How I Changed my Budget after Quitting my 9-5: The Workout Edition
Over the last 8 years in New York, I’ve tried everything for workouts and let me tell you I am not consistent. I’ve tried ClassPass multiple times, cheap gyms, expensive gyms, at-home workouts, walking, running and more. Trust me, I’m not trying to become a personal trainer anytime soon, but in terms of fitness and a budget - that’s where I can help!
What was I doing?
During the pandemic my favorite yoga studio closed so I tried at-home yoga and spent more time walking. After two years of at-home yoga videos, I was getting bored and wanted to find a new studio, but wasn’t sure which one to pick.
While working, my job gave me a $50 monthly credit towards fitness expenses. I decided to return to a 23-credit ClassPass subscription for $51.21 (including tax). This was perfect while working and getting this awesome benefit. I loved finding yoga studios near me on ClassPass, and the occasional manicure. Plus, this plan allowed me to take 4-5 classes per month. That said, when I no longer got this benefit it was time to reevaluate.
How did I make a change?
I no longer have that awesome monthly fitness credit so I started to evaluate what was valuable to me for my fitness routine:
Go to 1-2 yoga classes per week
Walk at least 3+ miles about 5 times per week
I might need to adjust what this means in the winter and on rainy days… but for now I’ll try to be hopeful
I realized I was going to one yoga studio consistently because it was a reasonable walk from my apartment, it is donation based & provides a welcoming community and space. Two weeks ago the studio posted that they have a volunteer opportunity to complete laundry once a week in exchange for a free unlimited membership. I took this as a sign to bring my fitness budget from $51 a month to $0, while being able to continue finding value in yoga classes. I’m also excited to give back and meet more people at the studio.
Starting this month, May 2023, I’ll say goodbye to Classpass for now and focus on yoga and walking, especially during the summer months. While cutting $51 a month won’t make me a millionaire it helps me align my budget and my values.
How can you reconsider your workout budget?
Workout budgets can differ so much from person to person. Below are a few questions you can consider:
What types of workouts do you like most?
Is there a cheaper way to do what you are already doing?
Are you actually using a subscription service? For example, do you actually go to the gym or classes you are already paying for?
You may not need to make changes to your workout budget and that’s okay too. This exercise will simply allow you to consider if you need to or want to make a change. I would love to hear how you manage your workout spending. Send me a direct message or a comment @pointsforchange on Instagram!
P.S. This is not sponsored by any brands mentioned above and all opinions are my own.
Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor. My suggestions are simply suggestions and not financial advice. You should always consider your personal financial situation and what works best for you prior to making financial decisions because personal finance is… well… personal.
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