Tip 9: Enjoy cheap- or free- exercise

Having a cheap form of exercise that you enjoy makes it easier to get exercise and stay in shape. My favorites are walking and riding a cheap bicycle. Walking requires no special equipment and can be done almost anywhere, anytime. Having a bike handy allows you to cover more ground. You can buy a good used bike for under $50 and it can provide years of exercise and transportation.

Exercise is one of those things that it is easy not to do if you have an excuse available. If your favorite form of exercise is something like skiing or working out at an exercise club that costs money or requires going someplace special, it is that much easier to put off doing it. If exercise is free and convenient, that removes potential barriers from exercising and staying in shape.

At times I have kept a bicycle at work so I can go for a ride whenever I have time. I could go for quite a trek over an hour lunch break and would explore neighborhoods or ride around a lake a few miles from the office. Walking is even easier. You might want to have a comfortable pair of shoes to change into. You can use a pedometer or GPS app on your cell phone to keep track of your walking distance and pace.

A cheap form of exercise is cheap entertainment and can keep you from spending money in other ways. If you are in shape, you are less likely to over-eat. You will also save money on medical expenses if you stay in good shape with regular activity.

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