Are you of the mentality that keeping fit is just too expensive? Gym fees, yoga classes and personal trainers can amount to a small — or often large — fortune. According to a recent survey from Heat Group, it's this very reason two thirds of Australian women are cutting back.
The rising cost of living has caused women to put their healthy hobbies on the back burner and the situation isn't going to improve any time soon. Heat Group managing director, Gillian Franklin, states: "With more interest rate rises on the horizon, it's going to get tougher."
A sobering thought for modern day fitness fanatics.
The survey found that 41.7 percent of those surveyed have cut their expenditure on activities such as yoga and buying health foods. In addition, 66 percent are putting those things they do for relaxation on hold — so no more facials and haircuts every six weeks for pampered princess types!
These cutbacks are not only affecting waistlines across the country but in Franklin’s opinion also causing women to be less social. This is having a negative effect on their personal lives and that of their family in that there is an increased tendency to stay in rather than enjoy active pastimes.
But has the study also highlighted just how pampered a nation we've become?
Many would say fitness and health should not be solely dependant on income, but on motivation and a balanced approach to life. Calories are easily burnt by brisk walks, a run in the park and making simple changes to your daily routine. Pick up some tips on ways to improve your health with our wellbeing slideshow.
Relaxation is equally as vital for emotional wellbeing and if a day at the spa is out of reach (as it is for most of us), make the time to pamper yourself at home.
As Franklin points out, "Women are going to have to get more creative to maintain a healthy lifestyle and participate in those activities that cost nothing."
There was a world before Pilates and skin-purifying facials. It's time to stop hankering and get reacquainted with it.
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