More importantly, I would never pay to exercise whether I could afford …show more content…
I've always found that many of the things I do to help me stay frugal often lead me to stay fit as well. I've never understood why people drive around the gym parking lot to find a closer space to park or will pay someone to cut their grass but then pay to go work out at the gym. I'm sure they have their reasons, but such things just boggle my frugal mind. This isn't to say that some activities take more time and effort in an attempt to stay frugal than they might to pay someone else to do them. However, in many cases, this extra effort is what can make them healthy as well. And if you're looking to stay fit, you'll likely be spending time to do so anyway, so why not save some money in the process? Here are a few of the things I do to stay fit and frugal, and that serve me well by combining the two. Chop Wood This might seem an odd one for the list, but let me tell you, chopping firewood can be one heck of a workout. And seeing as how firewood in the Chicagoland area is expensive -- for logical reasons of course (much of the land has suffered hundreds of years of deforestation that has left many wooded areas depleted or under the protection of forest preserves) -- this can be a great activity for staying in great shape and saving a …show more content…
However as warmer months approach, with sunshine and songbirds heralding its arrival, there are so many fantastic opportunities to be active and have fun at the same time. Here are some great summer activities that are not only enjoyable, but will also help you stay in shape. Kayaking and Canoeing Not only are you able to appreciate the warm weather in a canoe or kayak, but you also get to spend some time on the water. There are kayak and canoe rental companies all over the United States, and not only will they outfit you with your kayak, canoe, gear and life jackets, but most will also have bus service either to or from the river tips they offer. While kayaking is best for those who are at least in their tween years, canoeing can be enjoyed by even younger families - just plop the little ones in the center of the canoe while parents paddle. Maneuvering your vessel down the river is a good workout, and it's nice to take breaks. We always bring a cooler along full of drinks, sandwiches and fresh fruit for a break halfway through our journey. Hiking Our family of four has been hiking together since before my children could walk - that's right - we put them in those cumbersome hiking backpacks! I don't know how much they got out of the experience at such a young age, but hiking has proven to be an activity we have enjoyed for many years now. State, county