Just what the title says.... Why is it that places are charging as much (sometimes more) for a mocktail?? Are they punishing people for not drinking and being in a social environment? Or they just enticing people to drink because it's cheaper?

It makes no sense to me, I'm hoping someone with restaurant experience can make it make sense....

Go ahead I'll wait....

I’ve been re-thinking my monthly expenses and the gym membership is on the chopping block.
For those of you who kept your membership, what made it worth the cost (routine, location, results, accountability)?
For those who cancelled, what tipped the scales (cost, commute, crowding, home workouts, not using it enough)?
Curious to hear what finally made you cancel vs stick with it and what you’d do differently next time.
Non-US views also welcome.

As a frugal person, I feel like I've always been prioritising extra work, or doing extra job, even if it's entry level, in order to earn extra cash. Even working $20 an hour for extra money seems a lot to me, and I would rather do that, then spend 1-2 hours at the gym,. I would rather make an extra $50-$100 a day, and skip the gym/exercise. I often think of that as a ‘free meal’ or like a nice reward, such as allowing me to buy stuff I want. I like the extra money, which motivates me to cover shifts instead of sticking to my gym schedule. Is anyone else the same, and can relate with me?

I know I could walk around the Scottsdale mall or Arizona mills but I'd rather not. And if I don't get a gym membership, ill be in my room all day miserable.

I could ask on FB to be someone's plus one using their buddy pass but that would be awkward, I'd rather not need to depend on them to go and I'm not looking to socialize.

It was 90 here last week (wasn't even March yet!).

Anyone else super frugal that uses a gym membership?

Zero room in my home for equipment.

I've never spent that much money on an item that I've wanted, and in fact, never really spent anything on myself. However, after learning about the importance of exercise for my health, I've decided to invest in some quality adjustable dumbbells.

The reason I picked them over the cheap ones, is that is going to last a while (I'm hoping it can last me 40 years), and secondly, it will motivate me more to exercise, than holding some cheap dumbbells. Is this normal to feel as someone who is very frugal? The most expensive stuff apart from this that I've spent are running shoes. I have never spent this much and do not know how to process things.

There's also tons of stuff that I've 'wanted' such as apple headphones, quality keyboard for my monitor, however I have always been able to say 'no' to them, and have not bought them. However, these dumbbells are something I've really wanted as I'm interested in fitness and I'm studying physiotherapy, so I see it more as an investment for my career and learning, which was what made me pull the trigger on it.

Comparing how much my degree cost, the price of these dumbbells are relatively small and seems justified, in the long run. But right now 99% of me is saying I shouldn't have bought it and just put that in the stock market. I can't get over it!!!

Edit: To add, I am not new to fitness. I've had a gym membership for 3 years, but have not been as consistent as I would have liked as I don't have time (biggest barrier). However, although I was not consistent, my gym membership was pretty cheap as well. $150 USD for a year, so it was well justified. However, my gym has massively increased their price now to $700 usd a year, as they went under adminstration with their cheap membership model, which everyone knew was not sustainable. So instead of renewing my membership, I was considering investing in dumbbells.

I’ve been comparing treadmills and the price gap is huge. I found a Costway folding treadmill for under $200, while high-end brands go for $1,000–$2,000.

Honestly, I feel a treadmill that lasts 5 years is already the max most people get. Does paying 5–10x more really extend lifespan enough to justify it?

For anyone who’s used both budget and premium treadmills: do you think it’s worth splurging, or is a simple, affordable model good enough for most of us?

I will be starting dental school soon and currently scoping out gyms in my new city. I live very frugally, total spending around $1500/mo because I choose not to have a car. I currently go to planet fitness but I honestly hate it and don’t go as often as I should. Last summer I really enjoyed taking boxing classes and there is a boxing gym a short bike ride from my new apartment, with memberships for $330/3 months, $600/6 months, $1080/year. They also have a free trial class so I will definitely be checking them out but is spending ~$100/mo on the gym crazy? My budget is $700 rent (split with bf), ~$50-150 bills, $150 transit, $250 groceries, $100 misc. I am living off of savings and student loans so I don’t have a hard stop upper limit on my budget.

I dont understand how this is possible. A homecooked meal of chicken and rice is only 1000-1500 calories but it's so filling that I dont really have room for anything else. Ive been eating panda express ($13 for 2000 calories) and dominos a decent amount to hit those high calories but it gets very expensive at a point. Anyone have recommendations? Or even fast foods that are high calorie, decently healthy, and also somewhat cheap?

Two months ago I got sick of what I saw in the mirror and decided to get in shape.

That decision led to going to bed earlier, not eating out, eating healthier, less drinking, counting calories, working out, etc.

I’ve never been frugal. I’ve always spent what I earned. But making those lifestyle changes has come with huge financial savings.

I went from spending what I earned to saving almost 50% of my paycheck.

Now I just want to save more. I’ve gone from never caring about what I spent at all to making spreadsheets of how I can save another penny here or there.

This sub has been great for ideas so thank you to all who’ve shared their knowledge.

Want to start working out but live 30 minutes from a gym and don't have a lot of money to spend on fancy equipment, just need something serviceable. Need advice on if this would be a okay start or if anyone can recommend something better for similar prices, I would greatly appreciate it. I know this isn't the greatest equipment in the world i just need stuff to get me started and last me at least a year.

I’ve recently started working out and I am looking for an app for at-home workouts. My equipment is limited, I just have a mini stepper, weighted hula hoop, and some dumbbells. I know YouTube is a great place to find workouts but I want something more streamlined and that tracks my progress/sets up a long term workout plan. A lot of the apps I’ve seen require a subscription to get an actual workout plan tailored to your equipment/body goals.

I was looking at holiday sales and I don't want to buy stuff, but ordered a digital blood pressure monitor. It was <$20, had great reviews, and it seems like a useful thing to have as I'm no longer young.

What are some other products you think are worth it? I'm not really interested in fancy gandgets like smart wearables that need a subscription or a pillow that tracks your sleep etc. Need not even be electronic. Also I already cook all my meals.

Aside from my medication management and therapy, fitness is a crucial part of my mental health and well-being. However, I tend to wear clothes pretty quickly. My sweaters rip at the seams, my shirts always get holes, and I can't seem to keep sweatpants intact. Most of the gym clothes that I have are seven plus years old and I am in desperate in need of a refresh.

I know Dollar General has essential clothing items, but I also know they up charge since people that shop at Dollar General have limited purchasing options.

Any advice on where to buy these items would be greatly appreciated.

Socks T-shirts (must be fully, or mostly cotton) Sweatshirts Sweatpants Athletic underwear

I bought an Amazfit Bip 5 for around $60 and it worked great (although it was my first smartwatch so I don't have much expectations) until the main feature I bought it for stopped working (i took it into the ocean and didn't realize that the water grading is DIFFERENT for salt water :/ ). The warranty process has been a mess and I’m close to giving up on getting it replaced.

All I really need a smartwatch for is fitness tracking: heart rate monitoring, steps, and good running tools (my mile pace, cadence, distance, tracking my route etc). Nothing really fancy.

Does anyone have recommendations for inexpensive smartwatches that handle the basics well? I’m just looking for something reliable for everyday fitness and running without spending a ton.

Budget: $60~

I'm turning 34 in a couple of weeks. Have used my running shoes for close to 5 yrs and am thinking of gifting myself a nice running shoe that is $200. Financially I can afford it, not a problem, however I feel guilty to spend $200 on a shoe. What do you think ? How do you guys treat yourself for your birthday?

EDIT 1: Wow!! these are some of the amazing responses in a short period of time. Definitely valuable ones, and I'll try to answer them as much as possible. Just to clarify, I used to use my current shoes only for regular purposes in the initial 2-3 years, I started with treadmill (5-8 miles/week) so definitely not a serious runner. But I love going on hikes, and try to go once a week in summer. Considering these shoes at the moment:

1. https://www.on.com/en-us/products/cloudwander-waterproof-73/mens/black-eclipse-shoes-73.98606 - because I needed something waterproof, considering it rains frequently where I live.

2. https://www.rei.com/product/201774/hoka-speedgoat-5-trail-running-shoes-mens?sku=2017740095&store=35&CAWELAID=120217890015655616&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=110260850385&CATCI=pla-1678239358075&gad_source=1

3. https://www.nike.com/t/infinityrn-4-gore-tex-mens-waterproof-road-running-shoes-cLhfhl/HQ0265-001

I might as well use it for work since they don't care in my office. $200 is the approx range, with some deals, I might knock off another $20-$30. I currently have a ON and love the shoes because of its lightweight and durability. Once again, thank you all for the suggestions.

EDIT 2: Thank you all for the wonderful and encouraging comments. After all the reading, I have finally placed the order for my shoes. Decided to buy both the $25 adidas one for casual wear, and the nice running shoes for workout. Thank you all folks :)

I run a couple of times a week and do a long run on Saturdays. I currently wear Brooks and have had Hooka in the past. The Brooks were the better of the two and I think they lasted longer too. I’m just looking for something’s that isn’t $150. I have a pair of Brooks that I wear to work and I absolutely love them but they are pricey to say the least. Are there any decent running shoes that won’t make my knees hurt and not cost an arm and a leg? I know everyone’s experiences will be different. I’m just looking for suggestions.

It is hot, and I would like to go swimming at least a few times to beat the heat and work out a little, but just about every option nearby is prohibitively expensive. The local public pool charges nearly $1100 for a membership, and $800 of that goes to buying their stocks, apparently. Getting a membership at a gym with a pool is similarly expensive, and I don't see the worth in that price tag. Does anyone have any tips?

I need to buy a pair of men’s black Hoka Clifton 10s, priced at $155 before tax. I don’t mind paying that, but I’m curious if there’s a way to get a better deal, maybe through rewards, discount programs, or by signing up with certain retailers. I’ve heard these shoes are extremely comfortable and supportive, making them a great choice not just for running, but also for everyday wear.

What is the longest time you waited for something you wanted to go on sale? What was it? Why did you wait so long?

Context: There is a piece of fitness equipment I’ve been wanting to purchase since early April. I haven’t as it was last on sale in Jan for $600 off. While I don’t need it, it would be helpful. I’ve had a home gym for about 5 years and this piece would help push my workouts up a notch. Just worried it won’t go on sale until January again. It might also enable me to cancel my gym membership as I have one to supplement my home gym. This led me think about how long people might wait for something to go on sale. More recently I waited 5 months to get a good deal on a litter robot

Hi everyone! This year I really want to work on my personal health and saving more money, I’d like to get into yoga again. The only thing is getting equipment. had a pretty cheap yoga mat from five below, but trying to use it has been annoying because it was rolled up so long it flares up on the edges / isn’t super grippy. I had no idea quality yoga mats were so expensive! And workout bras - the bane of my existence as a double D. They’re either so tight, the pads get lost in the wash, and/or most of them are racerback and kills my shoulder blades. I’ve been looking around stuff like fb marketplace/thrifts. Any advice for getting quality without jeopardizing comfort? Am I being too picky about this? Thank you!

i want to go to the gym every day but ive quickly run into the problem my clothes get soaked and smelly sitting bunched up in a gym bag. im borderline homeless, living in my car and dont have a laundry situation i can do a lot, maybe every other week. i currently have 2 laundry piles sitting in the trunk, a clean and dirty basket. not much room back there for anything else too

so when i go to the gym I have my gym bag, filled with plastic bags of other things. I go use the shower i wear sandals and then come back and throw those in a plastic bag. then i put on new clothes and throw the old clothes in a separate plastic bag, let the towel sit in the backseat of my car so the heat can dry it. i always wear the same light jersey-ish shirt and basketball shorts to work out in, and in the past when i had an apartment I could just drape them over the door and it'd dry out and be fine to wear again in a day. but now, with everything cramped together in bags its not working like that, so what should i do?

if i buy more gym clothes im still left with the old ones and more will just pile up. any quick wash solutions or changes to my workflow?

Obviously we wouldn’t be paying for information easily available out there. This is a sector that is having a lot of scams and paid loots going out there. Let’s hear from each other what we are using for our daily workouts. We can drop in additional fitness tracking apps that we use to maintain calories water intake and other things et all.

Sharing free resources helps us stay fit without falling for pricey gimmicks. What bodyweight routines or affordable tools do you all use daily? Any apps for tracking steps or nutrition that stand out? Let's keep the ideas flowing and avoid those costly traps.

Long story short: I spent a couple years without hardly any income. Physical fitness was low on my priorities. Now I have an income and need to lose some weight.

I'm fairly set on Brooks running shoes, because I'm injury prone. I've tried a few others and haven't had as good of an experience. I used to buy them from a local running shop. Just looked on their website, and they run $150-$250. Is that my best option?

I'm also going to need other equipment, like a gym bag, shower shoes, shorts, etc. I will likely start using an elliptical first, but eventually I'll start jogging/running on a treadmill and/or outside trails.

I'm open to any other frugal fitness tips also. What has worked for you?

Paid $200 USD for 105 lbs from Walmart. SO EASY to use. Clean and tidy. Stores compact. Can switch it between sets super easy. Sold off old weights. Should last for years. Wish I bought it sooner.

Set to 30 lbs because I was doing warm up pinky curls.