Ditching the gym? There’s an app for that
At the beginning of almost every year, I envision myself getting up early, going to the gym and starting my day energized from an incredible workout.
The reality is, my good intentions only last about three week, but the gym membership fee continues to be deducted monthly from my checking account.
So many excuses get in the way. It’s so warm under the covers. The best yoga classes are always scheduled when I have to pick the kids up from school. Is that the beignet food truck everyone’s been raving about? (True story and it lived up to its reputation.)
The bottom line is that I end up wasting money for membership to a place I never step foot in. In three years, we spent a total of $3,600 to $5,400, because I prefer the fancy “lifestyle” gyms, which average $100 to $150 a month.
In 2017, Americans spent $19 billion on gym memberships. And according to creditcards.com, 67% of people who sign up for gym membership never go.
This year, I decided to do things differently and first gain the discipline required for an ongoing fitness plan. My goal is to workout for a year using various fitness apps. Only when I can do that, will I explore stepping foot into a gym again.
So far, so good. The only workouts I’ve missed so far were when I battled the flu along with the rest of America. I have a long way to go, and progress is slow, but it’s steady. The app workouts are short, fun and I like the variety.
If you find you have too many distractions on that drive to the gym, maybe it’s time to give these free fitness apps a try.
Johnson & Johnson Official 7 Minute Workout
Seriously, who doesn’t have seven free minutes in the day?
Couch to 5K
This one is geared toward beginners who are eight weeks away from being 5K ready.
Freeletics Bodyweight
No equipment? No problem. Audio and video guides walk you through workout routines for all fitness levels using just your body weight.
Charity Miles
Do good while getting fit. Earn money for a charity of your choice when you walk, run or bike. So far the community has raised $2.5 million.
