• 
• CLASS
• JOBS
• AUTO
• HOMES

Healthy, wealthy and wise: Ten tips to save money while staying fit

JANESVILLE — Money is tight, but you want to stay in shape, look great and stay healthy.

Yet it seems like gym memberships are pricey. Workout equipment is hundreds of dollars.

New clothes and shoes add to the cost. A personal trainer is definitely out of the question.

Don't worry. Staying fit doesn't have to blow your budget.

Here are 10 ways to save on exercise costs:

-- Buy cheap fitness clothes. You don't need new shoes. A decent pair of old tennies might do the job. You also don't need new clothes. Any old T-shirt or pair of shorts will do. Besides, you'll soak them in sweat anyway. Why spend hundreds of dollars on fashionable, name-brand outfits?

-- Buy fitness equipment. 2nd Wind Exercise Equipment in Janesville sells new and used exercise equipment such as treadmills, elliptical machines and home gyms. Michael's Cycles & Fitness also sells new treadmills, exercise bikes and elliptical machines. Currently, all of Michael's floor models are on sale. Buying equipment is expensive up front, but it could save you monthly membership dues in the long run.

-- Exercise outside. Janesville is the "city of parks." A playground, tennis court, ball field or golf course is around nearly every corner. The city boasts more than 2,300 acres of parkland and 25 miles of paved trails, according to the city Web site. So you have no excuse not to run or walk outside, do chin-ups on the monkey bars or play games on the fields.

-- Exercise at home. If the weather is cold or rainy, stay home. Jumping rope or using cardio equipment and dumbbells can help you stay fit without leaving the house. Simple sit-ups and pushups also do the trick. You could do aerobics on your stairs. Workout videos also can be used at home.

-- Find gym membership specials. Finding gym specials, incentives or other promotions is a great way to get an affordable membership.

The Janesville and Riverfront Athletic Club started a promotion Sunday to help people afford a membership, owner Mark Groshan said. The club is reducing membership rates $10 per month for each friend you get to join. And there's no limit. You could get a free membership or even make money. The reduction would stay in effect as long as the referral remains a member.

Curves is waiving its enrollment fee when you donate a bag of groceries, manager Lisa Wheaton said. And members 65 and older can have their membership paid through a wellness program.

The YMCA's mission is to not deny anyone membership, director Tom Den Boer said. The YMCA offers financial aid and scholarships to anyone who qualifies. For people who must pay, the YMCA is currently waiving the $75 enrollment fee for all new members. And any military families with a spouse deployed can get a free membership.

Anytime Fitness on Tuesday, March 10, is offering free tanning and a half-price enrollment fee through Thursday, March 12, owner Jeff Brewer said. The gym also is offering reduced pricing on personal training sessions.

-- Get involved in city recreation leagues. People can join city volleyball, basketball, softball, dodgeball, kickball and disc golf leagues, said Shelley Slapak, Janesville Leisure Services Division recreation coordinator. The price to join a league ranges from $110 to $495 a team, split among the players. If your team finds a corporate sponsor, the company might pay the fee.

-- Cut out expensive diets. The New England Journal of Medicine recently published an article comparing diets based on reduced carbohydrates, fat or protein. Researchers found that reduced-calorie diets result in weight loss regardless of whether it's a carbohydrate, fat or protein diet, according to the article. So don't spend a bunch of money on diet books, packaged meals or other trends. Just count your calories.

-- Use the Internet. Great deals on workout clothes and equipment can be found on the Internet. Information about health, dieting and exercises also can be found online. And the best part: The Internet is free.

-- Workout with a friend. If you're struggling financially, you probably can't afford regular meetings with a personal trainer. Instead, exercise with friends. Workout partners can motivate each other and socialize while getting fit.

-- Check with your employer. Many companies offer discounted health club memberships. Check with your human resources department to see if your employer offers incentives to stay fit. Also, find out whether your health insurance provider offers a discount if you're in a wellness program.