By: Ainsley Northrop

Editor-in-Chief

We’ve all had that moment when we realize that maybe, just maybe, we need to start being more active. Whether you made a New Year’s resolution to work out more or a spur-of-the-moment decision to shake up your typical routine, here are some state-of-the-art ideas for being active on a budget. 

1. Guest passes are your best friend. 

Coming from someone who has never owned a gym membership and yet, has managed to go to the gym a solid number of times, guest passes are the way to go. By using a guest pass, you not only save money, but also have a friend with you the whole time. Now you have someone to motivate you and a new gym to explore. You can even go with multiple friends and see which of their gyms is your favorite! Enjoy free access to everything from StairMasters to massage chairs and frolic through the facility to your heart’s content – all for the price of FREE.99. The only downside is you might not get to pick what time you work out… but who’s complaining?

1. Watch some videos.

This may give you COVID flashbacks, but watching workout videos never fails (at least most of the time). Search up your favorite pilates instructor or even try the Chloe Ting Two Week Ab Challenge. This can be a bit embarrassing, but that’s okay. Just be sneaky. Complete the workout in your room in the middle of the night when your family least expects it. Soon, they will wonder how you are so fit, and they will never see you falling over as you attempt leg circles to random instrumental tunes! If you can’t do an exercise, don’t worry about it – the video will keep going, so you are basically still completing the full workout.

1. You have a driveway – use it!

Running on your driveway is SO underrated. I mean, think about it: you won’t run through town and see people, you are right by your home so you won’t have to run back, and it is basically like your own personal track. You may look like a hamster on a wheel, but never fear. I’m sure that whoever walks by will respect your dedication. Plus, if you live in the mountains like me and have a driveway that seems to span for miles, you can finally put it to good use. If you have a Ring or door camera, though, make sure to cover it up; the last thing you want is a video of you running…Trust me, I hold the video of my sister doing this over her head all the time. 

1. Sign up to be a choreographer.

Every day, I am thankful for my job as a choreographer because not only do I get to work with kids, but I get to dance. What better way is there to work out? I dance to Let It Go, Under the Sea, Circle of Life, and so much more. And I dance alongside both casts of kids, so I do double the dancing I would do if I were in a show myself. It’s a win-win. I literally get paid to be active. 

1. Get creative.

There is no better way to stay active than to be adventurous. Walk into El Gato Advisor Paris DeSoto’s Zumba classes and dance your heart out; your new, middle-aged classmates will become your biggest supporters. Actually go on Economics teacher David Homa’s assigned weekly walks; trek up the LGHS stairs with your backpack on (even one flight is guaranteed to leave you winded); have a dance party with your friends; or even watch some aesthetic workout TikToks (that counts because they’re inspirational, right?).

I hope you enjoyed these hacks for staying active on a budget. Get excited for your new era of activeness!