So you’re ready to get moving- Congratulations! Here’s a few cheap and easy tips to get you started.

There’s no doubt that exercise is an important piece to the healthy lifestyle puzzle. But it can be intimidating, not to mention expensive! Keep in mind that you don’t have to shell out for a monthly gym membership. If that’s something that works for you, then do it. But if you dread the thought of going to the gym, then it’s time to think outside the box.

Always remember, slow and steady wins the race- pun intended! Use the following tips to start moving your body! 

1. Walking– Excellent for heart health and easy to do everyday. You don’t need equipment, just yourself. Start by going to the end of the block. Do that a couple of times, then increase to 2 blocks, 3 blocks, 1/2 mile, 1 mile and beyond. Onward and upward!
2. Biking– Pawn shops, Facebook Marketplace and NextDoor are great places to find a bike on the cheap. My husband is an expert pawn shop surfer, so I when I told him I wanted a bike, he took me on one of his searches. I scored a really nice Diamond Back for next to nothing. I took it to a local bike shop for a tune up, and away I went! If you don’t live in an area with pawn shops, that’s ok. Play It Again Sports is another great resource for gently used bikes. 
3. Climbing– Go to a local climbing gym and take an introductory class. They usually provide all the equipment so the cost is for the class itself. Make sure you’re not afraid of heights!
4. Swimming– Go to a local YMCA and take a water aerobics class. It’s a low impact form of exercise and the water adds a level of resistance that is gentle on your joints. If you’re new to exercise, a water aerobics class is a great way to get your feet wet.
5. Yoga- Yoga is everywhere and it can get confusing to find which class is right for you. If you’ve never done yoga, then I strongly recommend against an at home class. With yoga, it’s important to learn how to hold the postures properly. If you go it on your own, you run the risk of teaching yourself the wrong way and increasing your chances of injury.
6. Dancing– there are a ton of apps out there that are free and for beginners. If you live near a big city, you might find group salsa dancing that’s a small cost to the instructor. Plus you get to meet some like minded people- win win! 

Anything else you can think of- You know you better than anyone so do what interests you. Just get up and move your body. Give yourself a little grace when you’re just starting out- even professional athletes started at the beginning! Take your journey into movement one day at a time and learn to love the burn!