You can find other fitness-related articles by Kristin on Groupon UK’s blog.
Last week I recommended splurging when it comes to your fitness. While I believe that an investment in your health is one of the best investments that you can make, I have to clarify- a wise investment doesn’t have to be an expensive one. So where can you cut costs? What fitness deals more than justify your expenditure? I’m not a financier; so I won’t go into fancy cost analysis, but I do know that the following fitness steals offer a great return on investment.
Where to cheap out:
Bike components
Road Bike Rear Cassette by ddepiano, on Flickr
A good bike can be really expensive. When it comes to investing in a bicycle, justify cost in this order: 1.) frame, 2.) wheels, 3.) components. Buy the best bike frame that you can afford, skimping on componentry if need be. The frame affects the comfort, speed, weight and aerodynamics of the bicycle. It is the part of the bicycle that you hope to keep year after year. Don’t just go for lightweight- make sure that your frame is the perfect fit for you. This will greatly affect your comfort and riding enjoyment! Good wheels also have a huge affect on how the bike rides and handles (but spending a lot is really only worth the money if you plan to embark on epic rides or to race- there are good wheels available at a reasonable cost!). You can save money on components initially because they are easily upgradable later. Instead of spending money to save mere ounces on a derailleur, why not get on that bike and lose a few pounds from the engine (you!)? Harsh, but true.
Fitness clothing
I spent the first 10 years of my career as a fashion designer, but I am recommending you save your money when it comes to fitness clothing. Splurge on the running shoes, save on the rest. I am not suggesting wearing clothing that is not suitable for your workout. Breathable fabrics that wick sweat and keep you cool (or warm for outdoor winter gear) are critical. That said there are places to buy functional clothing for less. Try Campmor or Sierra Trading Post for discount technical gear, Bike Nashbar for low-cost Lycra, Old Navy or Gap Body for functional gear for women at a fraction of the cost of Lululemon. Join Patagonia’s Common Threads Initiative and look for their gear on eBay before splurging on new. Alternatively, just shop the sale racks! Despite fitness clothing companies always touting the latest technological advances, last season’s running shorts are probably just as good as this season’s pair in a new fashion color.
Stuff that’s just cheap:
An online fitness or coaching program
As a fitness splurge, I highly recommend a personal trainer. If you have the willpower to go it alone (or a personal trainer is just too much of a splurge for you at this point), try an online program. There is an option for almost everyone out there, with offerings ranging from personalized triathlon training to simple fitness routines to prevent boredom.
The best news is many of these programs are very low cost or even free. Try Tri-newbies or Active Trainer to get you started.
A jump rope
A jump rope has got to be one of the biggest fitness deals out there. It is cheap, packable, easy to store, and gives you an excellent workout. Of course, it would take a lot of determination to get all of your recommended daily exercise from a jump rope, but it’s a fun addition to ramp up any workout. Want to make it more interesting? You guessed it- there’s an app for that.
Kettlebells
In case you don’t know, Kettlebells are those cannonball-like weights with an attached handle resembling Cold War Russian fitness equipment. A step up from typical hand weights, kettlebells offer a lot of bang for your buck and your time. Kettlebells enhance cardiovascular and muscle strength, but do so in a more functional way than traditional weights. The moves performed with kettlebells (swinging, snatching, pressing) all use momentum, forcing you to stabilize your core, and use muscles throughout your body instead of just isolated areas.
Kettlebell exercises (as with most weight-bearing exercises) can result in injury if not performed properly. I would recommend trying them first in a class setting or with a trainer, though good videos and descriptions of kettlebell workouts are also available online.
Whether you’re looking to spend less, or just want to get the most for your money, there are great fitness-related deals for all types of exercise or sport. A penny saved is a penny to spend on one of my recommended splurges… like a well-deserved massage!
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I got a great deal on my bike: it was free! Someone that I used to work with had a teenage son whom he purchased a bike for. His son never used it (he’s now in his 20s), so I got a brand new bike! It was very sweet of him and I baked him thankyou cookies.
Wow, you can’t beat a free bike; no investment necessary. The question is: Do you use it?
Home baked cookies is a pretty good trade