7 Ways To Stay Fit in 2025 Without Breaking Your Budget
Written by
Cindy Lamothe
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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If you’ve been racking up hundreds of dollars on costly gym memberships each month, you’re probably trying to figure out how the heck to stay fit without breaking your budget.
Thankfully, experts say you don’t need all that fancy equipment or expensive memberships. You can develop your own fitness routine by following their suggestions below.
Also see three fitness items you shouldn’t buy for your fitness resolutions and four your should.
Focus On Bodyweight Training
“You don’t need any gym equipment to build strength, flexibility and endurance — your body is enough,” said Sergii Putsov, Ph.D., certified personal trainer and head of sport science at Torokhtiy Weightlifting. “You can perform bodyweight exercises anywhere, anytime.”
For beginners, he recommended simple exercises, such as squats, planks and push-ups, that can serve as the stepping stone to more advanced strength training. “These moves can help you build muscle, increase flexibility and promote body balance,” he said.
He noted that advanced athletes can incorporate plyometric versions, such as jump squats and clap push-ups.
“You can combine different bodyweight exercises for a full-body workout. This approach can help you maximize efficiency and keep your workout routine engaging,” he explained.
Use Your Hobby To Exercise
You can easily combine your passion with your fitness goals, according to Putsov.
He said some hobbies, such as rock climbing, hiking, dancing and even gardening, are quite effective at providing a full-body workout without the need for expensive equipment.
“For example, rock climbing offers an excellent cardiovascular workout. It also helps you build strength and agility targeting muscles you might not work out in the gym,” he said.
He explained that hiking can also help you build leg strength and engage your core. “You can choose trails with slight inclines or carry a backpack for resistance,” he said.
“Dancing is an amazing full-body workout that improves coordination, balance and endurance — all while having fun!” said Allison Goldsmith, certified personal trainer and owner of Allison G. Fit. Whether you follow a free dance workout on YouTube or just put on your favorite music and freestyle in your living room, she said it’s a great way to stay active and boost your mood.
Meditate
According to Putsov, meditation is a great form of exercise that you can do to improve your mental, physical and emotional health.
“You can meditate anywhere without any equipment. I often meditate whenever I feel anxious, depressed or stressed,” he said. “Meditation increases dopamine, melatonin and serotonin, which makes you feel calm, happy and content.”
He recommended spotting a quiet location in your home or office where you can sit uninterrupted for 20 to 30 minutes.
Take Regular Walks
Whether it’s brisk walking for cardiovascular benefits or leisurely strolls for mental clarity, walking consistently improves overall fitness.
“Walking is one of the most underrated forms of exercise,” Goldsmith said. “Adding in intervals, stairs or hills can increase intensity to help burn more calories and increase stamina.”
Leverage YouTube Workouts
According to Goldsmith, there are thousands of high-quality workouts available for free on YouTube, including on her own channel.
“My channel and many others offer bodyweight strength training to Pilates, yoga, HIIT and mobility routines. I focus on different fitness levels and goals, making it easy to find what works for you,” she said.
Follow Fitness Experts on Social Media
You can also find fitness ideas and tips on social media. “Many certified trainers share free workouts, tips and motivation on platforms like Instagram and TikTok,” Goldsmith explained.
She said this is a great way to stay inspired and accountable without a financial commitment.
Use Free Workout Websites
Goldsmith noted that Darebee and similar platforms provide structured workout plans, challenges and exercise libraries — all free of charge.
“Whether you’re looking for bodyweight strength training, core workouts or stretching routines, these resources offer variety without the cost,” she said.
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