Guest Post: Active Living on a Student Budget

Being a student has its ups and downs, and one of the downs is the dreaded “student budget.” That doesn’t mean you’re limited to the TWU gym, however. Try some of the tips below to stay motivated and keep things interesting without breaking the bank.

• Make an appointment with the TWU Exercise and Sports Nutrition Clinic. As a student, you’re eligible to receive multiple health and sports performance tests at no cost. This is a great way to learn about your current fitness level and set some new goals. Click here to learn more.
• Peruse the library for new exercise books or DVDs. If you find a plan that suits you, make a photo copy of it or type up the exercises and save the document. Additionally, you can find many books, DVDs and wellness magazines at a reduced rate at Half Price Books, or on Amazon.com. Begin building a collection and rotate your workouts each week.
• Check the Healthy Living section of the Dallas Morning News every Tuesday. Each week, you’ll find new healthy living events, many of which are free to the public.
• Look for free or reduced price fitness opportunities online. DoYogaWithMe.com offers a growing library of free yoga videos. GaiamTV.com offers unlimited access to streaming videos, including yoga and fitness classes, for $9.95 per month.
• Contact your health insurance provider and ask if they offer any extra benefits with your plan. Some companies have partnerships with local gyms and offer discounts to those particular locations. You may also find that your provider offers discounts on alternative wellness options not specifically covered by your plan, such as massages or yoga classes.
• Don’t forget to take advantage of everything the Student Recreation Center has to offer. Sign up for an outdoor adventure or join an intramural sport. Students also receive a significant discount on personal training services.

How do you stay active on a budget? We would love to hear more tips and tricks from you!

This post contributed by Casey Conway.

Casey Conway is a TWU graduate student. She has a passion for health education and disease prevention, and enjoys every opportunity to incorporate healthy living strategies into her daily life. Casey holds a master’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations from the University of North Texas and a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Texas at Dallas. She currently assists national and international nonprofit associations with event planning, communications and membership administration. She also is a freelance writer and editor. Casey holds a personal trainer certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, yoga and reading.