No gym, no worries!
Bank-busting clothing, extortionate gym memberships and the cost of equipment with the added uncertainty of how many times you’ll actually use it once bought. These are all things that are blocking us from hopping up off the couch right away and kick starting our fitness journeys. But, I’m afraid to say, if that’s the case for you it really is time you started looking for better excuses!
Working out and getting fit doesn’t have to be expensive – just like anything else it’s about shopping around and searching for the best deal for you. After a year of being a fitness-wannabe resting on a tight student bank balance, I wanted to share with you some of my top tips on ‘how to keep fit on a budget’:
Weights
…are expensive! And let’s face it, one set just doesn’t cut it if you’re planning on a full body workout that challenges more than just one or two muscles. Why not try locating a few household items that do the same trick? Tinned food, carrier bags with shopping in, shampoo bottles… These are all ways of giving your muscles a quick workout without the need for costly kilograms.
Walls
Walls can be very useful. As crazy as it sounds, I promise there’s a message in this. Whether it’s standing press-ups against the wall, or sitting against the wall with your back against it, they can come in very handy and can contribute considerably towards a full body workout.
Bums & legs
You don’t need to buy a fancy gym box that folds in half both ways, does handstands and sings to you all at the same time in order to get a tight and toned bum. It’s as simple as that. A normal foot stool or box will do the trick – mine cost me £1 from a charity shop and can be used in exactly the same way as the fancy ones at the gym and can be used for step ups, lunges, calf raises and many more.
Arms
Who knew I’d ever be sat here suggesting to you that your bed could in fact help your fitness plan and not hinder it? Exercises like step-ups, tricep dips and chest press can all be completed with the added help of a bed, though make sure you don’t just opt for a nap instead – this won’t help you very much.
Cardio
I know we all naturally become a little more self-conscious when we’re sporting tight clothing and a layer of sweat across our whole body, however running outdoors rather than on a treadmill is so much better for you. It’s free, it can be more challenging due to the varying terrains, and it means you can get lots of fresh air during your workout – win, win! Cardio doesn’t have to be complicated – it could be as simple as walking, rather than driving, or making two trips, which brings me onto my next point…
The dreaded stairs
It’s crazy to think how many people complain about their weight and their fitness levels, yet still opt for the lift rather than the stairs at any given opportunity. Want to take the first step? Take the stairs.
Non-equipment workouts
There are many, many exercises you can do that just don’t involve any equipment at all. Things like leg raises, squats, sit-ups, press-ups and so much more can be done in limited space and won’t cost you a penny. You can even find workout sessions on the internet which you can follow and do on a daily basis in order to see improvements in your fitness in the long run!