1 00:00:00,560 --> 00:00:04,000 Speaker 1: Welcome to Sugar Mamma's Fireplay, the podcast where we ignite 2 00:00:04,080 --> 00:00:09,080 Speaker 1: your financial independence, retire early goals and dreams, and empower 3 00:00:09,119 --> 00:00:13,000 Speaker 1: you to live a richer, more intentional life on your 4 00:00:13,119 --> 00:00:17,239 Speaker 1: own terms. I am your host, financial planner, Cannah Campbell, 5 00:00:17,280 --> 00:00:20,160 Speaker 1: and I'm someone who firmly believes you do not need 6 00:00:20,200 --> 00:00:24,680 Speaker 1: to spend a fortune to feel strong, confident, and in control, 7 00:00:24,920 --> 00:00:28,280 Speaker 1: both financially and physically. And this is what I want 8 00:00:28,320 --> 00:00:42,080 Speaker 1: to break down with you right now together today. So 9 00:00:42,200 --> 00:00:43,600 Speaker 1: today I want to talk to you about the cost 10 00:00:43,640 --> 00:00:46,560 Speaker 1: of a gym membership and see if it's maybe burning 11 00:00:46,560 --> 00:00:49,040 Speaker 1: a hole in your budget, and if it is, what 12 00:00:49,120 --> 00:00:52,640 Speaker 1: are the alternatives out there to help fix that. Now 13 00:00:52,720 --> 00:00:55,800 Speaker 1: you've probably seen in the headlines there is a viral 14 00:00:55,960 --> 00:01:00,880 Speaker 1: story going around about a supposedly broke Street the influencer 15 00:01:01,080 --> 00:01:06,240 Speaker 1: who proudly spends sixty dollars per week on her gym membership. 16 00:01:06,319 --> 00:01:09,160 Speaker 1: Now that's over three thousand dollars a year. Now. The 17 00:01:09,200 --> 00:01:13,640 Speaker 1: Internet was somewhat divided when they saw this video. Some 18 00:01:13,720 --> 00:01:17,560 Speaker 1: people applauded her investment in her health and well being, 19 00:01:17,920 --> 00:01:21,600 Speaker 1: and others judged, saying that it was a financial disaster 20 00:01:21,840 --> 00:01:23,720 Speaker 1: and that she was a product of her own destruction, 21 00:01:23,840 --> 00:01:26,319 Speaker 1: and she leaned to learn how to make some sacrifices 22 00:01:26,319 --> 00:01:28,920 Speaker 1: in her life, as everyone needs to do when things 23 00:01:28,959 --> 00:01:32,160 Speaker 1: do get tight. Now, on this podcast, we are not 24 00:01:32,240 --> 00:01:35,280 Speaker 1: here to judge or to form an opinion, because we 25 00:01:35,319 --> 00:01:39,480 Speaker 1: are here to respect. Everyone is different, and everyone is 26 00:01:39,520 --> 00:01:44,000 Speaker 1: in different situations, has very different values, different goals, and 27 00:01:44,200 --> 00:01:46,720 Speaker 1: different dreams. So we take a moment to step back, 28 00:01:46,959 --> 00:01:49,360 Speaker 1: ignore the opinions and the judgment and the noise, but 29 00:01:49,720 --> 00:01:53,040 Speaker 1: respect each other's values and where they are on their 30 00:01:53,160 --> 00:01:56,640 Speaker 1: individual financial journey. However, what I do want to discuss 31 00:01:56,680 --> 00:02:02,040 Speaker 1: today is some practical, helpful and financially friendly ideas and 32 00:02:02,080 --> 00:02:06,320 Speaker 1: solutions obviously to help you get fit stay fit without 33 00:02:06,640 --> 00:02:10,639 Speaker 1: going broke, so that you never need to jeopardize your 34 00:02:10,720 --> 00:02:14,000 Speaker 1: own financial fitness. And of course you always get the 35 00:02:14,040 --> 00:02:17,280 Speaker 1: best return on your investment, whether it be five dollars 36 00:02:17,280 --> 00:02:20,280 Speaker 1: per month or five hundred dollars per month when it 37 00:02:20,280 --> 00:02:23,560 Speaker 1: comes to your physical health and wellbeing. And at the 38 00:02:23,639 --> 00:02:26,840 Speaker 1: end of the day, as they say, health is wealth. 39 00:02:26,960 --> 00:02:29,960 Speaker 1: So first of all, let's just uncover or explore how 40 00:02:30,040 --> 00:02:33,480 Speaker 1: much do people really spend on a gym membership. So, 41 00:02:33,720 --> 00:02:36,320 Speaker 1: according to the research that I did. On average, Australians 42 00:02:36,320 --> 00:02:39,440 Speaker 1: are spending between twenty dollars per week and forty dollars 43 00:02:39,440 --> 00:02:41,440 Speaker 1: per week or one thousand dollars a year to two 44 00:02:41,440 --> 00:02:44,600 Speaker 1: thousand dollars a year just on gym memberships. And if 45 00:02:44,639 --> 00:02:46,600 Speaker 1: I look at my own gym membership, it's actually just 46 00:02:46,720 --> 00:02:48,920 Speaker 1: under that two thousand dollar mark. Now when it comes 47 00:02:48,960 --> 00:02:53,560 Speaker 1: to those boutique, bougie gyms and studios, that number really 48 00:02:53,560 --> 00:02:56,680 Speaker 1: does start to climb up to sixty dollars per week. 49 00:02:56,760 --> 00:02:59,600 Speaker 1: But I actually do know of gyms that have gym 50 00:02:59,600 --> 00:03:01,760 Speaker 1: but you'll I've got a whole range of other activities 51 00:03:01,800 --> 00:03:04,440 Speaker 1: like ice baths and infrared saunas that can go up 52 00:03:04,480 --> 00:03:07,120 Speaker 1: to one hundred and fifty dollars per week. So yes, 53 00:03:07,560 --> 00:03:10,799 Speaker 1: it is a significant investment whichever way you look at it. 54 00:03:10,919 --> 00:03:13,200 Speaker 1: But regardless of what you're really paying, at the end 55 00:03:13,200 --> 00:03:15,920 Speaker 1: of the day, the crucial thing here is am I 56 00:03:16,000 --> 00:03:20,120 Speaker 1: getting good value for money? Am I actually using this membership? 57 00:03:20,200 --> 00:03:22,920 Speaker 1: Am I making the most of what they're offering? And 58 00:03:23,360 --> 00:03:27,639 Speaker 1: is this membership actually adding value to my life? Now, 59 00:03:27,639 --> 00:03:29,560 Speaker 1: if you were to ask me, Canna, do you think 60 00:03:29,639 --> 00:03:34,400 Speaker 1: your memberships are really worth it? My answer would be yes, 61 00:03:34,920 --> 00:03:39,680 Speaker 1: but only yes if you are consistently going and genuinely 62 00:03:39,720 --> 00:03:44,000 Speaker 1: benefiting from your membership physically, mentally, and emotionally. Think of 63 00:03:44,040 --> 00:03:46,840 Speaker 1: it like any other investment. You want to see a return, 64 00:03:46,960 --> 00:03:50,640 Speaker 1: but a decent return on your money. But this is 65 00:03:50,680 --> 00:03:53,880 Speaker 1: actually the way that I like to view any exercise expense, 66 00:03:53,960 --> 00:03:57,360 Speaker 1: which for me, is where it gets even more powerful. 67 00:03:57,560 --> 00:03:59,520 Speaker 1: So bear with me for a second. I want you 68 00:03:59,520 --> 00:04:03,760 Speaker 1: to think about it. When we are feeling fit and strong. 69 00:04:04,160 --> 00:04:06,960 Speaker 1: We've gone to the gym, we've gone for a job, 70 00:04:07,040 --> 00:04:09,000 Speaker 1: we've worked up a sweat, we've been on the bike, 71 00:04:09,200 --> 00:04:12,640 Speaker 1: we've pushed those weights, we've done those berbies or planks 72 00:04:12,760 --> 00:04:15,400 Speaker 1: or star jups, whatever it may be. When we are 73 00:04:15,400 --> 00:04:20,360 Speaker 1: feeling physically fit and strong and resilient, and we're standing 74 00:04:20,440 --> 00:04:23,800 Speaker 1: up strong and tall, we are actually less likely to 75 00:04:23,880 --> 00:04:27,720 Speaker 1: fall sick, which then in turn means fewer visits to 76 00:04:27,760 --> 00:04:31,039 Speaker 1: the doctor, having to spend less money on trips to 77 00:04:31,080 --> 00:04:36,040 Speaker 1: the chemist, buying medication, getting various tests done like blood tests, 78 00:04:36,279 --> 00:04:39,440 Speaker 1: and of course seeing specialists, which we all know can 79 00:04:39,480 --> 00:04:42,640 Speaker 1: be very expensive. But it also means we have less 80 00:04:42,720 --> 00:04:45,640 Speaker 1: days off away from work. And anyone who can tell 81 00:04:45,640 --> 00:04:47,839 Speaker 1: you who's taken time off away from work because they've 82 00:04:47,839 --> 00:04:49,880 Speaker 1: been sick. There is the additional stress of thinking, oh, 83 00:04:49,880 --> 00:04:52,080 Speaker 1: my gosh, I've been away from my desk, away from 84 00:04:52,080 --> 00:04:53,719 Speaker 1: my emails for the last two days because I've had 85 00:04:53,760 --> 00:04:55,840 Speaker 1: the flu, the stress and anxiety of going back to 86 00:04:55,880 --> 00:04:57,880 Speaker 1: work and thinking I've got a mountain of emails and 87 00:04:57,920 --> 00:05:01,200 Speaker 1: deadlines to catch up on. This doesn't happens often when 88 00:05:01,240 --> 00:05:04,440 Speaker 1: we're feeling fit and strong and prioritizing our physical, mental, 89 00:05:04,480 --> 00:05:07,880 Speaker 1: and emotional wellbeing. So the way I look at it 90 00:05:07,960 --> 00:05:12,680 Speaker 1: is staying fit and strong and resilient can actually save 91 00:05:12,760 --> 00:05:15,760 Speaker 1: you money in the long run, not just today. Having 92 00:05:15,800 --> 00:05:19,000 Speaker 1: said that, though, there are of course loads of smarter ways, 93 00:05:19,360 --> 00:05:22,120 Speaker 1: more cost effective ways to help you take care of 94 00:05:22,200 --> 00:05:25,920 Speaker 1: your health without actually draining your bank account or damaging 95 00:05:26,040 --> 00:05:27,760 Speaker 1: your budget. And this is what I really want to 96 00:05:27,760 --> 00:05:30,880 Speaker 1: explore with you today. Forget the creative juices flowing as 97 00:05:30,880 --> 00:05:34,080 Speaker 1: to what alternative options are there out there that if 98 00:05:34,120 --> 00:05:35,960 Speaker 1: you are looking at a tight budget, and you're looking 99 00:05:36,000 --> 00:05:38,640 Speaker 1: at making changes such as maybe cutting out your membership 100 00:05:38,800 --> 00:05:41,560 Speaker 1: or cutting down your membership or your overall budget, let's 101 00:05:41,560 --> 00:05:44,080 Speaker 1: look at some different ideas that might help you take 102 00:05:44,120 --> 00:05:46,760 Speaker 1: off the financial stress and pressure, but also make sure 103 00:05:46,760 --> 00:05:50,600 Speaker 1: that you are able to stay physically fit, strong and healthy. 104 00:05:50,720 --> 00:05:52,960 Speaker 1: So the first point of call is how do actually 105 00:05:53,000 --> 00:05:56,880 Speaker 1: save money on those memberships? Now, this is where I 106 00:05:56,920 --> 00:05:59,880 Speaker 1: would probably start, And of course this is for me 107 00:06:00,160 --> 00:06:01,960 Speaker 1: who do love going to the gym and they're not 108 00:06:02,000 --> 00:06:04,200 Speaker 1: ready to cut their gym memberships from their budget. And 109 00:06:04,200 --> 00:06:06,680 Speaker 1: for the record, I would never necessarily recommend someone does 110 00:06:06,720 --> 00:06:09,839 Speaker 1: that because I believe investing in your health is definitely 111 00:06:09,839 --> 00:06:12,279 Speaker 1: worth it. But here are small ideas. One great idea 112 00:06:12,320 --> 00:06:15,839 Speaker 1: is to start with a trial. So many gym, so 113 00:06:15,920 --> 00:06:19,400 Speaker 1: many yoga studios, so many polarate studios, like so many 114 00:06:19,440 --> 00:06:24,960 Speaker 1: fitness outlets offer free seven, fourteen or even thirty day 115 00:06:25,320 --> 00:06:28,880 Speaker 1: free trials. Another great idea and a lot of my 116 00:06:29,000 --> 00:06:31,520 Speaker 1: friends do this is called class pass. So it's like 117 00:06:31,560 --> 00:06:34,039 Speaker 1: an aggregator app. It is one app that allows you 118 00:06:34,080 --> 00:06:38,480 Speaker 1: to actually access multiple gyms and studios at a fraction 119 00:06:38,760 --> 00:06:41,920 Speaker 1: of the cost. My friends are addicted to class Pass. 120 00:06:42,080 --> 00:06:44,320 Speaker 1: They always go to these. They have a wide range 121 00:06:44,360 --> 00:06:47,400 Speaker 1: of different exercise routines and they get to mix things up. 122 00:06:47,400 --> 00:06:50,240 Speaker 1: Whenever they get bored doing yoga, they can jump into 123 00:06:50,279 --> 00:06:52,720 Speaker 1: like a f forty five kind of style class and 124 00:06:52,760 --> 00:06:55,120 Speaker 1: then they're back into a polarates lesson, then they're doing 125 00:06:55,160 --> 00:06:58,359 Speaker 1: something completely different. It keeps things fresh. And apparently with 126 00:06:58,480 --> 00:07:01,520 Speaker 1: class Pass you can get great referral discounts. So if 127 00:07:01,560 --> 00:07:04,800 Speaker 1: you send the referral to your friends to tell them 128 00:07:04,839 --> 00:07:07,200 Speaker 1: about class Pass and they join up or they go 129 00:07:07,240 --> 00:07:09,360 Speaker 1: to some classes, you can also get some free classes 130 00:07:09,440 --> 00:07:12,480 Speaker 1: or some discounts on your classes. So definitely worth looking 131 00:07:12,520 --> 00:07:15,760 Speaker 1: into class Pass or other aggregator apps just like that one. 132 00:07:15,880 --> 00:07:17,400 Speaker 1: Then of course you can speak to your gym about 133 00:07:17,400 --> 00:07:21,520 Speaker 1: seeing whether they offer any off peak memberships. Now what 134 00:07:21,560 --> 00:07:23,680 Speaker 1: they do is they look at particular times during the 135 00:07:23,760 --> 00:07:25,600 Speaker 1: day where the gyms are really quiet, they don't have 136 00:07:25,640 --> 00:07:28,600 Speaker 1: many people, and often gyms will actually create a discount 137 00:07:28,880 --> 00:07:32,920 Speaker 1: for those quiet periods, which maybe just before lunchtime rush, 138 00:07:33,000 --> 00:07:34,840 Speaker 1: or maybe in the late afternoon when people are back 139 00:07:34,840 --> 00:07:37,440 Speaker 1: at their desks, or even late at night where most 140 00:07:37,480 --> 00:07:40,080 Speaker 1: people are you know, at home relaxing watching TV. For 141 00:07:40,160 --> 00:07:43,840 Speaker 1: people who are shift workers, this can be really cost effective. 142 00:07:44,080 --> 00:07:47,400 Speaker 1: Or for people who are perhaps maybe studying and you 143 00:07:47,440 --> 00:07:49,920 Speaker 1: know they're studying at night time perhaps and they want 144 00:07:49,920 --> 00:07:51,760 Speaker 1: to go during the quiet periods during the day, or 145 00:07:52,080 --> 00:07:55,200 Speaker 1: even parents who are perhaps working part time and on 146 00:07:55,280 --> 00:07:56,920 Speaker 1: their days where they're not with their kids and they're 147 00:07:56,960 --> 00:07:58,640 Speaker 1: not at work, perhaps they want to go, you know, 148 00:07:58,880 --> 00:08:02,440 Speaker 1: say ten o'clock after the early morning madness rush that 149 00:08:02,480 --> 00:08:04,800 Speaker 1: goes through the gym. So ask good gym if they 150 00:08:04,880 --> 00:08:08,320 Speaker 1: offer off peak memberships. It may be significantly cheaper and 151 00:08:08,360 --> 00:08:11,280 Speaker 1: actually better for your budget. Another great idea is to 152 00:08:11,320 --> 00:08:13,880 Speaker 1: actually speak to your gym about your rate. If you've 153 00:08:13,920 --> 00:08:18,320 Speaker 1: been really loyal and you are seriously considering canceling, ask 154 00:08:18,440 --> 00:08:20,680 Speaker 1: them what they can do about it. Sometimes they can 155 00:08:20,680 --> 00:08:23,000 Speaker 1: give you a free month membership. Sometimes they can put 156 00:08:23,000 --> 00:08:25,360 Speaker 1: you on a discounted rate. You never know. I do 157 00:08:25,440 --> 00:08:28,120 Speaker 1: this every single year with my gas and energy bill, 158 00:08:28,160 --> 00:08:32,240 Speaker 1: and every single year they drop my fee, my monthly fee, 159 00:08:32,400 --> 00:08:34,400 Speaker 1: and I'm always amazed as to how much it comes 160 00:08:34,440 --> 00:08:36,920 Speaker 1: down by and I do the same actually with Foxtel 161 00:08:36,960 --> 00:08:39,400 Speaker 1: as well. So don't be afraid to ask. And again, 162 00:08:39,760 --> 00:08:42,360 Speaker 1: if you're really serious about canceling, you'll be surprised what 163 00:08:42,400 --> 00:08:44,559 Speaker 1: they'll be able to create and do for you to 164 00:08:44,640 --> 00:08:47,280 Speaker 1: keep you as a paying, loyal customer. Then of course 165 00:08:47,640 --> 00:08:51,560 Speaker 1: it's about asking other questions like do they offer corporate membership? 166 00:08:51,640 --> 00:08:53,560 Speaker 1: You know, if you work for a big one organization, 167 00:08:53,960 --> 00:08:56,319 Speaker 1: they may have a partnership program in place where you 168 00:08:56,360 --> 00:08:58,880 Speaker 1: get to access those gyms at a significant discount. A 169 00:08:58,920 --> 00:09:00,800 Speaker 1: really good friend of mine just started working with a 170 00:09:00,800 --> 00:09:03,640 Speaker 1: big corporate and she gets to access the gym for 171 00:09:03,840 --> 00:09:06,640 Speaker 1: eight dollars per week and it gets taken out of 172 00:09:06,640 --> 00:09:09,120 Speaker 1: her pay, and she did the gym is absolutely amazing 173 00:09:09,120 --> 00:09:11,680 Speaker 1: state of art, and it actually evencludes working with a 174 00:09:11,679 --> 00:09:14,760 Speaker 1: personal trainer. If you're a student, let them know that 175 00:09:14,760 --> 00:09:18,439 Speaker 1: you're a student. Quite often significant discounts apply to students, 176 00:09:18,480 --> 00:09:20,839 Speaker 1: which is great. And of course, speak to your health 177 00:09:20,880 --> 00:09:24,559 Speaker 1: fund see whether they offer any rebates or perhaps they 178 00:09:24,600 --> 00:09:28,160 Speaker 1: have any partnership discounts with that particular gym. A lot 179 00:09:28,200 --> 00:09:30,600 Speaker 1: of people don't realize that they exist until they ask. 180 00:09:30,760 --> 00:09:32,640 Speaker 1: You must get on the phone, you must go in 181 00:09:32,720 --> 00:09:34,560 Speaker 1: and see them and see what they can do for you. 182 00:09:34,840 --> 00:09:37,400 Speaker 1: And of course, if you are struggling right now and 183 00:09:37,440 --> 00:09:39,480 Speaker 1: you're looking at what you can cut from your budget, 184 00:09:40,000 --> 00:09:44,200 Speaker 1: consider not canceling your membership, but perhaps pausing it. And 185 00:09:44,240 --> 00:09:46,640 Speaker 1: this may create the perfect opportunity for you to go 186 00:09:46,679 --> 00:09:49,680 Speaker 1: and try all these other ideas like doing a trial 187 00:09:49,720 --> 00:09:52,720 Speaker 1: for a month or doing testing out class bars or 188 00:09:52,760 --> 00:09:55,200 Speaker 1: making some phone causes to what you can do elsewhere 189 00:09:55,240 --> 00:09:57,400 Speaker 1: that it's better value for money, and now she suits 190 00:09:57,480 --> 00:10:00,240 Speaker 1: your lifestyle, so don't be afraid to ask, and of 191 00:10:00,280 --> 00:10:02,719 Speaker 1: course put it on hold when in doubt. You can 192 00:10:02,800 --> 00:10:05,160 Speaker 1: always come back to it. And perhaps you never know. 193 00:10:05,280 --> 00:10:07,640 Speaker 1: By putting your membership on hold, you may actually discover 194 00:10:07,840 --> 00:10:12,360 Speaker 1: more fun, different exciting exercise routines and outlets that you 195 00:10:12,400 --> 00:10:14,640 Speaker 1: never knew existed before because you never got to that 196 00:10:14,679 --> 00:10:17,160 Speaker 1: point where you questioned and asked and explored. Next time, 197 00:10:17,160 --> 00:10:21,320 Speaker 1: want I talk to you about your alternative to traditional gems. Now, 198 00:10:21,360 --> 00:10:24,040 Speaker 1: of course, you do not need a gym to get fit. 199 00:10:24,240 --> 00:10:27,480 Speaker 1: There are so many low cost options or even free 200 00:10:27,480 --> 00:10:31,559 Speaker 1: options out there, so starting with like online fitness programs 201 00:10:31,760 --> 00:10:34,560 Speaker 1: like twenty eight by Sam would. Now this isn't free, 202 00:10:34,800 --> 00:10:37,480 Speaker 1: It costs a flat fee per month. However, what it 203 00:10:37,600 --> 00:10:40,440 Speaker 1: includes in that fee is not just a wide range 204 00:10:40,480 --> 00:10:44,800 Speaker 1: of different workouts from dance classes to ballet to pilates 205 00:10:44,880 --> 00:10:48,920 Speaker 1: to yoga to hit training and cardio. It also includes 206 00:10:49,040 --> 00:10:52,360 Speaker 1: nutritional advice and recipes. And I've had a look into 207 00:10:52,400 --> 00:10:55,160 Speaker 1: the Sam Word program because I actually have it myself, 208 00:10:55,240 --> 00:10:58,000 Speaker 1: and there's also some great meditation sessions, and there's also 209 00:10:58,080 --> 00:11:00,800 Speaker 1: some great video clips to help improve your mindset when 210 00:11:00,840 --> 00:11:03,440 Speaker 1: it comes to thinking about your own physical, mental, and 211 00:11:03,520 --> 00:11:06,559 Speaker 1: emotional fitness, which I love, but of course that's one 212 00:11:06,559 --> 00:11:08,679 Speaker 1: of many. There is things like Sweat. Of course, you've 213 00:11:08,679 --> 00:11:11,240 Speaker 1: got all those amazing fitness apps. Some of these costs 214 00:11:11,320 --> 00:11:14,800 Speaker 1: less than ten dollars per month. Someone recently told me 215 00:11:14,880 --> 00:11:17,640 Speaker 1: about couch to five K, and I have admit I've 216 00:11:17,880 --> 00:11:20,640 Speaker 1: downloaded this, but I haven't actually personally tried it yet. 217 00:11:20,720 --> 00:11:23,720 Speaker 1: But couch to five K is basically an app that 218 00:11:23,960 --> 00:11:27,600 Speaker 1: teaches you and trains you to start running, and you 219 00:11:27,679 --> 00:11:31,280 Speaker 1: slowly build up your running ability each day, and it 220 00:11:31,280 --> 00:11:33,520 Speaker 1: aims to get you to start about running maybe three 221 00:11:33,559 --> 00:11:35,120 Speaker 1: times per week, and you can set it up with 222 00:11:35,200 --> 00:11:39,240 Speaker 1: you all the details about your sex, your height, your weight, 223 00:11:39,360 --> 00:11:42,360 Speaker 1: your goals, your lifestyle, and it talks you and trains you, 224 00:11:42,400 --> 00:11:44,440 Speaker 1: and it sends you're a reminder to get off the 225 00:11:44,480 --> 00:11:48,040 Speaker 1: couch and start moving, start running, And it starts with 226 00:11:48,160 --> 00:11:51,840 Speaker 1: steps and walking, walking faster, and then doing some jogging 227 00:11:52,040 --> 00:11:55,080 Speaker 1: light jogging, getting faster and faster, but ultimately getting to 228 00:11:55,160 --> 00:11:58,000 Speaker 1: use the stage where you can actually run five k. Now, 229 00:11:58,000 --> 00:12:01,920 Speaker 1: of course there are lots of free apps Apple Jymvers, 230 00:12:02,000 --> 00:12:04,200 Speaker 1: and of course they have various levels you can pay 231 00:12:04,240 --> 00:12:07,640 Speaker 1: for upfront or on a monthly basis. Another great free 232 00:12:07,720 --> 00:12:12,240 Speaker 1: idea is basically YouTube YouTube workouts. They are high quality. 233 00:12:12,520 --> 00:12:16,160 Speaker 1: There are thousands upon thousands to choose from. And what 234 00:12:16,240 --> 00:12:18,600 Speaker 1: I really like about the YouTube workouts is they have 235 00:12:18,720 --> 00:12:20,520 Speaker 1: some that go for five minutes and some that go 236 00:12:20,600 --> 00:12:23,440 Speaker 1: for fifty minutes, and they have so many different styles 237 00:12:23,440 --> 00:12:27,680 Speaker 1: and types for everyone's different fitness and strength levels. So 238 00:12:27,800 --> 00:12:30,439 Speaker 1: it's free, and again you're doing it from the privacy 239 00:12:30,480 --> 00:12:33,920 Speaker 1: and comfort of your own home. Another great idea, and 240 00:12:34,000 --> 00:12:37,040 Speaker 1: I do this myself and I love it, that is 241 00:12:37,080 --> 00:12:42,000 Speaker 1: I use my local gym outdoor gym areas. Now, of 242 00:12:42,040 --> 00:12:44,880 Speaker 1: course it's free, and I jumped online because I'm quite 243 00:12:44,880 --> 00:12:50,720 Speaker 1: fortunate and there's actually three outdoor gyms within about two 244 00:12:50,760 --> 00:12:52,800 Speaker 1: hundred meters from my house, and I thought I was 245 00:12:52,840 --> 00:12:55,120 Speaker 1: just lucky, but I jumped online and I found a 246 00:12:55,160 --> 00:12:58,839 Speaker 1: brilliant website called Free Outdoor Fitness dot Net and it's 247 00:12:58,880 --> 00:13:01,560 Speaker 1: said that within twenty five kilometers of the city there 248 00:13:01,559 --> 00:13:05,480 Speaker 1: are over two hundred and thirty nine outdoor gyms. So 249 00:13:05,559 --> 00:13:08,600 Speaker 1: of course these outdoor gyms are free, and even if 250 00:13:08,640 --> 00:13:11,360 Speaker 1: you reach out to your local council, a lot of 251 00:13:11,400 --> 00:13:17,040 Speaker 1: the councils actually offer really affordable fitness classes from yoga, taichi, 252 00:13:17,320 --> 00:13:20,520 Speaker 1: even bowling. These options are out there. You've just got 253 00:13:20,559 --> 00:13:22,520 Speaker 1: to pick up the phone or jump online and have 254 00:13:22,679 --> 00:13:25,440 Speaker 1: a look for them. There are really no excuses not 255 00:13:25,520 --> 00:13:27,680 Speaker 1: to be fit and strong and healthy these days. There's 256 00:13:27,720 --> 00:13:29,960 Speaker 1: nothing holding you back. And then finally, which I think 257 00:13:30,040 --> 00:13:31,800 Speaker 1: is something I'm really excited to share with you, and 258 00:13:31,840 --> 00:13:35,520 Speaker 1: that is looking for free thirty day challenge groups. Now 259 00:13:35,640 --> 00:13:39,560 Speaker 1: these are all over social media Instagram, Facebook, TikTok. But 260 00:13:40,040 --> 00:13:43,880 Speaker 1: these thirty day challenges or various different versions of them 261 00:13:43,920 --> 00:13:46,600 Speaker 1: ten day, five days, seven day, seventy five days, which 262 00:13:46,600 --> 00:13:48,680 Speaker 1: I'll tell you about in a second, there are all 263 00:13:48,679 --> 00:13:51,320 Speaker 1: for free. You join up, you sign up, or you 264 00:13:51,360 --> 00:13:53,840 Speaker 1: just follow along, oh if you like just watching on 265 00:13:53,840 --> 00:13:58,000 Speaker 1: the sidelines. But they're all focused around building consistent fitness habits. 266 00:13:58,160 --> 00:14:01,760 Speaker 1: Now I've actually been doing one, the seventy five challenge. 267 00:14:01,800 --> 00:14:04,040 Speaker 1: I think I'm up to day fifty one maybe, And 268 00:14:04,080 --> 00:14:07,920 Speaker 1: there are different levels hard, medium, soft. Now I'm doing 269 00:14:08,000 --> 00:14:10,680 Speaker 1: the soft version and I've kind of created my own version, 270 00:14:10,880 --> 00:14:14,000 Speaker 1: so it essentially for me doing this let's call it 271 00:14:14,040 --> 00:14:16,880 Speaker 1: soft seventy five. Every day, with the exception of one 272 00:14:16,920 --> 00:14:18,280 Speaker 1: day where I get a day of rest, I have 273 00:14:18,320 --> 00:14:21,440 Speaker 1: to do a minimum of thirty five minutes of consistent exercise. 274 00:14:21,640 --> 00:14:25,160 Speaker 1: I also have to do at least ten minutes worth 275 00:14:25,200 --> 00:14:29,520 Speaker 1: of nonfiction reading, and I have to journal every single day. 276 00:14:29,800 --> 00:14:33,720 Speaker 1: And I'm also working through my Jamie Ryder mindset program. 277 00:14:33,960 --> 00:14:36,880 Speaker 1: So I have been doing this. It cost me absolutely 278 00:14:36,960 --> 00:14:39,960 Speaker 1: nothing to do this, and I am loving it. I 279 00:14:40,000 --> 00:14:41,920 Speaker 1: have to say most of these habits I will be 280 00:14:41,960 --> 00:14:44,960 Speaker 1: taking on indefinitely was a hit Day seventy five, but 281 00:14:45,240 --> 00:14:47,480 Speaker 1: for most people who do the seventy five challenge, it 282 00:14:47,680 --> 00:14:50,640 Speaker 1: is free and there are different variations, and of course 283 00:14:50,760 --> 00:14:54,200 Speaker 1: is not necessarily entirely about losing weight or being fit 284 00:14:54,240 --> 00:14:59,200 Speaker 1: and strong. It incorporates your spiritual, emotional, and mental wellbeing 285 00:14:59,240 --> 00:15:02,119 Speaker 1: as well. And I have to say the one activity 286 00:15:02,200 --> 00:15:04,960 Speaker 1: or habit that I thought would be the least inspiring 287 00:15:05,000 --> 00:15:07,080 Speaker 1: one to do, which is journaling, has actually been the 288 00:15:07,080 --> 00:15:10,520 Speaker 1: one that's actually helped me the most with my mental 289 00:15:10,920 --> 00:15:13,680 Speaker 1: fitness because I just feel like I'm getting all the 290 00:15:13,720 --> 00:15:16,920 Speaker 1: noise and the clutter and the craziness in my head 291 00:15:17,000 --> 00:15:19,520 Speaker 1: down on paper, pen to paper, and it just starts 292 00:15:19,520 --> 00:15:22,600 Speaker 1: to quarantine my feelings and helps, I guess, put things 293 00:15:22,640 --> 00:15:25,840 Speaker 1: back into perspective. My point is is doing this seventy 294 00:15:25,840 --> 00:15:29,800 Speaker 1: five challenges actually costs me nothing whatsoever. And of course, 295 00:15:29,880 --> 00:15:33,840 Speaker 1: on that note of free or alternative expenses to gym memberships, 296 00:15:34,000 --> 00:15:37,920 Speaker 1: don't forget Facebook, Marketplace and of course gum Tree, which 297 00:15:37,920 --> 00:15:43,640 Speaker 1: are filled with secondhand fitness gear. Think weights, treadmills, exercise bikes, 298 00:15:43,680 --> 00:15:47,440 Speaker 1: resistant bands. These are often a fraction of the price. 299 00:15:47,880 --> 00:15:51,440 Speaker 1: Even Kmart has an amazing range of exercise equipment, and 300 00:15:51,720 --> 00:15:54,360 Speaker 1: I actually recently spent I think about one hundred and 301 00:15:54,400 --> 00:15:58,520 Speaker 1: fifty dollars on Amazon and I got an exercise circle 302 00:15:58,680 --> 00:16:00,960 Speaker 1: like it's like I think it's called a ring of fire, 303 00:16:01,000 --> 00:16:03,880 Speaker 1: which is a pilate's thing. I got three different bands, 304 00:16:03,920 --> 00:16:06,640 Speaker 1: I got some hand weights, and I got this contraption 305 00:16:06,720 --> 00:16:09,360 Speaker 1: that moves across the floor to help me do stomach 306 00:16:09,440 --> 00:16:13,600 Speaker 1: exercises and inner and out of thigh exercises as well. 307 00:16:13,760 --> 00:16:17,240 Speaker 1: Now I have been using these five or six pieces 308 00:16:17,280 --> 00:16:19,680 Speaker 1: of equipment a couple of times a week, and you 309 00:16:19,720 --> 00:16:22,520 Speaker 1: know what I love is as a busy working mom 310 00:16:22,720 --> 00:16:25,600 Speaker 1: of three kids, and three dogs. I'm time poor, but 311 00:16:26,080 --> 00:16:28,720 Speaker 1: this morning I just pulled my equipment out on the 312 00:16:29,160 --> 00:16:31,880 Speaker 1: lounge and lay down on the ground on the rug 313 00:16:32,200 --> 00:16:35,040 Speaker 1: and just exercise for thirty five minutes. And I'm actually, 314 00:16:35,080 --> 00:16:37,440 Speaker 1: you're already feeling a little bit sore. So again, yes, 315 00:16:37,480 --> 00:16:39,000 Speaker 1: it cost me up front of about one hundred and 316 00:16:39,040 --> 00:16:42,320 Speaker 1: fifty dollars, but there are now no excuses. I can't say, well, 317 00:16:42,680 --> 00:16:44,360 Speaker 1: it's too cold, or it's too dark, or I've got 318 00:16:44,360 --> 00:16:46,200 Speaker 1: no one to look after my kids. My kids were 319 00:16:46,240 --> 00:16:48,680 Speaker 1: safely in the house, probably laughing at me while I 320 00:16:48,720 --> 00:16:50,600 Speaker 1: was doing this exercise. But I had a lot of 321 00:16:50,640 --> 00:16:52,560 Speaker 1: fun and it felt so good to tick off my 322 00:16:52,600 --> 00:16:55,640 Speaker 1: exercise early in the day before the day really had begun. 323 00:16:55,880 --> 00:17:00,240 Speaker 1: So there are again no excuses here whatsoever. Now my 324 00:17:00,360 --> 00:17:05,200 Speaker 1: final tips for being and staying financially and physically fit 325 00:17:05,480 --> 00:17:08,760 Speaker 1: with my financial planning cap back on apologies, I did 326 00:17:08,800 --> 00:17:10,520 Speaker 1: deviate a little bit with what was going on in 327 00:17:10,520 --> 00:17:12,960 Speaker 1: my life, So to bring it back to the finances, 328 00:17:13,200 --> 00:17:17,280 Speaker 1: you should really think about your fitness like a financial goal. 329 00:17:17,440 --> 00:17:22,000 Speaker 1: Put that expense into your budget, have a fitness goal. 330 00:17:22,280 --> 00:17:26,919 Speaker 1: Run further, to move more weights, to sweat more, to 331 00:17:27,119 --> 00:17:29,680 Speaker 1: sleep better, which means you should track your fitness goal. 332 00:17:29,800 --> 00:17:32,120 Speaker 1: Make a note of how much further you're able to run, 333 00:17:32,200 --> 00:17:34,200 Speaker 1: or how much longer you can go on the treadmill 334 00:17:34,320 --> 00:17:37,479 Speaker 1: or on the exercise bike, or how many kgs are 335 00:17:37,480 --> 00:17:40,280 Speaker 1: you pushing this week compared to last month. Make sure 336 00:17:40,280 --> 00:17:43,520 Speaker 1: you're tracking it, reviewing it and monitoring it, and of 337 00:17:43,520 --> 00:17:47,160 Speaker 1: course reward yourself. You know, feel proud about sleeping better, 338 00:17:47,200 --> 00:17:50,600 Speaker 1: Feel proud about feeling stronger, Feel empowered that you can 339 00:17:50,680 --> 00:17:53,359 Speaker 1: stand up tall and strong, and that you seem to 340 00:17:53,400 --> 00:17:56,720 Speaker 1: be handling emotional challenges with the greater sense of resilience 341 00:17:56,760 --> 00:17:59,920 Speaker 1: because you're feeling fit and strong yourself physically meant to 342 00:18:00,240 --> 00:18:04,040 Speaker 1: spiritually in emotion. And of course, like every single financial goal, 343 00:18:04,119 --> 00:18:06,200 Speaker 1: no matter how big or small it is, the key 344 00:18:06,480 --> 00:18:09,600 Speaker 1: is consistency. Be consistent. If you've said you want to 345 00:18:09,600 --> 00:18:11,960 Speaker 1: go to the gym four times a week, make sure 346 00:18:12,080 --> 00:18:14,840 Speaker 1: you prioritize, put it in your diary, and try and 347 00:18:14,880 --> 00:18:17,880 Speaker 1: create that habit where automatically, without even thinking, because it's 348 00:18:17,880 --> 00:18:20,160 Speaker 1: a Monday, you go to the gym on Monday. Because 349 00:18:20,200 --> 00:18:22,400 Speaker 1: it's a Wednesday, you go to the gym on a Wednesday. 350 00:18:22,480 --> 00:18:25,520 Speaker 1: And of course you've got to also be patient with 351 00:18:25,560 --> 00:18:29,440 Speaker 1: that consistency and the hard work will most definitely pay 352 00:18:29,440 --> 00:18:32,359 Speaker 1: off when you combine those two things, I personally promise 353 00:18:32,520 --> 00:18:35,120 Speaker 1: now with my financial planning cap still on. My other 354 00:18:35,200 --> 00:18:39,120 Speaker 1: tip is to avoid silly trends, like when you see 355 00:18:39,119 --> 00:18:41,920 Speaker 1: people talking about this get rich quick scheme or some 356 00:18:41,960 --> 00:18:44,720 Speaker 1: sort of slick investment like you do not need to 357 00:18:44,720 --> 00:18:47,600 Speaker 1: follow the trends. You're smarter than that. Stick with what 358 00:18:47,720 --> 00:18:50,359 Speaker 1: actually works for you and your lifestyle. Just like you 359 00:18:50,359 --> 00:18:53,320 Speaker 1: would invest according to your risk profile and your investment 360 00:18:53,359 --> 00:18:56,400 Speaker 1: time frame and your deadline for those goals. The same 361 00:18:56,440 --> 00:18:58,680 Speaker 1: when it comes to looking at your fitness and where 362 00:18:58,680 --> 00:19:00,639 Speaker 1: you want to spend money on your fitness, look at 363 00:19:00,640 --> 00:19:03,679 Speaker 1: actually what works for your lifestyle. Now. For me, I 364 00:19:03,720 --> 00:19:07,520 Speaker 1: would absolutely love to go and do a polarates class 365 00:19:07,600 --> 00:19:10,720 Speaker 1: every single day, but I know that it's not appropriate 366 00:19:10,760 --> 00:19:13,320 Speaker 1: for my lifestyle. Number one, it doesn't fit within my budget. 367 00:19:13,400 --> 00:19:15,960 Speaker 1: Number two, I actually don't physically have the time to 368 00:19:16,200 --> 00:19:20,120 Speaker 1: get to a Polartes studio every single day. Number Three, 369 00:19:20,320 --> 00:19:23,439 Speaker 1: my knees would be so sore and aching if I 370 00:19:23,520 --> 00:19:25,919 Speaker 1: was to do a polarities class every single day, that 371 00:19:26,080 --> 00:19:27,720 Speaker 1: is going to be a waste of money. If I 372 00:19:27,760 --> 00:19:30,320 Speaker 1: was to sign up to something like that. However, I 373 00:19:30,359 --> 00:19:32,720 Speaker 1: do know that my body likes a mix of things, 374 00:19:32,760 --> 00:19:36,400 Speaker 1: a mix of different activities hardio, weight training, hit training, 375 00:19:36,520 --> 00:19:39,320 Speaker 1: and of course doing stretches on the ground. So we 376 00:19:39,480 --> 00:19:43,000 Speaker 1: know what is actually realistic for you and your lifestyle 377 00:19:43,040 --> 00:19:45,960 Speaker 1: and of course your budget. Then, of course, never underestimate 378 00:19:46,040 --> 00:19:49,440 Speaker 1: the power of walking. Walking is a great fat burning tool, 379 00:19:49,560 --> 00:19:51,719 Speaker 1: and even simple things like you park a little bit 380 00:19:51,760 --> 00:19:53,639 Speaker 1: further away from where you need to go to make 381 00:19:53,680 --> 00:19:55,639 Speaker 1: sure you get those steps up. If you have an 382 00:19:55,680 --> 00:19:58,160 Speaker 1: Apple phone, I'm sure it's the same with androids as well. 383 00:19:58,240 --> 00:20:00,600 Speaker 1: You can see how many steps you do per day. 384 00:20:00,720 --> 00:20:03,000 Speaker 1: Obviously we're going to try and aim for around about 385 00:20:03,040 --> 00:20:06,000 Speaker 1: ten thousand. Now. Some of my friends and I are 386 00:20:06,000 --> 00:20:09,040 Speaker 1: obsessed with our steps, and we have this running joke 387 00:20:09,080 --> 00:20:10,720 Speaker 1: where we check each other's steps and we have a 388 00:20:10,760 --> 00:20:14,199 Speaker 1: bit of an unspoken competition to see who's done the 389 00:20:14,200 --> 00:20:17,000 Speaker 1: most amount of steps this week, or this fortnight or 390 00:20:17,000 --> 00:20:19,840 Speaker 1: even this month. And I have to say it's really addictive. 391 00:20:20,000 --> 00:20:22,359 Speaker 1: It gives me immense satisfaction at the end of the 392 00:20:22,440 --> 00:20:25,000 Speaker 1: day when I jump into my health app within my 393 00:20:25,119 --> 00:20:27,960 Speaker 1: iPhone and see how many steps it actually allows me 394 00:20:28,040 --> 00:20:30,400 Speaker 1: to compare what I was doing at this point last year, 395 00:20:30,400 --> 00:20:32,239 Speaker 1: and I'm proud to say it's also a little bit 396 00:20:32,280 --> 00:20:34,600 Speaker 1: embarrassed to share this as well. But this time last year, 397 00:20:34,640 --> 00:20:37,000 Speaker 1: I was only averaging about six and a half thousand 398 00:20:37,040 --> 00:20:39,720 Speaker 1: steps per day. Thank goodness, because I'm now aware of it. 399 00:20:39,800 --> 00:20:42,440 Speaker 1: I'm tracking it, I'm reviewing it, i'm monitoring it. I'm 400 00:20:42,440 --> 00:20:45,440 Speaker 1: actually averaging over eight thousand steps a day, so I'm 401 00:20:45,480 --> 00:20:47,919 Speaker 1: slowly getting my way up to that ideal figure of 402 00:20:48,000 --> 00:20:51,119 Speaker 1: around about ten thousand. But it feels really good to 403 00:20:51,119 --> 00:20:53,440 Speaker 1: actually see that it's working, it's paying off, and I 404 00:20:53,440 --> 00:20:55,720 Speaker 1: wouldn't have had any idea if I hadn't actually checked 405 00:20:55,720 --> 00:20:57,680 Speaker 1: my app So at the end of the day, you've 406 00:20:57,680 --> 00:21:01,840 Speaker 1: got to remember consistency over cost. A thirty minute walk 407 00:21:01,960 --> 00:21:04,800 Speaker 1: can do more for your body than say a sixty 408 00:21:04,840 --> 00:21:07,960 Speaker 1: dollars per week gym membership that you never even go to. 409 00:21:08,320 --> 00:21:12,639 Speaker 1: And of course, most importantly, remember that when you prioritize 410 00:21:12,800 --> 00:21:16,760 Speaker 1: your health, you're actually protecting your future finances for your 411 00:21:16,800 --> 00:21:21,320 Speaker 1: medical bills or energy. Better quality life, deeper sleep, deeper 412 00:21:21,359 --> 00:21:24,080 Speaker 1: restorative sleep. You tend to eat a lot healthier when 413 00:21:24,080 --> 00:21:25,919 Speaker 1: you're feeling fit and strong, you don't want undo all 414 00:21:25,920 --> 00:21:28,360 Speaker 1: that hard work. And also for me, I know personally, 415 00:21:28,400 --> 00:21:31,119 Speaker 1: I drink less. I don't feel like that champagne on 416 00:21:31,160 --> 00:21:34,440 Speaker 1: a Friday afternoon or on a Saturday afternoon. Because I've 417 00:21:34,440 --> 00:21:37,280 Speaker 1: prioritized my well being. It just doesn't taste nice and 418 00:21:37,359 --> 00:21:41,320 Speaker 1: doesn't give me the high that doing exercise does. Nonetheless, 419 00:21:41,359 --> 00:21:43,480 Speaker 1: what I'm trying to share with you is when you 420 00:21:43,520 --> 00:21:46,520 Speaker 1: prioritize your health, you invest in your health, you invest 421 00:21:46,560 --> 00:21:50,160 Speaker 1: in your fitness and your longevity. You've got far more 422 00:21:50,320 --> 00:21:54,120 Speaker 1: energy to work on your financial goals, to have that 423 00:21:54,240 --> 00:21:57,760 Speaker 1: required level of focus, dedication, and commitment, and you have 424 00:21:57,840 --> 00:22:01,399 Speaker 1: that mental strength to persevere and to be patient and 425 00:22:01,480 --> 00:22:05,040 Speaker 1: to enjoy living in the moment and of course seeing 426 00:22:05,160 --> 00:22:09,080 Speaker 1: that valuable progress flourish, which is then giving you the 427 00:22:09,160 --> 00:22:14,760 Speaker 1: biggest and best opportunity to flourish, to thrive, to fly 428 00:22:15,160 --> 00:22:19,000 Speaker 1: financially when it comes to your goals and dreams. Wow, 429 00:22:19,960 --> 00:22:24,520 Speaker 1: after getting all of this passion and excitement about finance 430 00:22:24,560 --> 00:22:26,199 Speaker 1: and fitness, I almost feel like I needed to go 431 00:22:26,240 --> 00:22:28,600 Speaker 1: and take a nap, which is also a great investment 432 00:22:28,600 --> 00:22:31,520 Speaker 1: for your body and of course costs absolutely nothing. All Right, 433 00:22:31,640 --> 00:22:34,400 Speaker 1: That is it for today's episode on Sugar Mama's Fireplay, 434 00:22:34,480 --> 00:22:37,480 Speaker 1: I really hope you've actually enjoyed this episode and I've 435 00:22:37,480 --> 00:22:40,439 Speaker 1: inspired you to rethink about how you look at the 436 00:22:40,440 --> 00:22:43,520 Speaker 1: way you spend money on your own health and fitness, 437 00:22:43,600 --> 00:22:46,919 Speaker 1: because deep down, we all know that true authentic wealth 438 00:22:47,359 --> 00:22:50,960 Speaker 1: isn't just about your bank balance or your even your budget. 439 00:22:51,200 --> 00:22:55,920 Speaker 1: It's about your overall fitness, which includes your financial fitness. 440 00:22:56,160 --> 00:22:59,840 Speaker 1: And upon that financial fitness is your share portfolio, your superannu, 441 00:23:00,640 --> 00:23:03,640 Speaker 1: and of course your wealth protection. Now, if I could 442 00:23:03,720 --> 00:23:06,640 Speaker 1: ask a really small favor, if you could please leave 443 00:23:06,720 --> 00:23:10,320 Speaker 1: me a rating and review, I would greatly appreciate it, 444 00:23:10,560 --> 00:23:14,520 Speaker 1: And until next Monday, please keep that financial fire burning 445 00:23:14,680 --> 00:23:34,320 Speaker 1: bright within. This is Sugar Mamma's Fireplay.