-By Nicole Jankovic

Headphones in, towel on shoulder and Boxing Day sale shoes afoot… we are going in! With the determination of North Queenslanders at air-conditioning sales, so many of us start January with the intent of improving physical health.

Dare I say it, our health is likely the most important element of our lives to manage. But there is another component to New Year’s fitness that is forgotten just as easily as cheat day burritos…. the actual expense of it all!

Now, I don’t for one minute suggest that we should ditch a healthy lifestyle because it might cost more. What is intended is to have the gym junkie of 2022 forewarned of the hidden financial pain that can come from a new fitness regime. Believe me, this may be something this Townsville based financial adviser knows a little about.

Here are my top 5 tips for avoiding fitness finance fails:

1. Start slowly. Try to avoid purchasing “ALL OF THE THINGS”. Be it a program or device, it is unlikely you need all of them right at the beginning (or at all). Maybe try new shoes and a weekly Park Run first.
   

2. Flexibility can be flawed. It sounds lovely to be able to leave a program anytime, but that can be the difference between maintaining a fitness routine or opting out at the first sight of DOMS. Often, pay by the week systems can be more costly than 6 or 12 monthly subscriptions. Make a commitment, shop around, and work out what is best for you over the long term.
   

3. Timing is tempting. After eating and drinking our merry way through December; unsurprisingly, we just want to feel better again in January. But like a fruit bat on a summer mango tree – we are not alone! The demand for everything fitness related is in high demand. One thing we finance geeks know about demand – it drives up the price! Consider getting on board with programs in March / April – when the swarms have stopped going. Not only is it quieter – the supplier a.k.a gym subscription manager might even be willing to bargain.
   

4. Be realistic. If it’s unlikely that your three darling children will be joining you for your low-carb teriyaki tofu stir fry, consider whether the New Year’s diet to your door is really going to be sustainable. Perhaps there are more family friendly meals that you could make in bulk while the kids go to grandma’s for a playdate once a month?
   

5. Play well with others. Often group fitness or bulk purchases allow for access to services or items at a lower rate. Rally with colleagues or friends or even other gym-goers to see if sharing a trainer or the next kilo of protein powder is something you’d all benefit from.

Finally, dear readers, keep track of your costs. One day, someone like myself is going to ask you what it costs to do the things you love. If taking care of your health and fitness is part of that, know what it costs you so that you can make sure that it can be prioritised within your financial plan.