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Be cost savvy like Kayla on exercise programs

What’s the most cost effective exercise program on the market? New research shows that resolving to get fit in 2018 could be cheaper than
Bianca Hartge-Hazelman
February 7, 2018

Forget joining a gym, fitness apps like Sweat with Kayla by Kayla Itsines offer the best bang for your buck when it comes to getting in shape.

For as little as $5 a week, apps are revolutionising exercise programs and what we spend.

It’s good news when you consider that most people who have pledged to get fit in 2018 could be up for hundreds if not thousands of dollars in training associated costs which is money that could be going elsewhere.

Indeed, this year I’m getting fit, and while it’s not with Kayla, I’m still doing it in a way that my cost outlay for the exercise I do is not just minimal but it’s an after thought.

Think about it, we know that exercise actually makes you more productive, and dollar productivity is part of that. Plus, exercise also helps to boost the immune system and means that you are less likely to be at the doctors paying for visits and medications.

On top of that, exercise is brain food. It makes you feel happier in yourself and this means less trips to the Shrink and less time entertaining some bad habits such as that nightly glass of wine, (coupled with a mini cheese board) that I am now too tired to have.

All these facts on exercise are commonly known and counter any issues I may have had with spending on training.

But the challenge is, how do you make a New Year exercise program stick?

New research from Mozo.com.au found an online fitness app is the most wallet friendly way to get fit in 2018 with a total yearly cost of $268.

Unlike many of the other fitness activities we looked at, using an app involves very little upfront costs with a medicine ball, skipping rope and pair of weights enough to kick off your 2018 fitness goals,” says Kirsty Lamont, Mozo Director.

“Apps can be a great tool for fitness hopefuls craving a little structure and motivation but can’t afford to shell out for pricey personal training sessions or group classes.”

Rowing was the second thriftiest fitness activity in 2018 with a club membership and rowing apparel coming in at $560 for the year – this equates to just over $10 per week. Hiking ranked third in the value stakes, costing $600 over the coming year.

Equipment like tents, lighting and backpacks was found to be the biggest cost when it comes to hiking. A single national parks pass can cost as little as $22 a year – and entry into some national parks around Australia is free.

The cheapest fitness activities in 2018

Activity Upfront costs (i.e. apparel) Ongoing costs (i.e. membership) Total cost per year Total cost per week
Fitness apps $48 $220 $268 $5.15
Rowing $60 $500 $560 $10.77
Hiking $600 $0 $600 $11.54
Stand up paddle boarding $690 $0 $690 $13.27
Soccer/Futsal $500 $305 $805 $15.48

CrossFit took the top spot as the most expensive fitness activity for 2018 with total costs for the year topping $3,016.

The second most expensive was the increasingly popular Barre, a workout which combines yoga, Pilates and ballet, with a total yearly cost of $2,600 while outdoor group training rounded out the top three with two sessions a week setting fitness fans back $2,444 a year.

The most expensive fitness activities in 2018

Activity Upfront costs (i.e. apparel) Ongoing costs (i.e. membership) Total cost per year Total cost per week
CrossFit $0 $3,016 $3,016 $58.00
Barre $0 $2,600 $2,600 $50.00
Outdoor Group Training $0 $2,444 $2,444 $47.00
Boxing $75 $1,665 $1,740 $33.46
Yoga $75 $1,625 $1,700 $32.69

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Bianca Hartge-Hazelman
February 7, 2018
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