How much do you pay to stay in shape?

I have a non-frugal confession to make. Each month, I spend more on workouts with my personal trainer than I do on cable, Internet and car payments combined.

By Caroline Cakebread

Updated November 2, 2012

Masterfile

I have a non-frugal confession to make. Each month, I spend more on workouts with my personal trainer than I do on cable, Internet and car payments combined. And while there are probably a lot of other things I could be doing with the money, I view Gus (my trainer) as an essential service — he’s like a utility bill that just has to get paid. He kicks my butt every week with an intense weight-training protocol that keeps me toned and leaves me completely exhausted and exhilarated at the same time.

While I’m frugal in just about every area of my life, Gus is one expense I will not let go of — that is, as long as I can haul myself to work every day. But with two kids and a lot of competing financial priorities, it’s easy to feel guilty about spending money on something like a workout. To make it happen, I have cut back in other areas — I do my own pedicures, for example. I don’t spend a lot of money on clothing. And we don’t do much takeout.

Staying in shape can be really expensive — even without a personal trainer, it adds up. My local fitness centre charges about 20 bucks a session for spinning classes, pilates and yoga — doing two classes a week can add up to over $2,000 a year. Gyms cost money — and even buying a treadmill or some kind of machine for home will set you back. These days, even running costs money (hello, Nikes).

How much do you spend, on average, just in keep in shape? Do you have any frugal tips to share about how to work out on the cheap?

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