Frugal Fitness: Working Out at Home vs. The Gym

Frugal Fitness

Think that club membership actually saves you a bundle each year? Check out the cost analysis between working out at home or at 24 Hour Fitness . We need to prepare for holiday cheesecake and egg nog. Now's a good time to get the resolutions going so that by New Year's we can put our money where our mouth is...or our money where our muscles are...anyway, let's get physical!

Gym Membership

The great thing about a gym membership is you have unlimited variety. When the elliptical machine gets boring, switch to the stair climber or treadmill. After you get tired of those, try out an aerobics class. And take advantage of the wide selection of weights and resistance gear! Unfortunately it's inside and kind of gross, with hundreds of sweaty bodies slipping on and off the machines. But in the dead cold of winter and ridiculous heat of summer, you have a comfortable oasis and ample water supply.

Membership fee: Most joints charge a new member fee ($40-$100) plus a monthly fee. And some even charge a cancellation fee. While prices vary widely depending on your neck of the woods, a good average is $40 per month, or $1.33 per day. According to Howard Brodsky, chief exec at New York's Health & Racquet Club, said the best time to sign up for low fees is in December, before the New Year's resolution group rolls in.
Clothing and Shoes: For three decent outfits and a pair of shoes, expect to pay around $180, more if you need several items. But if you're on a budget, buy three and wash more often.
Aerobics: Some places actually charge extra for classes, which is a crime in my book. Some offer monthly passes and other charge per class. I'd avoid these gyms.
Gas: You have to get to the gym, and it's not free! You could cut corners with a discount gift card for gas, but you'll still pay an extra $15/month traveling between home and gym.
Music: Don't feel pressured to get an iPhone and some fancy music earbuds just for working out. They are cumbersome and take more energy than they're worth.

Total Annual Cost: $910 first year, $840 for subsequent years

Running, Walking, or Rollerblading

Waltz out the door and go! Once you get your body into the swing of jogging (which can take several months) it seems like the most convenient and cheap form of cardio and best way to boost that saggy rear end. But you do have several high dollar costs that push it higher than expected. Some of these items are non-negotiable and others just you more comfort.

Shoes: This is one of those non-negotiables mentioned above. You must, must, must have good shoes if you want to avoid a high dollar/high pain injury, especially in the beginning when running feels so foreign. I don't blink at paying $140 for a pair (plus the cost of insoles) because I've experienced bad foot pain. You can get away with a good pair for around $90-100. They need to be replaced ever 500 miles or so (1-2 times a year) just like tires on your car. Rollerblades, pads, and helmets will cost more than shoes initially but do not need as frequent replacement.
Running Clothes: If you just exchanged a purchase of shoes for a month's worth of food, just put on a regular cotton shirt with some flexible shorts and head out. If you can purchase shirts and shorts made of a wicking material, you'll be amazed at how better cooled and less heavy you feel at the end of a run. Under Armour is still my favorite, but you can purchase lightweight, non-cotton clothing at Finish Line, Champs, REI, or any other sporting goods store. Shirts and shorts will cost around $20-30 each and I'd recommend getting at least 2-3 outfits.
Non-Cotton Socks: If I had to pick between high quality clothes and socks, I'd pick the socks. While they run $10-15 per pair, running sock help keep your feel cool and avoid the abrasiveness of cotton. Two pair is enough.
Sports Bra: This is absolutely essential for ladies, given the high impact of jogging. Any sporting goods place, like Academy, should have a decent selection. Good sports bras cost $30-40, but your body will thank you for it.

Total Cost: $260-$340

Home Weights

If you feel confident in your body physics and are motivated enough to lift weights at home, you can do it for pretty cheap with some basic sporting goods. Low-end products may not be as fun as the machines at the gym, but they'll get the job done.

Bench: Find a good, sturdy one that can incline or lay flat. It needs to switch between those two positions with ease. Score a high quality bench at a second hand store for around $60 or a new one from Dick's Sporting Goods for $150. Make sure you sit on it and do some exercises before buying it!
Dumbbells: You can always buy several smaller sized dumbbells and keep them along a wall in your garage or spare bedroom. Ladies rarely need anything larger than 15 lbs, so four pairs of weights (2.5, 5, 8, 10, 12 or 15) is fine. Men will have a challenge with creating enough resistance with these sizes, though. An alternative to individual weights is the Power Block system of adjustable dumbbells. They take virtually no space and easily adjust between 5-45 lbs. At $279 they aren't cheap, but after one year they'd more than cover a gym membership.
Pilates Ball: If you're in a pinch, substitute a workout ball for a bench! Not only will you improve your core faster, but you'll save money too. A good ball will run you around $30.
Resistance Bands: What ever your weights won't address (especially back and shoulder muscles) the bands will complete the job. A set of 4 bands with grips costs around $40, less for the band by itself.
Clothing: You don't need any specific clothes for weights! As long as they are comfortable and lose, wear anything you want in your own home.
Gym System (optional): Something like the Total Gym ($957--Chuck Norris approved) is an awesome investment, if you can afford it. This system uses your body weight to work out every large and small muscle group--it's basically a home Pilates system. Buy the Total Gym XLS for 50% off and take the challenge.