Staying healthy doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many cost-effective activities you can engage in to stay in tip-top shape. Some are great for outdoor execution, while others are perfect for indoor activities. Here are five budget-friendly activities you can engage in this summer to improve your health.
1. Turn Outdoor Activities into Exercises
According to the CDC, in the U.S., about a million people are hospitalized yearly after slip and fall accidents. To minimize your chances of joining this statistic, engage in outdoor activities this summer. You’ll improve your mobility, overall strength, and balance.
Some budget-friendly exercises you can take up include swimming, surfing, skating, running, and paddleboarding. You can also get a full-body workout by walking to your favorite locations, such as museums, parks, zoos, a botanical garden, or shopping. Numerous locations offer discounts or free passes to access facilities such as libraries, some of which offer free passes for nearby attractions.
Set a date, and pack a healthy lunch to help you cut costs and calories. You can incorporate a scavenger hunt or bring friends over for outdoor activities. This is a great way to get active while bonding with friends and family.
2. Deep Clean your Home
Dr. Charles Gerba of the University of Arizona says an average desk hosts ten million bacteria. Now, imagine having children in the house with all that bacteria. To get these pesky germs out of your home, regularly deep-clean your house to sparkle. You can set aside a weekend for this, and you’d be glad you did. Here’s why: A study published in BMJ Open found that house chores contribute to better leg strength, attention span, and sharper memory.
You don’t want your family to get sick during the summer? Keep them engaged with housework. It’s a great way to de-stress and relax. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, and you can easily find ways to make it a fun family activity that your children can enjoy. So, go ahead and plan a clean-up day for your family.
3. Join a Golf Club
The sun is out, and so should you be; out there on a golf course teeing away. While golfing isn’t the cheapest sport or hobby, how about taking advantage of a discounted membership to your favorite golf club? Most of these clubs offer discounts in summer on beginner training in golf. Look up your local golf club and see if they are offering such. Golf Digest reports that a typical golfer burns 770 calories after playing golf for two hours and twenty-two minutes. Learn, play, and enjoy golf on a budget; you’ll only burn excess calories.
4. Take a Dance Class
Summer is the time to de-stress and burn a few calories. Try a simple dance class in your area. You don’t have to be a dancing pro to sign up. This is a good way to not only stay healthy but also relax. Some dance studios offer free classes, while others charge a small fee. There are various dance classes you can take up, such as salsa, kizomba, Tabata, tap dancing, and many more. So, sign up and dance to your heart’s content on a budget.
If you’re uncomfortable with meeting up with strangers, get into the groove in the privacy of your living room. There are numerous free dance workout videos on social media platforms like YouTube. You get to have fun on a budget and stay healthy while at it.
5. Camp in your Backyard
Camping can be expensive when you factor in travel, camping equipment, fuel, park fees, and food. But if you love the outdoors and the smell of nature and want a fun camping experience with your family on a budget, why not use your backyard? Plan a fun-filled weekend with outdoor gaming activities, some burgers, and fun drinks as you roast marshmallows around the fire, and then turn in under the stars without spending a single coin on anything.
With these tips, summer doesn’t have to be over budget. You could always invent more budget-friendly activities to stay healthy and enjoy yourself without raiding your savings. Remember to wear sunscreen, stay hydrated and always be mindful of your body’s limits when taking up physical activities.