I’m a big advocate of getting outside. Whether you like to hike, run, bike, ski or swim, there are plenty of ways to stay fit without a gym membership. So to motivate you to kick that cost to the curb and take up some trail runs and outdoor strength training, here are some ways you could spend the money you’re currently putting toward the cost of a gym membership. Skip the gym and run outside so you can spend on these things instead.

Gear

Equipment is expensive and although I love buying it, it does hit my wallet pretty hard. I think it’s important to get the most out of the gear you buy and given the amount of running and mountaineering I do, I always spend a few minutes while on an expedition patching and mending my gear. Often my climbing partner is doing the same thing to make it last as long as possible. However, sometimes it’s time to let go, like my merino wool top which I’d had loved for the last 6 years. Despite patching, it had reached the point where it had more holes than fabric and it was time to toss it. Spend your cash saved from skipping the gym on a quality pair of new trail running shoes or hiking boots, a new tent, winter jacket, top-of-the-line camp stove or whatever updates or new gear you need.

Trips to the mountains

The cost of a gym membership can add up over the years. Instead, skip the gym and take more than a few trips to the mountains. Personally, I think there is nothing better than getting away either on your own or with friends to go climbing or running in the hills.

It’s my way of rejuvenating myself so I can feel alive again in the day-to-day. Go someplace local and affordable or plan a trip to the mountains in a state or country you’ve never visited. We live on a beautiful planet – it’s worth the time and money to explore it.

Learn a language

My French is awful and I think everyone in the mountains would appreciate it if I could speak a bit more than “un petit peu!” Invest in some classes or a language software to prepare for your next adventure out of the country. Whether you want to go explore ancient ruins in Peru or hike to the Everest basecamp, being able to converse with your guides will be worth the expense.

Sign up for a race (or five)

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If you race a lot, entry fees and travel expenses can add up, especially if you’re racing in exotic locales. Having a goal to train toward helps keep you motivated, and sometimes a gym membership can seem like a good idea – but you can get a lot of the same benefits by cross training in the wild and strength training without weights. Plus, all the money you save by not paying for a gym membership can be put toward new and exciting races.

Wine & Cheese

I love cheese, and a lot of French mountain races provide it. Run the Wild has a similar strategy for our mountain refreshment points. Just make sure you get there before I do!

And of course, make sure you have some good wine to go with the cheese. They say a glass a day can keep you heart-healthy and ready to climb. While free race-day cheese is great, imagine how much more you could buy if you didn’t have to pay for a gym membership!

What to do to stay fit when you skip the gym membership

Of course we don’t advocate skipping the gym in favour of enjoying that wine and cheese on the couch at home. The whole goal is to get up and run outside! When you live as active a life as possible – biking to yoga and the wine bar, running to the library or local pool, cross-country skiing to the grocery store or just in the local park – you don’t really need a gym membership.

Here are some suggestions of what you can do to stay fit when you aren’t paying for the cost of a gym membership. On your next trail run, consider making each mile or so a station for strength training. Do burpees at mile two, push-ups at mile four and sit-ups at mile six.

Here are some suggestions of what you can do to stay fit when you aren’t paying for the cost of a gym membership. On your next trail run, consider making each mile or so a station for strength training. Do burpees at mile two, push-ups at mile four and sit-ups at mile six. Then, when you’re road running and have an open stretch like a country mile or an otherwise unmanned section of sidewalk, do some speed work and interval training. You’ll likely find by running outside you’re more fit than if you maintained that gym membership. And you’ll have so much more to do with your money. How will you spend what you save by skipping the gym? Tell us more in the comments below!