If you’re a self-confessed couch potato or a certified fitness fanatic, there are many different ways to get in shape and stay there – that don’t require a gym membership.
Here are a few ways to work towards a healthy mind and body – on a budget of course!
- Try Workout DVDs / Youtube videos
Exercise videos have come a long way since the leotard and headbands of the 80s. Every fitness celebrity who is worth their salt has a fitness DVD or two up their sleeve. These days you can access these videos and countless others on Youtube. This method require a little more self motivation and discipline – if you struggle with hyping yourself up then this may not be the best option for you.
Press play and get to sweating!
- Food is Money
Yes, food costs money. But, food is more expensive in restaurants and fast food chains than it is in the grocery store. Buy your produce fresh such as fruits and vegetables, if you look for fruit and veggies that are in season you can usually get them at a cheaper price. The same goes for lean meats, you can buy regular meats like ham, steak and chicken and cut the fat off yourself and baam LEAN MEAT!
Never underestimate the power of H2O, water is a natural hunger suppressant and helps support the functions of these body including digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature.
- Get ‘appy
There are a whole slog of fitness apps popping up all over the place that will help you train and track your progress as you work towards different goals.
Apps like Nike Training Club are great for squeezing in a quick session at home and you don’t need anything but floor space to tone up with their routines.
Instagram is also full of it’s own fitness celebs – check out our Instagram for weekly workout videos! You can find free apps with diet plans, recipe tips, workouts and trackers to show you where you are running.
- Cut out junk food
A pantry full of crisps and Dial-a-Meal deliveries straight to your door might sound like the best option when you flop on the sofa after a hard day at the office, but it won’t be doing your waistline – or your wallet any good.
Cut out the takeaways, processed foods and snacks, eat real food and you will not only see the difference, you’ll feel it too.
- Buy your own equipment
Always dreamed of a home gym? Now just take away all of the shiny, expensive bits and you can have your very own at home gym!
Head to our local sports shops like Mr. Price Home or Sportsman Warehouse and grab yourself a few versatile pieces of equipment that you can work your whole body with from the comfort of your own home. Look for items like dumbbells, medicine balls, resistance bands and kettlebells.
- Drink water, water water!
You might be totally on top of this healthy eating business, but have you stopped to think about what else you’re chucking down your throat?
Fizzy drinks, like Coke, Sprite or Fanta, along with highly sweetened or flavoured fruit juices are only good for two things – rotting your teeth and piling on the pounds. They’re also hella expensive.
Switch to plain old water and you’ll find it’s cheaper (even free!), much more refreshing and much better for you. Experts recommend that we drink 8 to 10 glasses (equal to around 2 litres) every day!
If you find the taste of water a bit dull, try adding some chopped up fruit to give it a bit of flavour & drink up!
- Get outside
Just getting outside of your house can be enough to gee up the fitness effort. Grab your trainers and go for a jog around your local area – you might also be surprised at what you see.
If your running shoes aren’t quite feeling up to it, then grab those walking boots instead and set off on a hike.
Not only is walking or running the cheapest option on the menu, but you can even download an app that will pay you for the steps you take like the Nike Running Club.
- Play ‘free’ sports
There’s no denying that some sports/ activities can be costly and there’s plenty that require you join a team to take party (ugh, commitment). This isn’t the case for everything though. Hoorah!
Lots of universities will offer free facilities, whether it’s a field for a kickabout or some tennis courts or a swimming pool, so check out what’s available in your area.
Visit SWEAT FITNESS for all your health & fitness needs. Come check out our bootcamp – your first session is on us!
