Whether you’re hoping to get fit or add a little exercise to your routine, the gym seems like a good place to start. But with the average gym membership costing around £40 each month, it can be a drain on your finances.
Here’s how you can keep fit with a slim budget:
1) Couch to 5K
Are you a complete stranger to jogging? Couch to 5K is an app that’s ideal for beginners who want to get fit and start running.
The idea of running an entire 5K can seem daunting if you’ve only ever ran for the bus. That’s why the NHS-backed app slowly encourages you to build up your stamina over time.
The entire process should take nine weeks. During the first week, you’ll start slow and mix walking with short bursts of jogging. By the end, you should feel fit enough to complete a whole 5K run! The app will guide you through each and every step, which can help boost your motivation levels. And the best part is, you won’t need to spend a penny.
You can download the app for free or listen to the podcasts on your phone. Head over to the NHS site to find out more.
2) Yoga at home
Yoga is a great way to keep fit and stay in shape. And as you’re using lots of your muscles at once, it’s also a good way to tone up.
Signing up to a yoga club can be just as expensive as joining a gym. Luckily, it’s easy to save yourself some money and enjoy yoga from the comfort of your own home.
If you’ve got the time to wrap your head around the moves, you can do yoga in your own way and at your own pace. All you need is some space, a mat, and if you really want to relax, some calm music.
Alternatively, there are countless online yoga tutorials and teachers. You can head over to YouTube to find some yoga videos online – they’re totally free and simple to follow. If you’re not sure where to start, this blog has a list of the best YouTube yoga channels.
3) Fitness videos
Many people like going to the gym to attend high intensity or group fitness classes. While gyms can already be expensive, these classes can be an additional cost.
You can enjoy a similar workout from your own living room. Simply head online to find an exercise routine of your choice, press play, and work out at home.
You can also find fitness classes by following fitness instructors and personal trainers on Instagram. Many fitness accounts host live IGTV fitness sessions, where you can watch and join in for free.
A totally free way to work out, all you’ll need is some appropriate fitness clothing and some space to move about.
4) Change your routine
Keeping fit for free can be as simple as just switching up your daily routine. Without paying over the odds for a gym membership or taking the time out of your day, you can still find ways to get active.
For shorter distances, you could try swapping driving for walking. For example, if you usually drive the kids to school, you could consider walking or cycling – a great way to keep the whole family healthy.
Or, you could try adding more activity back into your social life. Instead of meeting up with a friend in a cafe, you could go on a walk together and catch up. Ideal for both your budget and your fitness regime!
5) Join a local sports club
For many people, fitness can be a slog. If weightlifting or jogging isn’t your thing, you might have more fun taking part in some local sports.
Adding a bit of competition and socialising to your workout can make it seem more fun. You could meet new people, learn a new skill, and best of all, save the money you’d spend on going to a gym.
Some local sports clubs might have a small membership fee, while others could be totally free. Take a look online or research your local groups to get involved.
