I don’t normally post most of the guest articles I receive however the one below really struck a chord with me. Every time there’s an obesity craze sweeping through the media, the comments sections will begin filling up with people making excuses about how expensive is it is stay fit and eat healthily. Yes; if you insist on paying the insane all-included gym costs and eating out at vegan restaurants all the time then the costs will rack up! However there’s plenty of other ways to both stay fit and eat healthily without spending a tonne. I’d be interested to hear what tips you use to stay healthy on a tight budget.

How to keep fit and stay healthy while saving money

Financial health is one thing, but it’s also important to take care of your physical health as well. The world of health and fitness can seem inaccessible if you can’t afford to pay for an expensive gym membership each month. Studies have shown that people who buy annual gym memberships often overestimate how much they’ll actually use the facilities by up to 70% –  so even if you can afford the average gym membership of between £40 – £50 a month, chances are it will become a poor investment. But don’t let the cost of a gym membership put you off from getting in shape. There are plenty of cheaper alternatives and ways of staying active to help keep the pounds off your tummy and in your wallet.

Bodyweight exercises

Many people now look to the benefits of bodyweight fitness and working out at home to help them keep in shape. Bodyweight fitness, in case you haven’t guessed, is all about using your own bodyweight to exercise. It can be a great choice for gaining strength, building muscle, boosting cardiovascular fitness and losing weight. One of the great benefits to bodyweight fitness is that it is convenient, efficient and most importantly cost effective.

These exercises don’t require the use of free weights or and other type of equipment. Instead, your bodyweight becomes the sole form of resistance for the workout. One of the biggest misconceptions about exercising is that you need the expensive equipment at your local gym to get fit. The reality is that all you need is a little space and motivation. There are plenty of guides online and an active community to help you get involved in this cost effective workout.

Healthy eating

Aside from keeping fit through physical exercise, eating a balanced diet and keeping yourself healthy with regular trips to the doctor will also keep you feeling great. There are also great savings to be made if you pick up the right habits and avoid making some common mistakes.

Healthy eating is often construed as being expensive, with only the well-off among us being able to access the higher priced and healthier options at the supermarket. Don’t be fooled by expensive brands promising a healthier lifestyle – an organically sourced and freshly squeezed carton of orange juice never changed anyone’s life overnight. Learning to cook for yourself and taking the time to make your own meals with fresh ingredients is inexpensive and far better for you than the processed food available straight off the supermarket shelf.

By getting into the habit of making regular meals and buying core ingredients in bulk you will save money and become healthier in the process. You may even become a talented cook as cooking for yourself requires a certain creativity to keep it interesting. There are some great resources online to help you get started in frugal cooking.

Medical bills

Once you’re on the path to better health, it’s important that you stay there. Nothing can hurt your bank balance worse than an unexpected medical bill, or the financial implications of being affected by a common medical condition such as arthritis or heart disease – statistics have shown that cancer, for example, can leave patients up to £570 worse off each month.

You can help to mitigate some of the costs of regular medical expenses such as trips to the dentist or physiotherapist as well as the big costs associated with treating an illness or condition with a health insurance plan. Spreading the cost of treatment can help you avoid any sudden big expenses and make sure that support is available when it’s needed most. Many healthcare providers are also great at providing advice on health and diet, so it’s worth taking advantage of the help that’s available.

Staying fit while being frugal doesn’t have to be difficult. It’s all about being proactive and making good choices, just like you would do with any area of your money saving. Being mindful of how you eat, choose to workout, and stay healthy will keep you wealthy.