Getting fit in 2026 doesn’t have to cost a fortune

2026 has arrived and you might be starting the new year with big plans and good intentions.

And after an indulgent festive season, many of us will be thinking about improving our health and fitness.

In fact, new figures from YouGov show that nearly one in four Brits (23%) intend to get fit or exercise more in 2026.

And almost one in five (17%) say they want to lose weight.

So you might think now is the perfect time to join the gym.

But that can be expensive, and it’s worth noting that nearly one in ten (7%) want to save more or spend less this year.

So what’s the solution?

How can you get fit without breaking the bank?

Set achievable goals

If money is tight, you’ve got to strike the right balance between managing your health and your budget.

So if you’re thinking of joining the gym, ask yourself if you’re really likely to go each month.

After all, life can easily get in the way.

You could be busy at work, for example, or maybe you’re tired, unwell or struggling with childcare.

And if you miss it one month, you can easily talk yourself into giving it a miss for a second time.

Yet the direct debit keeps coming out.

So if you’re not sure that you can commit to going to the gym each month, it might not be for you.

Not going to the gym isn’t a failure

At this time of year, we’re all bombarded with ads for gym memberships, and on the face of it, the monthly fee might not seem too bad.

But if you end up not going, you’re simply wasting money.

So before signing up for a gym, stop and ask yourself questions like:

• have I ever consistently used a gym before?
• what happened the last time I joined?
• do I actually enjoy gym workouts - or just the idea of them?
• am I signing up because it’s January and everyone else is?
• can I afford the monthly fee?

Answering honestly isn’t failure. 

It’s protecting yourself from repeating an expensive pattern.

And it’s not a reflection of your willpower.

It's acknowledging reality.

Five cheaper ways to get fit

Exercise doesn’t have to be expensive and there are plenty of effective ways to move your body that cost little or nothing.

1.    Take regular walks

Walk more each day, perhaps to the shops, during lunch breaks or after you’ve eaten, and use stairs instead of lifts where possible.

It’s a really simple way to do more exercise without making big time or financial commitments, and you can easily make it part of your regular routine.

2.    Use free home workouts on YouTube

You can find thousands of free workout videos online, covering everything from yoga and Pilates to strength and low-impact routines. 

So you can exercise at home at any time that suits you, without spending any money.

3.    Join community or council-run fitness classes

Many local councils and community centres offer low-cost exercise classes aimed at all fitness levels. 

These can be a good middle ground if you like structure or exercising with others, without the high price or long contracts of commercial gyms.

4.    Choose pay-as-you-go gym sessions

Instead of committing to a monthly membership, try pay-as-you-go sessions instead if you want to access gym equipment.

5.    Try bodyweight exercises at home

Exercises like squats, lunges, press-ups and planks use your own body weight for resistance, so you don’t need any equipment at all. 

They’re effective, flexible and easy to make part of your daily routine.

Stay on top of your finances

A gym membership isn’t the be-all and end-all if you want to improve your health and fitness.

And skipping an expense that doesn’t fit your life right now isn’t giving up on yourself.

In fact, making smart financial choices can be a great way to improve your long-term health and wellbeing.

Check out our best financial new year’s resolutions to help you get started, as well as tips on how to succeed.