While there’s something inexplicably ‘cool girl’ about going for a run, it’s just not sustainable for me. My knees hurt, my lungs hurt even more, and I get bored quickly. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind hitting the pavement every once in a while, but I need alternatives. Considering cardio’s health benefits and its positive impact on my well-being and appearance, I explored some budget-friendly, accessible options that also enhance my lifestyle. Here are my favorite cheap cardio options:
1. Event Work
The only thing better than a free workout is one that pays you. While it’s not always glamorous, there’s something incredibly satisfying about walking away from your sweat sesh up a hundred dollars. Just the other day, I had a blast setting up a school’s end of the year carnival. I was responsible for putting up tents, preparing the games, and running the photo booth. It was four hours of absolutely exhausting work, but I had a great time and walked away with $148 and sore legs for the next three days. If you’re interested, apps like GigSmart and WorkWhile should have opportunities in your area. These unique experiences allow you to work carnivals, concerts, and sporting events.
2. Gardening
Gardening is a great way to get your heart rate up while doing something productive and enjoyable. It may not seem like it, but activities like digging, planting, weeding, and raking can be quite physically demanding. Plus, gardening often involves lots of bending and stretching, which can help to improve your flexibility. You might be surprised at how much of a workout you can get from a few hours in the garden! If you don’t have a garden of your own, consider getting a plot at your local community garden, or even just volunteering!
3. Ice Skating
Ice skating is not just for winter fun; it can also be a fantastic form of cheap cardio. If you’re new to the activity, investing in a few private lessons to learn the basics may be beneficial, or watch some free online tutorials to give you some tips. The best part about this activity is that it doesn’t feel like a workout! At my weight I burn about 350 calories per hour, all while listening to music or an audiobook. Public skate sessions are typically affordable, costing around $5-$10.
4. Cleaning
A spotless home instantly adds zen to your life. Sure, cleaning can seem overwhelming, but think about it as swapping a workout in your week – suddenly it’s not so bad, right? Want to make sure no nook or cranny is left untouched? Try an app like Tody. It transforms your weekly chores into a fun game where you take on a pesky dust goblin.
5. Fruit Picking
It’s summer, so it’s time to pick your own fruit! My local farm offers admission for $3, where you can pick a pint of blueberries for $4.25 or a quart of cherries for $7.25. With just $8, I enjoyed an hour of exercise and found my snack for the next day.