Fitness and exercise are extremely important, especially
as you age, but maintaining your health can be costly. If you’re self-employed
or don’t have insurance, you might not be able to afford the gym that you want
to join or the special equipment that will help you get into shape faster.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to achieve your fitness goals without
spending too much money on getting there. Here are nine suggestions for finding
affordable fitness care when you’re uninsured or underinsured.
If you’re looking to maximize your fitness, it’s
important to have access to the most affordable fitness care possible.
Unfortunately, if you don’t have insurance, this can be difficult to obtain. In
fact, healthcare costs overall in the U.S. are higher than in many other
developed countries, but with these 9 ways to find affordable fitness care when
you’re uninsured, you’ll find some simple ways to get the help you need without
breaking the bank!
1) Consider Team Training
Consider team training, or what's also called group fitness.
Many gyms and fitness centers offer free or inexpensive memberships for
organizations that want to bring a team together. Work with the coach at your
gym and see if he or she is willing to help put together a workout plan that
would work for you and other members of your organization. If not, ask the
coach if he or she knows of anyone who might be able to provide this service.
2) Consider Coaching
Fitness and Exercise Coaching is a great way to get started
with fitness care. A fitness coach will work with you on personalized fitness
care and weight management plans, accountability for your goal, designing
exercise programs and evaluating progress. Plus, a lot of times your employer
or health insurance provider will pay for at least some of the cost.
3) Use eBooks
EBooks are a great way to explore new options when it comes
to fitness and exercise. They come in many formats - PDF, MP3, video - so that
you can pick the format that is most convenient for you. They are also a more
budget-friendly option, with most costing less than $5! Here are some of my
favorite books about fitness:
*8 Minute Exercise Workouts by Caley Cook has you spending
just 8 minutes working out a day and doing so without equipment at all. This
book is perfect for those on-the-go or those who live in tight spaces and want
something they can squeeze into their busy day.
4) Try Free Workouts
Try some free workouts, like walking or riding a bike, in
your spare time. These are great options for people who have physical
limitations or have been advised by their doctor not to engage in certain types
of activity. And when you don't work out consistently, those things aren't
worth risking! Another inexpensive option is strength training. There are a lot
of different exercises you can do using your own body weight and minimal cost.
One really affordable option is plyometrics which includes jump squats,
push-ups and burpees. Or try yoga or pilates - these two workouts will help
strengthen your core as well as improve flexibility and balance.
5) Offer It As a Bonus
These exercises can be done at home for little to no cost,
as well. If you have room in your budget, I recommend a personal trainer. For
people who are just getting started with exercise and need some guidance,
hiring a professional is the best way to get started.
6) Ask For Referrals
How can you find affordable fitness care if you don't have
insurance? Ask friends and family who exercise for advice. The more people you
talk to, the better your chances of finding a discounted place near you.
It may take some time, but it'll be worth it when you find a
trainer that's the right fit for your budget.
7) Use ClassPass
Although gyms are the most common and well-known way of
maintaining a consistent fitness routine, they can also be one of the most
expensive ways. What's worse is that many don't offer discount memberships when
you're on an alternative form of health insurance, such as Medicaid or CHIP.
Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can find affordable fitness care
without insurance. Chances are someone in your network has tried out their
local gym or outdoor running club and can share their experiences with you for
free (or will at least pay for your first few months). From there, it may be
worth looking into less traditional options.
8) Don't Be Afraid To Ask for Discounts
Many facilities offer discounts to uninsured members if they
sign up for a certain number of sessions. It's also worth asking if the trainer
or facility would be willing to work with you on pricing, especially if you'll
be purchasing a contract in installments. Although it may seem difficult and
degrading, try talking to people who use the services regularly and see what
they have done in your situation. If necessary, ask a financial counselor at
your local hospital or health clinic for advice on finding affordable fitness
care without insurance. They may know of some providers that are more
accommodating or will meet you where you are at financially without pushing too
hard for an immediate commitment. In these cases, make sure you get everything
in writing before signing anything so that there's no confusion when payments
come due each month.
9) Get Insurance Through a Family Member
One way to find affordable health care is by getting it
through a family member. While this may not be an option for some people, there
are many instances where the best option is getting your healthcare through
someone else's health insurance. For example, if you have kids, but they are
old enough to be covered under their own insurance, or if you want to live in a
state that has expanded Medicaid coverage and your partner's income makes you
eligible for it. If you don't know who the best candidate for this type of
arrangement is and need help finding one - then an online medical biller might
be able to help.
Fitness and exercise are vital to healthy living, and
it’s important to find a way to stay active and fit even if you’re uninsured.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to locate reasonably-priced fitness care when
you don’t have health insurance coverage. This guide will help you figure out
how to find affordable fitness care without insurance so that you can get the
best possible physical condition, in spite of your lack of insurance coverage.
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