We can all dream of owning a membership to an exclusive gym, hiring a hot personal trainer to motivate us and being able to afford a wardrobe of workout outfits that will make us actually want to wear sports clothes. We can also convince ourselves that if we could afford all this we would be better at sticking to our workout routines. The reality is that while all these things would make working out much more fun and appealing, if you are serious about getting into shape there are ways of doing so on a budget.
This doesn’t mean that you will be just restricted to outdoor running, although this is a very good and cheap form of exercise, instead there are lots of different ways you can get into shape without forking out a small fortune each month. Still don’t believe me? Here are five ways of exercising on a budget:
Workout DVDs
There is a reason why each January a host of new fitness DVDs hit the shops – they are an effective and cheap way of getting into shape. OK, not every celeb-promoted fitness DVD is going to work and you still need the motivation to change into your workout gear, put on the DVD and workout; but if you’re look for a cost-effective way of toning your body and losing weight buying a few recommended workout DVDs will help you get there.
Advantages: You can workout whenever you want and in the privacy of your own home.
Disadvantages: Good workout DVDs will cost money, but you only have to pay once; plus you still need to find the motivation to do the programme.
Apps
Many fitness and diet apps are free to download and easy to use. They help you to track the workouts you do and the food you eat, some apps will also provide suggested workout routines. As well as this, we all keep our phones with us practically all the time so you’ll be able to workout anywhere and anytime.
Advantages: Free or very cheap to download, easy to use and enable you to workout anywhere and anytime.
Disadvantages: Most are better at keeping track of your exercise and diet rather than providing workouts, however they can be motivational.
Online fitness programmes
Online fitness programmes are the modern version of fitness DVDs, but with the added bonus of a more varied workout and sometimes getting personal motivation from the trainers. Like with workout DVDs, you will have to pay to access the programme and often have to pay a monthly fee to continue, however these are usually much less than a monthly gym membership or personal training session.
Advantages: Online fitness programmes are a great and cheaper alternative to hiring a personal trainer and they often provide a programme tailored to suit your requirements.
Disadvantages: You need a good internet connection plus it is probably not an option for those on a tight budget.
Outdoor exercise
Do you live near to a park with adult exercise equipment, or close to good hiking trails, alternatively can you dust off your bike? There are many ways to exercise outdoors that require little to no equipment and which are fun to do. The downside is that our British weather means that unless you enjoy battling the elements you won’t be able to get outdoors every day, however when the sun is shining and the weather is nice there is no excuse to heading outdoors for some exercise.
Advantages: Free or very cheap to do, fun especially if you can get a group of friends to come along as well.
Disadvantages: The British weather.
Join a sports team
Maybe it’s because many are put off from old school memories, but a lot of people overlook joining a sports team. There are many adult sports teams around that are keen for new recruits and provide motivation, encouragement and a supportive team environment. Often joining a sports team is free or doesn’t cost a lot of money, plus it has the advantage of making exercise fun and social. Joining a sports team is particularly good if you’ve recently moved to a new area and want to make friends and meet new people.
Advantages: Free or very cheap to do, social and fun, a great way of meeting new people and making friends, you also get motivation from a coach for free.
Disadvantage: You will need to commit time towards training and maybe competing in competitions, although fun you will need to be prepared to take it seriously as well.
Written by Derin Clark a fitness enthusiast and a keen runner. The article was written on behalf of Wicksteed, which provides adult outdoor exercise equipment and children’s playground equipment.
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