2012 was the year I was going to enter my first Warrior Dash. I was even going to start training for it too. But better things are happening in June so I'm going to have to skip this year's Dash and maybe try for 2013.
A few friends of mine have crashed the courses at these totally insane events. One of the guys who is crazy enough to sign up is Sean G. After a life filled with Gannon's wings and Lager, Sean has started working out and getting fit (not that he was ever a fat ass to begin with.)
Sean and his wife, Heidi, workout together and also like to save together. When he decided to buy a suspension trainer, he googled and found branded training straps (TRX - portable bodyweight training tools) would cost about $200.
He then found this YouTube link showing how to build your own suspension trainer for about $30.
(Not really knowing what a suspension trainer is, I googled it. There are a wide variety of versions from $75 to $200 for sale on the web... Seems rather expensive to me. I just might try to build the contraption and see how it works, but for now, I thought it would be best to share what Sean shared.)
Back to Sean, I 'interviewed' him via Facebook (asked a couple of questions to which he was nice enough to respond.)
Sean and Heidi wanted to save some money. Their gym membership cost them $75 a month for the two of them and it was adding up fast.
"I quit paying for a gym and am looking at ways to stay in shape and be functionally strong," said Sean via Facebook. "When are we going to bench 300 lbs in real life? Never...but we will carry 10, 50lb bags of mulch from the car to backyard. That function fitness."
They bought sandbags (article from Mensfitness.com), a pull-up bar, and the supplies for the straps for under $300. Now using their own home gym, plus walking more, they are saving over $900 a year! As Sean puts it, "My equipment... will pay for itself in 4 months That's $75 a month back in my pocket!!!!That's Fatherly Frugality!"
Sean and Heidi also keep motivated by posting the results of their sandbag training and running on FaceBook. Who needs a personal trainer when you have all of your friends following your progress?
I just looked up some gym membership prices in my area. Planet Fitness - $19.99/month. LA Fitness/Bally - $520 a year (they try to trick you by saying $9.95/week). Philly's 12th Street Gym - $39/ month ($369/year + $99 fee / 12 months).
And each time you pass by a gym, you usually just see people on treadmills anyway.... They pay up to $520 a year to walk indoors? Seems a little out there for me. I'd rather take a walk around the block or walk up and down my stairs a few times before doing that. But that's just me.
If you do decide to workout at home, YouTube is filled with workout videos. Just search your interest and see what pops up. And of course, always consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program. I'm in no way or shape a person you should be taking thoughts on how to workout... but I am a guy that can save you money when you do.Thanks to Sean for the link and the help. Good luck to you and Heidi at the Warrior Dash. Hope to see you there in 2013!
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