6 budget-friendly sports to keep you and your finances fit

From investing in the right gear to paying for a monthly gym membership, the costs of staying fit can really start to add up. But breaking a sweat doesn’t have to break the bank—there are plenty of sports that will get your heart rate up for less than the price of a latte. To help you out, here are 6 budget-friendly sports to try this fall that will keep you in great shape—both physically and financially!

An excellent way to give yourself a full-body workout, swimming develops your muscles, strength, and stamina. Hitting the pool at least once a week can also boost your mood and improve your sleep. And, it’s budget-friendly—all you need is a swimsuit, a towel, and a ticket to your local pool!

To keep swimming even more affordable, look for public swimming pools. As they’re largely government-funded, their entrance fees are usually much lower than private pools. Another tip is to swim in the off-peak hours, as some pools offer a discounted rate for their least popular times, like early mornings or before school lets out. It’s also worthwhile to check if a yearly pass is more affordable than a daily ticket, or if the pool offers special discounts for students. 

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Cycling is often considered an expensive sport, but it doesn’t have to be. While professional bikes, equipment, and accessories can easily add up to thousands of euros, all you need to get all the benefits of cycling is a functioning bike! Simply scout bike shops, eBay or Craigslist for a bargain second-hand bike. 

Not only is cycling a sport that you can try on any budget, it also helps you save on transport costs throughout the year. Opting to take your bike, rather than a car or public transport, to and from work or college can add up to big savings over the course of the year. Not to mention it’s also much better for the environment—and your quads! 

If you’re looking for a team-orientated, budget-friendly sport, basketball and volleyball are two low-cost options to consider. Many cities have both outdoor and indoor courts that can be used for free or rented out for a minimal fee. As this fee is then split amongst the team, the overall cost becomes marginal. The only investment you’ll need to make is in a pair of sneakers with white soles (if you plan to play indoors), plus a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. 

Working out as part of a team not only develops your strength, speed, and coordination, but also helps you form social connections. This can do wonders for your mental and physical health—both on and off the court.

Good for your mind, body, and soul—and your wallet, too—hiking is a great way to keep fit while enjoying the stunning beauty of the great outdoors. However, your costs will vary depending on how adventurous you’re feeling. If you want to embark on some easier, mostly flat hikes, all you’ll need is an average pair of walking boots. If you want to embark on something more difficult, you’ll need to get a more robust pair of boots that can withstand tougher terrain, which will come with a higher price tag. 

Additionally, you’ll need a backpack and a water bottle, both of which you can get for relatively cheap, especially if you shop second-hand. It’s also smart to buy a lightweight first aid kit to throw into your bag in case there’s an emergency. You’ll be thankful for it if you need to use it en route! 

If you want a sport that’s cheap, social, and doesn’t take itself too seriously, then disc golf might be just the thing for you. Similar to golf but with its own unique twist, the rules of disc golf are as follows:

• All players stand at a starting line and take turns throwing a frisbee at a target (usually a hanging basket).
• Generally, there are nine targets and, as with golf, the aim is to take as few shots as you can before getting your frisbee in the net!

If you don’t live close to a disc golf course, fear not! You can easily create a course for you and your friends in your local park—or simply enjoy a good old-fashioned game of frisbee!

And finally, a sport that you can try on any budget! All you need to go for a run is a pair of good running sneakers and a bit of endurance. Fantastic for your cardiovascular fitness, immunity, and cognitive functioning, the health benefits of running are numerous. Once you’ve committed to a regular routine, you can start to develop your practice by training with a friend, joining a running club, or investing a minimal amount in a running app that tracks your progress.

If you want to keep running throughout the winter months, you’ll need to invest in some suitable winter-friendly running clothes. But the price will be well worth it when you’re able to run year-round!

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Keeping track of your fitness and your finances is easy with N26. Enjoy a range of hand-picked perks from N26’s sporty partner brands, including Adidas and Freeletics. If you’re saving up for some new gear, why not put the money into one of your Spaces sub-accounts? Plus, our Statistics feature automatically categorizes your monthly expenditures, making budgeting a piece of cake. So don’t wait—sign up for an N26 account today!