Affordable Fitness: How to Stay Fit on a Budget in Indian Cities
Reviewed by
PurpleGirl Editorial Team · Reviewed by experienced women writers & researchers
Riya had been trying to get back into shape after having her baby, but as a stay-at-home mom in Mumbai, she found it tough to afford the pricey gym memberships and personal training sessions. She wasn't alone - a lot of women in India struggle to prioritize their fitness due to financial constraints. Affordable fitness is possible, though, and it starts with making small changes to your daily routine. From walking in your neighborhood to trying out free online workout videos, there are plenty of ways to stay fit without breaking the bank. In fact, you can start by simply incorporating more physical activity into your daily chores, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator in your apartment building or doing a few jumping jacks during commercial breaks while watching your favorite TV show on Zee TV or Star Plus.
What You'll Need
- a good pair of running shoes
- a yoga mat
- a water bottle
- a mobile phone with internet connection
Start with Bodyweight Exercises for Affordable Fitness
You don't need any special equipment to get started with bodyweight exercises, which makes them a great option for affordable fitness. You can do push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks in the comfort of your own home, or even in a nearby park. For example, you can try doing a few sets of squats while watching your kids play in the park, or do some push-ups during your lunch break at work. A lot of women in India have found success with bodyweight exercises, and you can too. Try incorporating some of these exercises into your daily routine, like doing a few sets of squats while brushing your teeth or doing some leg raises while watching TV. You can also find plenty of free workout videos online that demonstrate how to do these exercises correctly, like on YouTube channels such as Fitness Blender or Blogilates. Additionally, you can use online resources like weight loss tips to help you get started.
Find Free or Low-Cost Workout Classes in Your City for Affordable Fitness
Many cities in India offer free or low-cost workout classes, especially for women. For example, the Mumbai Municipal Corporation offers free yoga classes in many of its parks, while the Delhi Government offers free Zumba classes in some of its community centers. You can also check with your local gym or fitness studio to see if they offer any discounted classes or trial sessions. Some popular fitness classes for women in India include aerobics, Pilates, and dance-based workouts like Bollywood dance or Bokwa. Try searching online for 'free workout classes in Bangalore' or 'low-cost yoga classes in Chennai' to find options in your city. You can also ask your friends or colleagues for recommendations, or check out social media groups like Facebook groups or WhatsApp groups dedicated to fitness in India. Additionally, you can use online resources like fitness classes for women to help you find classes in your area.
Worth knowing: Consider investing in a fitness tracker, like a Fitbit or a Xiaomi Mi Band, to help you track your progress and stay motivated
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Use Online Resources for Affordable Fitness
There are many online resources available that can help you stay fit without spending a lot of money. For example, you can find plenty of free workout videos on YouTube, or download fitness apps like Nike Training Club or JEFIT that offer a wide range of exercises and workouts. You can also join online fitness communities, like Facebook groups or online forums, to connect with other women who share your fitness goals and get support and motivation. Some popular online resources for fitness in India include the website of the Indian fitness brand, Cult.fit, and the fitness blog, MissMalini. Try searching online for 'free workout videos for women' or 'best fitness apps for Indians' to find more options. You can also use online resources like workout videos for women to help you get started.
Keep in mind: Be careful when trying out new exercises or workouts online, and make sure to listen to your body and stop if you experience any pain or discomfort
Make Healthy Lifestyle Changes for Affordable Fitness
In addition to exercising regularly, making healthy lifestyle changes can also help you stay fit and healthy. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and managing stress. Try to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet, and cut back on processed and sugary foods. You can also try meal prepping or cooking at home using Indian recipes like dal, sabzi, and roti. Getting enough sleep is also crucial, so try to aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night. Finally, try to find healthy ways to manage stress, like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga. You can find plenty of free resources online, like guided meditations on YouTube or fitness blogs like NDTV Food, to help you get started. Additionally, you can use online resources like healthy recipes to help you plan your meals.
Find a Workout Buddy for Affordable Fitness
Having a workout buddy can be a great motivator and help you stay accountable. Try to find a friend, family member, or colleague who shares your fitness goals and schedule. You can also join a fitness group or club in your city, like a running club or a cycling group. Having a workout buddy can help you stay motivated and inspired, and can also make working out more fun. For example, you can try going for a walk or jog with a friend in the morning, or meeting up for a yoga class in the evening. You can also try online communities, like Facebook groups or online forums, to connect with other women who share your fitness goals. Additionally, you can use online resources like fitness communities to help you find a workout buddy.
Track Your Progress for Affordable Fitness
Finally, it's essential to track your progress and celebrate your successes. Try to take progress photos, measurements, or track your workouts using a fitness app or spreadsheet. You can also set small rewards for yourself when you reach certain milestones, like buying a new workout outfit or getting a massage. Celebrating your successes can help you stay motivated and inspired, and can also help you see how far you've come. For example, you can try taking progress photos every month, or tracking your workouts using a fitness app like Strava or MapMyFitness. You can also try using online resources, like fitness trackers, to help you track your progress.
"Investing in a good pair of running shoes, like those from Indian brands like Nike or Reebok, can make a huge difference in your workout routine and overall fitness journey"
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