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:
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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!
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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. -
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. -
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!