Incorporating Fitness Into Young Adulthood | Article Sample

It’s a common myth that getting in shape burns a hole in your pocket. While it’s true that it can be a costly venture, it doesn’t have to be, thanks to national fitness facilities like Gold’s Gym and Planet Fitness. These gyms can be found across the country from college towns to urban centers. For as low as $10 a month, Planet Fitness members can enjoy free on-site training and access to their home facility. For an additional low monthly fee, members have access to: free tanning, massage chairs, discounts on food and drinks, free guest passes, and entry to multiple facilities. Planet Fitness is perfect for the young adult on a budget—but don’t rule out Gold’s Gym. The national fitness facility is known for their similarly affordable prices and group training classes (something that Planet Fitness does not currently offer). Those interested in obtaining a membership for Gold’s Gym can test out the facilities with their year-round offers of free VIP or class passes. Both Planet Fitness and Gold’s Gym membership prices start at just $10 a month and offer a no-contract option.

Exercising at Home

These days, working out at home is easier than ever. With the recent craze of fitness DVD’s, you can get in shape and improve your overall health without stepping foot inside of a gym. While these fitness DVD’s aren’t cheap, the pay-off is well worth it. Insanity is one the most well-known fitness programs that comes complete with a workout calendar and nutrition plan. Insanity is known for its rigorous exercise routines and impressive results. Another alternative is Turbo Fire. This program is catered to those who are focused on cardio weight-loss and enjoy dancing. For those looking for a more affordable DVD program, there is the Supreme 90 Day. ‘S90’ is similar to Insanity, but focuses on a more tone-downed routine for those who are considered beginners in their fitness journey. The great thing about these DVD programs is that anyone can complete them on their own time in the comfort of their own home; but there is a downside to these programs: the cost. At-home DVD programs can cost well over $100—a price that some young adults simply cannot afford. The budget-friendly option would be to create your own fitness program. By creating monthly fitness calendars filled with various no-equipment-required exercises and challenges, you can hold yourself accountable for exercising daily.

Finding the Motivation

Let’s face it. Getting motivated to exercise is difficult, especially when you have a laundry list of responsibilities. That’s where social media comes into play. You’re already on Facebook for several hours a day and you’re known to obsessively refresh your Twitter timeline—so why not use social networking as a benefit to your health? Each social networking site now has their version of a fitness community. Take Instagram, for example. The photo-sharing app is usually your go-to spot for new pictures of your friends, but if you search the tag #fitstagram, you’ll find over 200,000 fitness-related posts uploaded by fellow fitness junkies. If you’re looking for more specific motivation, try searching for #fitsporation. The same goes for Tumblr.com—a site that has redefined the idea of an online community. Fitness enthusiasts use their Tumblr’s—or ‘Fitblr’s’ as they call them—to upload motivational images and interact with other members of the Fitblr community. Getting your friends involved is easy with Facebook’s new “groups” option. Now, you have the ability to create a secret group that only you and the other members can see. There, you can challenge and motivate each other, or just discuss your fitness progress amongst one another.

So, what’re you waiting for? Be your own motivator and take charge of your health today!