How to Exercise on a Budget in Canada

When Jessica Moorhouse was in her twenties, her fitness routine relied on workout tapes she borrowed from her father and a single pair of running shoes she used to circle the block. “Sometimes you have to get creative when the money is not there,” says the Toronto-based personal finance expert and author of Everything but Money.

Her experience is useful for Canadians turning exercise into a New Year’s resolution: there are many practical, low-cost ways to get moving without draining your budget.

The first step in building an affordable fitness routine is to identify what type of exercise suits your goals, schedule and wallet. Think about the activities you enjoy and what will keep you consistent—those are the most important factors for long-term success.

How much does a gym membership cost?

Gym memberships vary widely in price. Budget-friendly options can cost only a few hundred dollars a year, while boutique and specialty gyms often charge more for newer equipment, classes and amenities. A membership can be worth it if the facility’s equipment, class offerings and atmosphere help you stay consistent.

Before committing, ask about trial classes or short-term passes. Many gyms let prospective members test classes to see whether the space, instructors and community are a good fit.

“You may think you want a particular gym, but factors such as the vibe and the people matter,” Moorhouse notes. Trying the space first helps avoid wasting money on a membership you won’t use.

Where to get the cheapest gym memberships

Community centres and YMCAs typically offer some of the most affordable memberships, though their equipment may be older and class variety smaller than at higher-priced studios. Discount sites and apps can also surface deals—some people find lower-cost memberships via group-buy platforms or multi-studio passes. When comparing options, look at location, hours, cleanliness and class schedules to make sure the facility fits your routine.

If cost is a concern, ask about promotional pricing for new members. Many gyms provide a discounted first month or special trial periods to encourage people to test the program. If an unlimited monthly plan feels too expensive or too much of a commitment, consider single-visit passes or class packs, which can lower upfront costs while you assess whether the gym is right for you.

Complement paid sessions with home workouts or outdoor activity. “You can get a great workout with just dumbbells or with your body weight,” says Amy Witt, owner of DeltaTrain in Toronto.

Affordable workout equipment: Where to find it

To build an at-home setup without overspending, check discount retailers that sell fitness gear at lower prices, or search second-hand marketplaces for lightly used equipment. Local shops sometimes clear inventory at reduced rates, and online resale platforms can yield bargains on items like dumbbells, kettlebells or cardio machines.

If you need instruction, many trainers and studios offer free or low-cost online classes, and some sell digital access to structured routines. A few one-on-one sessions with a trainer can also teach you the correct form and help you design a simple program you can maintain at home.

Group fitness and personal training

Personal training often starts at higher hourly rates, but costs come down when sessions are shared. Small-group training—three to eight people—can be a cost-effective way to get professional guidance while still keeping expenses manageable. Social media and local community pages are good places to find group training opportunities, running clubs or outdoor bootcamps.

Whatever training route you choose, make it fit your cash flow. If you plan to buy equipment for home use, set aside a small portion of each paycheque until you reach your target. For memberships that charge monthly or bi-weekly, build the payments into your budget so they don’t arrive as a surprise.

Moorhouse, who now attends higher-intensity classes, pays her gym every two weeks and plans in advance how much to set aside. “If this is a goal you want to prioritize, it should be a line item in your budget,” she says.

Further reading about shopping and savings

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• Underconsumption core: How to stop spending money
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