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5 Tips How to Get Fit on a Budget

Endurance Athlete Roadmap
May 12, 2025
6 min read
5 Tips How to Get Fit on a Budget

5 Tips How to Get Fit on a Budget

Endurance sports can be expensive—there's no denying it. Between race entry fees, gear, nutrition products, and gym memberships, the costs add up quickly.

But here's the good news: you don't need to spend a fortune to get fit. Many of the best athletes I've coached have achieved incredible results with minimal financial investment.

Tip 1: Master Bodyweight Training

You don't need a fancy gym to build strength. Bodyweight exercises can build the foundation every endurance athlete needs:

Essential bodyweight exercises:

  • Push-ups (and variations)
  • Squats and lunges
  • Planks and core work
  • Step-ups and single-leg work
  • Pull-ups (find a playground)
  • Free resources:

  • YouTube workout videos
  • Nike Training Club app (free)
  • Our Athlete Roadmap strength guides
  • Tip 2: Run and Walk—The Ultimate Free Exercise

    Running and walking require minimal equipment:

    Essential investments:

  • Good running shoes (replace every 300-500 miles)
  • Moisture-wicking socks
  • Basic athletic wear (doesn't need to be expensive)
  • Where to run for free:

  • Local parks and trails
  • School tracks (often open to public)
  • Your neighborhood
  • Tip 3: Buy Used Gear

    Endurance athletes upgrade their gear frequently, creating a robust secondhand market:

    Where to find deals:

  • Facebook Marketplace
  • Local triathlon club gear swaps
  • eBay and Craigslist
  • Play It Again Sports
  • End-of-season sales
  • What to buy used:

  • Bikes (get it checked by a shop)
  • Wetsuits
  • Trainers and rollers
  • Heart rate monitors
  • What to buy new:

  • Running shoes (fit matters)
  • Helmets (safety first)
  • Nutrition products
  • Tip 4: DIY Nutrition

    Sports nutrition products are convenient but expensive. Make your own:

    Homemade alternatives:

  • Rice cakes with honey (long rides)
  • Dates and nut butter balls (energy bites)
  • Banana and peanut butter sandwiches
  • Homemade electrolyte drinks (salt, honey, lemon)
  • Real food recovery meals vs. expensive powders
  • Cost savings:

  • Commercial gel: $2-3 each
  • Homemade alternative: $0.25-0.50 each
  • Tip 5: Leverage Free Community Resources

    Free training resources:

  • [Join our free Endurance Athlete Roadmap community](https://www.skool.com/endurance-athlete-roadmap-8227) for free training plans
  • YouTube training videos
  • Running club group runs
  • Library books on training
  • [Free training plan templates](https://www.skool.com/endurance-athlete-roadmap-8227)
  • Free or low-cost races:

  • Parkrun events (free 5K every Saturday)
  • Local fun runs
  • Virtual races
  • Club time trials
  • Budget Training Plan Example

    Monthly costs (minimal setup):

  • Running: $0-10 (shoe savings fund)
  • Strength: $0 (bodyweight)
  • Nutrition: $50-75 (real food focus)
  • Community: $0 (free Skool community)
  • Total: Under $100/month

    Upgrade when ready:

  • Join our $49/month Athlete Roadmap community for structured guidance, coaching calls, and proven training plans.
  • Starting your fitness journey? [Join our free community on Skool](https://www.skool.com/endurance-athlete-roadmap-8227) today and connect with athletes who prove that results don't require a big budget.

    Ready to Take Your Training to the Next Level?

    Stop guessing and start progressing. Join our community of endurance athletes who are achieving their goals with expert coaching and support.