Getting fit can be a daunting task at the best of times without even considering the cost of a gym membership or fitness classes. However, the good news is there are ways to get fit without breaking the bank.

A new year is usually a good time to start on your new fitness regime so here are a few tips on getting fit when you are broke after the festive period:

How to get fit on a budget:

  1. Make a plan.

    It is a good idea to start drafting a rough plan on how you want to get fit so you can start with the right tools. It doesn’t have to be a rigid schedule as chances are, you’ll find that some ways suit you more than most others. Get a notebook and dedicate it to your plan of action while noting your daily expectations and goals. Start small and build up!

  2. Go outside.

    It’s free and it’s fun! Decide if you would prefer to walk or run regularly and decide if you would like company or to go alone. A lot of people like the social aspect of walking and running whereas others prefer to go alone and listen to music to escape busy lives for a while.

    Getting outside is ideal and a simple way is making sure you get at least three days per week of outdoor activity in – in fact, the more the better. If you have a dog or kids, bring them with you as this will become a normal part of your schedule and theirs too. Some local parks or walkways now have facilities with adult outdoor fitness equipment - use them if they are available too. 

  3. Price the gym membership.

    A lot of towns or cities have a huge amount of gym options and if you consider the gym, you should find a well-priced option even on a short term basis. The same goes for classes that may offer ‘pay as you go’ so you don’t have to pay out a huge amount right away.

    Failing that, consider creating your own gym at home and get one item at first before building up to more. If you have the space, a ‘home gym’ is certainly more cost-effective than yearly memberships but again, it depends on if you like exercising alone or like the social aspect. The other thing to consider is that at home there isn’t a swimming pool or sauna to enjoy if it takes your fancy. 

  4. YouTube.

    Using fitness videos online is a sure-fire way to get fit without costing an arm and a leg. This also may suit those who don’t want to join a gym or those who feel self-conscious when out and about. The videos are there for all types of people and they give step-by-step guides on how to make the most out of the exercises. Of course, you may need to buy an exercise mat or a gym ball etc, but these things don’t cost the earth either and can be bought instead of a few cups of coffee. 

Good luck with your fitness regime!

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