One of the most common excuses that I hear from time to time from people who want to get into shape is that it’s just too damn expensive. To me, this excuse is almost as lame as the “I Don’t Have Time” or “I’m Too Tired” excuse. You don’t have to break the bank to become more healthy and fit, and you don’t need to go into massive amounts of debt to develop a great looking physique.

Listed below are just a few of the cost effective strategies that I use and implement into my own fitness budget to help keep my costs low and the return on my investment (which in this case is my health and my body) high.

Bye Bye Fancy Fitness Facilities

First of all, if your target fitness goals are to build muscle and burn fat, then why the hell do you need to do it in a spa-like atmosphere? Does it really matter if the gym you go to has a steam room, or a sauna and hot tub? Is it absolutely necessary that your gym has a juice bar for your ever so important post-workout shake? Do the showers really need to be spotless at all times? Do you absolutely need to have access to all that top of the line fancy fitness equipment that really doesn’t do much but gather dust sitting in the corner of the gym?

Don’t get me wrong, having all these things can be nice and perhaps even convenient, however they’re not going to help you get any closer to your training goals. Save your money and stick with a gym that has the basics. A couple of squat racks, a few power benches, some cable machines and a decent set of dumbbells is really all you need. Remember, just because something looks better, does not equate to it being better.

Out With The Organic!

Don’t worry, I’m well aware that I’m going to receive some hate mail for this one, but I’m really starting to get fed up with all this organic garbage. It’s almost as annoying as the gluten-free rage! Look, if the majority of the foods you’re consuming are clean foods, then you really don’t need to head down to Whole Foods and pay quadruple the amount for a damn chicken breast! I’m not suggesting that all clean foods are made of the same quality ingredients, however there are ways to be smart about your grocery shopping trips. For one, trying buying your foods in bulk. I know, I know, you can’t eat all that food. Well you don’t need to eat it all at once! Buy your meats fresh and freeze them at home. When it’s time to cook them, then bring them out, let them defrost and get to it. No they won’t be as fresh but they will still be edible, taste great and maintain their nutrient value. No, you can’t freeze foods such oatmeal and brown rice, but you also don’t need to. Buy them in bulk and store them in your pantry and/or cupboards. Don’t pay triple the amount for a tiny bag of quinoa that will last you a day and a fancy food label of the same product that you can buy for half the price at your local Costco.

And speaking of local, BUY LOCAL!!! If you’re worried about the fish you buy and/or the meats and vegetables you consume, then make sure that you buy grade A quality products that are raised locally. Canada has numerous reputable food companies that may not offer organic rich foods yet at the same time do not inject hormones and harmful pesticides into their products that they sell and manufacture. Research the companies that you purchase your foods from. When it comes to nutrition, ignorance and laziness has no place.

Supplement Savings

I honestly cannot remember the last time I set foot in a supplement store. And in my opinion, supplement stores like CDs and magazines, are becoming a thing of the past. I mean why on earth would I walk into a supplement store and purchase a tub of protein powder, when I can purchase that exact same brand of protein powder online at a much lower cost? Because it more convenient? Hardly. Especially when the majority of these supplement websites are now offering free shipping and delivery to your door within 3-4 business days. Because you want to talk to a person who understands the products you are purchasing? Ha! Good luck! Most of the people working in supplement stores these days are kids that know less about the products they are selling then you probably do! Again, do your own research on the supplements that you’re considering to use. There’s this search engine called Google that’s great for that, I suggest you try using it. ;^)

I’m all for supporting small businesses however I cannot justify paying more money for the exact same product, just so a store can cover their rent. When it comes to your supplement shopping I recommend you save some money and not to mention some time, and do it online.

Breaking Your Body for a Bargain

Finally, I believe it’s important not to be too thrifty, frugal and/or cheap when it comes to your diet and your training. This is after all your health that we’re talking about. Therefore it makes sense to spend a little money on quality products and valuable service. Don’t just join a gym that has broken equipment and a poorly trained staff because it’s cheap. And don’t go buying mystery meats at Walmart because they’re on sale. And refrain yourself from purchasing supplements that are marked “damaged” or “opened” because they’re being sold at a reduced price.

But most importantly, stop using excuses as to why you cannot improve upon your health and better your physique. Remember, when you lose all of your excuses, then you will begin to find your results.

Yours in Good Health,

Nick Cosgrove
Forever Fit Performance