How to Workout on a budget!

Movement Mondays coming to you this week, literally and figuratively. The Gordita’s Way movement is not just an initiative to keep you moving, I also want to show you how to switch up those workouts on a budget! Do you feel me?! Mi gente, no excuses when it comes to money! I work for a non-profit organization. My cheap self manages to use all these bougie ass yuppie gyms at little to no cost! I’m going to show you how, it’s quite simple, and it’s a fun ride. Whether you’re in the mood for a flirty girl fitness, yoga, zumba, bootcamp, and/or weight training, I’m about to show you my secret! Had I discovered this secret earlier, I never would have invested so much money on my fitness goals and personal training. Yes, mi gente, you are worth the investment, but the investment of time, not money, is all you need!!! You also need a desire to live your divine purpose and part of that purpose is to have fun in the process of transforming into the best YOU possible.

Follow these 5 simple rules if you’re looking for a fun & cheap way to stay fit.

Have you heard about this amazing app called Groupon! Well use it! You can purchase unlimited exercise classes for an amazing price! Welcome to my life! Groupon offers a variety of packages at different times. This is super important to me because I like to switch up my workouts. Avoiding boredom and incorporating variation is a key to success. In 2018, do you want the cheap coupons, promo codes, and deals? I highly suggest giving groupon a chance!

During the summer, I worked out at an amazing Boot Camp. This gym provided bootcamp classes that were modified for your specific body type. Trainers evaluated you for your first visit to determine which weights, exercises, & routines worked best. I loved it! During the summer, I was able to build up my endurance and significantly improve my weight training. By the end of the 25 training sessions, I had learned how to properly lift weights. It was bittersweet to leave, but Lord knows I am not going to pay $100 bucks for a gym membership. I took those skills to my home gym, LA Fitness, where I pay $25 per month.

Yes, I said it. Almost every gym in Chicago offers a week of free unlimited training if you have never been a member before. If you feel compelled to do so, take advantage and train. As my mom says, “You cannot go to the store and buy a pair of jeans if you don’t try it on.” In the same way, do not be deceived into purchasing an expensive gym membership and proposerious down payment without finding out which gym fits your individual needs. You feel me? I’m trying to save you money!

Are you simple? Do you just want the basic machinery and weights? Are you bougie like me, and prefer a gym with the luxury of a sauna, pool, and jacuzzi? My friends, there are deals out there! Keep your eyes on the prize, save your money, and look out for those holidays specials. More than likely, those holiday specials will allow you to sign up for free, with no down payment. XSport was offering memberships for $1 to start. Planet Fitness offers memberships as low as $10 bucks a month. My home & favorite gym, LA Fitness, offers several packages. If you have a Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance plan, you can sign with no down payment and a monthly plan of $25.00 bucks. When I purchased my Groupon for bootcamp, I took full advantage and left before I had to sign up for an expensive membership! My key to success: try new things & bounce! Yes, I have commitment issues!

Groupon and amazon are my go to websites for purchasing workout equipment. I like to use my yoga mat, youtube videos, DVD’s and other social platforms to workout at home. Keep it fun and interesting. I used to use Hip Hops abs and zumba videos a couple of years back.

Handy items to purchase when working out: hand weights, an exercise ball, resistance bands, dumbbells, jump rope, 2nd hand workout out equipment such as used stationary bikes, ect. You get my point! Remember, getting a workout partner and accountability buddy is amazing, however, you should be your greatest cheerleader. When all else fails and your partner doesn’t fall through, you still have to utilize your own drive!

Dance, run the stairs, make a commitment to walk at least 30 minutes in a day. Run outside, find a track. Carry that yoga mat. Go to the beach. Keep it moving! My goal is to motivate the next generation to stay active and healthy. Balanced lifestyle incorporates movement, nutrition & fun into the process. Breath in the fresh air, and stay in tune with your surroundings. Society has driven us to be robotic and non-active. Mi gente, get up and get moving. I promise you, the long term benefits will be long worth it. You do not need a gym to workout, all you need is the desire and willingness to keep it moving!

Have you ever heard of the phrase, “Look good feel good?” That is one of the methods that I live by. I purchase cute workout gear, put on those stretchy sexy yoga pants so that I feel good! If you’re on the thicker spectrum and want some cute, quality, & reasonable fitness attire, then I would recommend Marshalls and Target, & TJ Maxx. When I look good, I feel more motivated

Regardless of whether you work out at a gym, at home, or utilize free resources, don’t forget to have fun in the process and save that dinero! That’s all for now! See you next week!