This year has seen some of the largest shifts in the fitness industry ever recorded. The unthinkable happened: gyms and fitness centers closed down. Period. Absolutely surreal!

While some had the luxury to create at home gyms with commercial equipment, most of us fell off the fitness wagon, leaving us feeling frustrated and discouraged. We had been cut off from our major source of stress release, social connection, and satisfaction. But we adapted, despite being on a budget.

Even now that gyms are re-opening, members are only slowly returning. Some are staying home due to covid concerns, others are unable to return for financial reasons. If you’re a gym enthusiast currently on a stricter budget, you need to accept that it may be time to do things differently and I’m glad to have the opportunity to show you how! Or, if training on a budget is not a concern for you at the moment, file the ideas away and pass this article along to someone who can benefit!

BANDS OF BROTHERS (AND SISTERS!)

Let’s start with old school options, and consider bodyweight and band workouts. Being a very stubborn person at times, my refusal to try something new in the past has robbed me of benefits that I never believed possible; benefits such as the intense workouts, muscle soreness, and positive results! Resistance bands are a case in point. My commitment to free-weights and commercial machinery was due to being a visual person. Let’s be real, bands lack that “hard-core” visual.  However, they have been just as effective for me.  I realize seeing something stretch like bubble gum may not feed your hunger for a “hard-core” workout vibe, but I assure you, your body will feel a unique type of sore after an affective band workout due to the much more continuous muscle tension.

It’s key to remember that resistance is still RESISTANCE, whether it’s derived from a dumbbell or a set of bands!

A band can produce the same resistance as a barbell. As a matter of fact, combined bands can equate to the resistance level of hundreds of pounds! My favorite part about bands, outside of their convenience factor, is that they are also very affordable. My first band purchase was an 11-piece set with a door mount that offered the maximum resistance mentioned above for only $40!

When shopping for resistance bands I’d recommend the following brands that I am a proud owner of:

• Shelter Fitness
• Perfect Peach Athletics
• Re-spin by Halle Berry
• INNSTAR

GOING SOCIAL

Now let’s move on to new school options such as social media content and apps that provide affordable guidance and support.

Below are my top two favorite Instagram influencers that have done an AMAZING job at maintaining rocking bodies using calisthenics and bands.

• Peter Thomas @peterleethomas
• Valentina Lequex @valentinalequex

Beyond these two individuals, I can simply search the hashtag #resistancebands via Instagram and find close to 600K posts on how to creatively utilize my bands!

My favorite low to no cost apps are:

• Meetup – Here you can find groups (mindfully distanced) interested in similar physical activities. What a great way to also find accountability!
• Map My Run by Under Armour
• Zombies, Run! – I can’t imagine someone getting bored with this app!

While the above information will certainly help you get moving while being financially mindful, I’ve saved one of my favorite tips for last. You don’t want to miss out on this TIME SENSITIVE “fitness on a budget” strategy! That is… paying close attention to fitness professionals who are adapting their business during the time when studios and gyms having been closed. With fitness professionals forced to do things differently regarding on how they promote training, there has never been a better time to gain free workout insight and motivation thanks to these adaptable fitness professionals!

Some may even offer free classes for a period of time to create word of mouth marketing for their outdoor or zoom service offerings. Search social media and network to find these new sources. Pay attention because this may only be around for a short amount of time!

Let’s bust that negative quarantine bubble of discouragement and get back in shape on all levels! Financial situations may not be strong for some of us this year, but this does not mean that our bodies and spirits can’t be!