Ideas for ‘frugal fitness’ range from running to dancing to
hiking
By Julie Engelhardt, Special to South Valley Newspapers
The recent arrival of spring means summer is just a couple of months away, bringing warmer weather with it. And for some, that means it’s time to shed those winter clothes as well as some of the winter weight that might creeped up during the holidays.
Joining a health club or buying home exercise equipment are ideal ways to trim the fat, but there are other ways of shaping up without depleting your bank account.
Hollister resident Kristi Matthews has discovered the secret of getting fit while being frugal. Matthews runs two to three days each week for three or four miles a session, and she bikes about 15 miles every Saturday.
Because Matthews’ work-out regimen doesn’t involve special equipment or memberships, her exercise budget is minimal.Every six months she buys new running shoes for about $50 a pair, and she’ll spend between $20 and $50 to enter cycling and running events throughout the year. As a bonus, Matthew often receives freebies at the events that she can use in her exercise program later on.
“I generally get something in return, like T-shirts, water bottles and other items when I participate,” she said.
The one thing that did cost Matthews a considerable amount was a recently purchased used bike for $600. Although that might sound like a lot, Matthews said the bike should last for roughly the next 10 years.
If you’d prefer a more leisurely way of whittling down your waistline, walking and hiking are good alternatives. The American Heart Association, the American College of Sports Medicine and the American College of Physicians recommend regular physical activity to help reduce the risk of heart disease, and the organizations also suggest walking briskly for at least 30 minutes three times per week.
A favorite local spot for hikers and joggers is the Uvas Creek Levee in Gilroy. The levee extends for 1 1/4 miles, beginning at Laurel Drive and running south to West Luchessa. There are also hiking trails on Mount Madonna in Gilroy or on Fremont Peak near San Juan Bautista.
If the weather conditions are iffy, head indoors for your morning stroll. The Northridge Mall in Salinas has an organized walking program called “Walk the Talk,” in which participants walk through the mall at a brisk pace. Walkers can track their mileage and receive discounts to mall stores.
If you enjoy music, try dancing as a low-budget workout. Adult classes in jazz, tap, ballet, ballroom, swing and hip-hop are offered at several local dance studios, including San Benito Dance Academy in Hollister, and Lana’s Dance Studio in Gilroy and Morgan Hill. Drop-in fees range among studios but are usually around $15.
If you’re still unsure how to start your fitness program, consider talking to an expert such as a personal trainer.
Mary Margaret Lanning, a certified personal fitness trainer and nutrition consultant in Hollister, said that her main priority is to make sure her clients are healthy.
“When a client finds out what they need for their own well-being, then I can set them up with whatever type of fitness program best suits them,” said Lanning, who offers a variety of program options for home, outside, gym or when a client is traveling. “After an initial assessment to set up some goals, I teach clients certain routines and workouts they can do on their own for a healthy lifestyle. Exercise is not going to keep you healthy and fit unless you are doing it.”
Julie Engelhardt is a free-lance writer. To comment, e-mail kn******@**********rs.com.
