From Zumba to spin class, everyday it feels like there’s a new, trendy way to get fit. But the thing with fitness trends is that they come and go within months and usually, our enthusiasm and savings go along with it.
At Mozo, we recently calculated the hit to your savings with some of the latest fitness fads and were shocked to find that the annual cost of taking up these activities is in the thousands of dollars. If your fitness budget can’t stretch this far, don’t be discouraged. You can still get a great workout in, you’ll just have to be a little more creative.
So here are the top five most expensive fitness trends and some workout ideas to try out as cost-effective alternatives:
CrossFit – $3,016 a year
A workout that combines the best movements from different activities, like gymnastics, weightlifting and running – it’s no wonder why everyone’s into CrossFit! But while this training can whip you into shape in no time, it was also recorded as the most expensive workout around.
Your budget-friendly alternative: CrossFit is all about cardio and resistance, just like circuit training. Coincidentally, fitness apps that offer these types of workouts were listed as the cheapest activity at $220 a year.
Barre – $2,600 a year
A mixture of ballet, Pilates and yoga, Barre helps you burn fat and build muscle at the same time, as it incorporates cardio and resistance training. Barre first began in 2008 and has slowly made itself around the world, helping women tone and sculpt their bodies.
Your budget-friendly alternative: Instead of following a class at an assigned pace and time length, jump onto Pinterest and have your pick of a written routine that can range from 10 to 30 minutes.
Outdoor Group Training – $2,444 a year
One of the best ways to stay motivated during a workout is to train with a partner or in a group, especially if you’ll need their help during bootcamp circuits in Outdoor Group Training. But if you and your friend are on a training schedule of two sessions a week, you both could be looking at a hefty annual bill.
Your budget-friendly alternative: Keep your workout outdoors by visiting a local park to take advantage of the free fitness equipment and design your own bootcamp circuit.
Boxing – $1,730 a year
A workout not for the easy going is boxing. While this workout came second last in price point, it is an activity that requires you to buy your own apparel, like gloves, setting you back a small $75.
Your budget-friendly alternative: Let out all your stress on a second-hand punching bag and skipping rope to create your own gym. This way, you won’t have continuously pay for classes on a weekly basis.
Yoga – $1700 a year
The final activity is yoga, a workout that challenges the body and mind. Based on a Hindu disciple, yoga focuses on emotional and mental wellbeing. This is a discipline that requires a great deal of stability, both on the mat and on your plastic. So it’s important to make sure your credit card balance is paid off in full every month, as the cost for the average membership totalled to over $1000!
Your budget-friendly alternative: You might be surprised to know that many yoga instructors have Youtube channels, like Yoga With Adriene, so you can practise for free in the comfort of your home.
Kirsty Lamont – Mozo money expert
Kirsty Lamont is a personal finance guru at mozo.com.au and believes that you don’t have to pay a fortune to keep fit and healthy. She is passionate about helping Aussies save money in all areas of life and stretch their dollars further.