Developing a Fitness Routine After Moving to a New City
Moving to a new city around this time of year can be stressful, especially when you factor in typical holiday financial strains and the winter blues.
If you’re a fitness junkie, you might find it even more challenging to adjust as you’ve become accustomed to a certain exercise routine in your hometown.
But, don’t let moving to a new city stand in the way of your physical health. You can stay just as active and involved in a new neighborhood all the way across the country.
For a smooth transition, consider some of the following tips to get fit and get acquainted in the city you now call home.
Find Your Fitness Outlet
While you may have become a pro at indoor cycling, weightlifting, or yoga, your new city has the potential to bring an undiscovered fitness avenue into your life.
Some cities are known for their fitness and great health due to ample outdoor space, making them the perfect place for those who love to outdoor bike, hike, walk, or run.
Coastal cities give you the chance to try surfing or wakeboarding, while other cities rely on their dense population of fitness centers or yoga studios.
Get online and search for community groups to get to know some of your neighbors and peers. There may even be a specific group for those who specialize in your favorite fitness outlet or an online fitness group where you can get your feet wet.
Get to know the most renowned gyms or personal trainers near you so you can get in the swing of things right when you move in. That way, there will be no lag in your fitness routine and you’ll experience a smoother transition.
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Embrace Being a Beginner
Being a newcomer and knowing few people in your new neighborhood is intimidating. This is completely understandable, considering our friends and family give us a sense of comfort and confidence when it comes to doing the things we love.
However, being a newbie requires you to branch out, step out of your comfort zone, and try something new. Plus, many fitness junkies will tell you that taking that first step was the best move they’ve ever made.
Once you decide on the right neighborhood, you’ll be able to tell which activities or sports are most popular.
Many gyms and online fitness providers offer introductory classes for beginners, and there are plenty of recreational club teams where beginners can dabble in a new sport or group activity.
Reach out to some of the locals and check out nearby places for postings or announcements for signups and trials. And, remember to embrace the new activity, allow yourself to make mistakes, and to make new friends along the ride.
Budget for Memberships
Fitness memberships can be costly, and if you just bought a home in your new city, you likely have already spent a big chunk of your savings.
Many steps of the home buying process cost money. The mortgage preapproval application process can cost several hundred dollars, as can moving and furnishing a new home. In addition, down payments and closing costs often tally up to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the cost of your home.
On top of the money you’ve already spent, your new town will likely have a different cost of living, which accounts for costs of food, housing, transportation, and more.
That said, memberships may require more money than you anticipated. This makes doing your research and budgeting for these expenses ahead of time all the more critical.
Visit some local gyms and studios to figure out their rates and decide what you can afford. Search for businesses running promotions around the holidays and explore family or group rates for more affordable options.
And, if you want the most bang for your buck, check out online group fitness platforms. (Of course, having been Beachbody coaches since the very beginning, we believe Beachbody on Demand is the very best!)
They are evolving and now offer live, interactive workouts by renowned trainers for a much lower price than the gym. And, best of all, they go with you wherever you happen to move!
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Explore Your New Town
We all know that overall health is more than just fitness—it encompasses emotional wellness and a nutritious diet as well.
By exploring your new surroundings, you’ll be able to quickly adjust to a healthy lifestyle beyond fitness and into your overall wellness. You can find grocery stores with your go-to ingredients, cafés with your favorite morning latte, and parks where you can meditate or practice sunrise yoga.
Take a walk or a drive and discover small businesses and local gems where you can carry out a healthy lifestyle to support your fitness efforts.
Don’t forget to cater to your mental health as well, as these big moves can be strenuous on people who relocate far. Be social and get involved in your community through volunteering, and you’ll find that a busy schedule will keep you active and feeling healthier than you ever have before.
Don’t let moving to a new city keep you from staying active and fit. The opportunities are endless—you just have to venture out and find them!
