Why You Need to Rethink How You Work Out (2024)

So I’ve started a new little personal challenge. I’m training to run a half marathon in May. It’s not my first (I’ve done a handful), but it’s my first in a very long time. Plus, my youngest daughter is going to run it with me. Granted, she’s sure to finish 15-20 minutes before I do, but that’s ok, right?

Over the years, I’ve amassed quite a bit of home fitness equipment. We have a nice space to organize it in. But it’s easy to allow things to become cluttered. Usually, I’m so done with the workout that I’m just ready to move on to the next thing.

Today, let’s evaluate what we have and what we really need.

Just as a reminder, each of the Financial Decluttering assignments should only take 10-15 minutes and you’ve only missed assignments toClean Out Your Wallet, Clean Out Your Refrigerator Door,Clean Out Your Car Console,Clean Out Your Sock Drawer,Organize Your Coupons,Clean Out Kids’ Backpacks,Clean Out Your Purse or Bag,Clean Out ONE Pantry Shelf,Clean Off Your Desk. Then check outClean Up Your Phone’s Apps,Clean Out Your Inbox,Clean Out the Junk Drawer,Declutter Your Shoes,Clean Out Your Freezer,Count Your Change,Clean Out ONE Clothes Closet,Clean Your Cleaners,andClean Out Your Linen Closet. From there, head toClean Out Old Bills,Clean Out Jewelry, Organize One Garage Shelf,Clean Out the Shower,Organize Medicines, andOrganize Your Safe or Lockbox.

Just a reminder, don’t forget to join the Financial Decluttering Facebook Groupof close to 1500 people for ideas and encouragement. You’ll love the photos of the clean wallets, clean refrigerator doors, car consoles, coupon binders, backpacks, purses, desks, shoes, inboxes, and more!

Now, on to the challenge!

Let’s begin with the good news – working out is good for your finances. When you stay in shape, you reduce your need to go to the doctor. You don’t need to purchase new clothes because yours still fit. And you have more energy to work and manage life in general.

But, a lot of us buy into a mentality of miracle working fitness cures. We think that the hot new product will cause us to want to work out or magically make us a size two after one workout.

You may have purchased equipment after watching an informercial or a DVD after a friend raved about their results. Or maybe you bit the bullet and bought a treadmill that now sits in the corner covered in laundry.But, don’t just stop with the treadmill and the weights. Today, evaluate your workout apparel and even your gym membership(s). Let’s clean up the clutter – physically and financially.

Have a serious internal conversation about what’s working and what’s not when it comes to your fitness equipment. If you haven’t touched it in years, it’s time to let it go. If you aren’t really going to gym, you shouldn’t be paying for it.

I want you to work out. And in fact, I have several posts you should read to get fit without overspending. Plus, if you’re reading this post this post in January, you

• Get Fit on a Budget!
• 5 Ways to Get Fit on a Budget
• 5 Fantastic Frugal Fitness Ideas

• Gather all of your fitness equipment first. Evaluate which items you haven’t used in a year.
• Donate or sell those items. Craigslist or the Facebook Marketplace are good places to consider posting those items. Or you can take them to somewhere like Play it Again Sports. Or even just post on your personal social media channels. Be sure you think though how someone will pick up an item or how you will transport it. Set time limits for when someone needs to pay/pick up an item. It’s a good idea to get rid of items ASAP.
• Look through your fitness apparel. Donate or pitch items that are worn out.
• If you have a gym membership, get the nitty gritty on how much you’re spending. Find out if there are charges for canceling your membership. See if you can see how many times you’ve actually been to the gym in the last six months. Either set up a regular workout schedule or canceling your account.
• Consider alternatives for your current gym like the Y, community center, or a local church.
• When you’re finished, take a photo and post it to the challenge post in the Financial Decluttering Group. We’ll celebrate your victory. And/or post on Instagram with the #FinancialDecluttering Hashtag.
• You’ll get bonus points and virtual fist bumps for interesting discoveries.

There are all sorts of ways to make sure you remain with your workout goals. But probably your best bet is being ok with yourself when something it’s working. So many of us consider the sunk costs of memberships and stuff. However, if it’s not a pathway of success, you’re just spinning your wheels by remaining in the same patterns. Letting go can be difficult because we have grand intentions. In the end, we need to use it or lose it.

I can’t wait to see all we achieve together this month. I’ll continue sharing my own journey in the Financial Decluttering Facebook Group and via e-mails. Be sure you subscribe for both.

Post a photo of your fitness equipment victories and tips in the comments! I want to see what sorts of systems you use to organize.

Our new bookYour Money, Your Marriage is now available! Be sure to check out videos on managing money together on Facebook.

My book is now available:Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After.You can also check outThe Debt Free Devotionalon Kindle.

This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal, learn about a way to save, or maybe even something for free, I may end up making a small commission. All prices are subject to change.