I love to exercise. Exercise gives me a welcome boost of energy and enthusiasm. Even when I was several days overdue, I would go out and walk a couple of miles. I belong to a gym, but I cannot bring my son with me unless I pay for babysitting. The benefits of the gym are losing their appeal.
Monthly Gym Membership: $60
I pay $60 each month for my membership, but even pre-baby, I preferred outdoor activities to gym time. In a good week, I visited the gym twice. Each visit cost just over $7.
Babysitting at the Gym: $5/hour
If I visit the gym during the day (now that I have my summer off from my teaching job), rather than cutting into family time, I have to pay $5 an hour for the gym's babysitting service. I usually spend an hour at the gym. Eight visits a month would cost an additional $40.
Total: $1200/year.
How else can I spend these fitness dollars?
Walk/Jog with the Jogging Stroller: $300+
I received a jogging stroller at my baby shower, but the cost is considerable for those who need to buy one. My son and I go out for around an hour a day, but I fully intend on increasing that as I train for a half-marathon I will complete with the stroller in October. Each jog cuts the cost of the stroller.
Enter Races for Motivation: $175
We registered for two 5Ks and one half marathon in the next several months. These goals motivate me to keep training and are fun bonding time with the friends and family who also compete.
Visit the Local Pool: $0-$7/a visit
I have access to a private neighborhood pool, but barring that, a visit to my city pool during the summer costs $7. That price covers up to four hours of pool time.
Mommy & Baby Yoga Class: Free!
A local wellness center offers weekly, hour-long yoga classes that welcome moms and babies together. Score!
Those are just the local ways I can spend the money I used to spend on a gym membership. I can also travel further out of the area for hikes, walks with friends, and more. It looks like that membership will become a thing of the past.
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