Saving money on fitness and health go hand-in-hand.  the more fit you become, the lower your healthcare-related expenses.  At the same time, the more money you save on healthcare, the more you’ll have to invest in things that help you stay fit.  here are some easy ways women can save money on fitness and health:

Stop Wasting Money on Expensive Gym Memberships

Bigger isn’t necessarily better.  you don’t need to sign up at the fanciest gym or get the platinum gym membership to get in shape.  in fact, 90% of people who join health and fitness clubs don’t go on a regular basis after the first 90 days.  Committing yourself to an expensive membership doesn’t increase the likelihood you’ll go; it just means you’ve wasted more money if quit.

Most health and fitness clubs offer free trial memberships; sign up for one.  this will give you a chance to feel the club out.  If it turns out you like the place, sign up for the “pay-as-you-go” or monthly plan.  You can always sign up for a longer term plan later (if you happen to be among the 10% of people that are still going regularly after the 90-day mark.

Shop Around

When it comes to saving money, health and fitness expenses are no different than any other expense—you can often save money by shopping around.  Here are some areas in which you may be able to save money by comparison shopping:

• Health Clubs – If you live in a fairly large city, there are probably lots of gyms competing for your business.  Check them all out and see who offers the best deals.  (Don’t forget to check out the local YWCA and nearby community centers.  They’ll often have fitness centers that rival your local health clubs.)
• Health Insurance – Healthcare plans vary widely in terms of services covered, co-payments, spending caps and deductibles.  You’d be surprised how many people are overpaying for health insurance simply because they have investigated all their options.  Take the time to give your healthcare plan a once over to see how it stacks up when compared to  lower priced alternatives.  You may be paying for services you don’t need or overpaying for ones you do need.
• Pharmaceuticals – National pharmacy chains are notorious for competing on price.  Subscribe to their email lists and use their weekly circulars to find out which pharmacy has the best deal on whatever it is you need.

Get a Personal Trainer on the Cheap

If you’re in the market for a personal trainer, you’ve got several options for getting one on the cheap:

• Recently certified, professional trainers who are eager to build a client list
• Amateurs who are working on their certification
• College students who are studying physical therapy, sports medicine or related fields

Chances are your local gym will be crawling with these types.  this will give you a chance to feel out a prospective trainer and develop a rapport before hiring them.

Team up with a Friend

We’ve all heard the saying that there is strength in numbers.  Teaming up with friends to share the cost of fitness related expenses or negotiate discounts is a great way to save money.  For example:

• Buying a piece of exercise equipment neither of you could afford on your own.  (This works a lot better if you usually work out together at one or the other’s home anyway.)
• Negotiating a group discount on a gym membership or personal trainer.
• Carpooling to the gym.  (This is also a great way to stay motivated.)

Buy Generic Over-the-Counter Drugs and Medical Supplies

Tylenol, Robitussin and Band-Aid may be household names, but what evidence do you have that suggests they work better than their generic equivalents?  Skimping on these types of products doesn’t just make sense, it can actually make dollars.

It’s your money and your health – take care of them both!

If you’ve got ideas on how to save money on healthcare and fitness related expenses, we’d like to hear about them.  Post your comments below.