Howdy Friends! When I was planning the content for this series, I purposefully put this topic at this point in the year thinking that it might be useful coming up on holiday spending season. The fates have aligned, though, and with prices sky high and so many struggling, it seems especially important to discuss moving well when money is tight.

The majority of this series has been focused on those physical or mental issues that crop up as we are just trying to live life to derail things. Financial stress absolutely falls under the heading Crushing Mental Load, but a lot of you might be wondering what it has to do with exercise.

First and foremost, exercise isn’t always cheap or free. At the very least in most cases, you need a pair of sneakers. Depending on your individual goals, you might be looking at gym memberships or even expensive boutique type training. I’ve made it very clear over the years here on MMW that those things are often WANTS and not NEEDS. There are some obvious exceptions when it comes to specialized equipment, but most general goals can be tackled in your own home.

If you want thoughts and suggestions on building a useful and useable gym at home, I’ve got you covered. While there is an initial outlay of cash, it’s just that, initial. And it’s a bargain when compared to the average gym membership fees over the course of a year.

The bigger boondoggle when it comes to moving well when money is tight is that money makes the world go ‘round. I don’t love that that’s how it is, but no one really asked my opinion on it. Gyms or app memberships aren’t the only things that cost. Gas, and water bills, and groceries and literally everything else.

More and more people are relying on side hustles and hobbies to help make some extra scratch. Which is great. I’m certainly not going to advocate for anybody to miss rent so they can work on their deadlift PR. But those things steal another necessary resource: time.

So just like my advice with time, when money is tight, choosing to move over something else is already a win. Like I said earlier, financial stress is some of the worst mental stress most of us will face during our lives. It is far more kind to allow yourself the grace to do what needs to be done. Recognize that this is hopefully only one season and you can put it behind you.

When you are in the pinch, I will say that movement can help alleviate some of that mental load. Taking ten or fifteen minutes to move your body will give your brain something purposeful to concentrate on. A quick walk or bike ride can work wonders, especially if you have access to safe outdoor spaces. And if I’ve said it before, I’ve said it a million times, there is nothing quite like lifting heavy stuff to empower you.

Financial stress can take a huge toll on your physical health, too. So, in my opinion, moving at least a bit during these periods has the tradeoff of keeping your body healthier. After all, your physical health is something to invest in. Even if you only have a penny, or in this case 10 minutes, it will always pay back in dividends. Plus, dealing with medical bills because your health was neglected isn’t going to lighten the financial load.

Taking care of yourself is never an investment you should regret. Plan on at least a little time for movement on a regular basis. And if that movement happens to be dog walking to earn a little extra, more’s the better.

Until next time, move well friends!

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