Investing in my Health

I made a decision to make a big purchase towards my health. With the pandemic, I stopped going to the gym and wasn’t motivated to work out at home. I was going walking but not consistently.  It got harder in the fall to go walking because it started getting dark early and cold in Connecticut. When the gym opened back up in June, I didn’t feel comfortable going back so I canceled my membership. I needed to do something for my health. Weight was coming on quickly and I didn’t feel comfortable in my skin. I was going to the gym faithfully for 2 years. 

After months of researching and trying to decide on getting indoor exercise equipment to buy. In December I bought a Echelon Connect bike from Walmart. It was $525 with free shipping. With the purchase of the bike I get 6 months free subscription to their app to take classes. The bike is a cheaper version of that brand bike and way cheaper than the Peloton bike.

It took me several months to decide on this large purchase. I had to make sure I was going to use it. I was deciding on two different bikes especially because I only spin twice in my life. I had to keep asking myself am I going to use this because I don’t want to waste money and space for it. I didn’t want to use it as a place to hold my clothes. My friend that has the same type of bike convinced me to invest in the one I got and I won’t be disappointed. I had the money in my savings account and knew I was worth it.

My gym membership was $120 a month for unlimited and it was a privately owned gym. I like it because it was about using your body more and they told me what to do. I felt treadmills and elliptical machines are boring and didn’t know how to use the strength machines at a regular gym. I felt like the $500 was a good price and will equal to about 5 months of my gym membership.

I have been riding about 4 to 5 days a week and getting stronger and have more stamina being on the bike. My blood pressure has been better since exercising consistently too.

I encourage everyone to Invest in your health. You only get one life to live and you need your health and body to accomplish all your dreams.

Tips on helping you make a decision on a large purchase:

• Can you afford it? Wait 24 hours before deciding on this large purchase. If you don’t have the money, start a sinking fund and divide the price by the months you want to wait to get it.

• Do research on the product. You want to make sure it is a good investment. Read reviews from different sources.

• Price compare and see if you can find any coupons online or wait until a national holiday when there are a lot of big sales. If you are purchasing online use your Rakuten account to get cashback.

• Ask any friends and family if they have the product. Also, you can ask for a recommendation on Facebook.

Dig deep and ask yourself are you going to use the item and do you have space for it. Anything you buy is worth it only if you are going to use it. Your health is important so invest in yourself.

What purchases have you made for your health?