If you're not on a budget then this is not for you... I think 99% of us are watching our budget to some extent and gyms are SO expensive. I'm not a member of a gym at the moment, I'm trying to do it the old fashioned way... below are some ideas to keep you working out without oveworking your wallet!
1) Get walking!
Try to incorporate some brisk walking into your every day routine. Take the stairs rather than the lift, get off the bus a stop early or take a walk during your lunch hour. On your days off explore the countryside; even if you live in a town, get out and appreciate the beauty of the country. But remember, no dawdling now, walk fast and swing those arms!
2) Cycle to work
Swap your tube or train ticket for your bicycle and cycle to and from work. If you’re not quite ready to do this every day, start with one trip a week and work your way up as your fitness levels increase. Sure, you'll have to organise yourself a bit better, i.e. clothes at work etc, but make a pledge to yourself to do it come rain or shine, it's way too easy to make excuses due to the weather!
3) Man's best friend
I am really lucky to have a dog, I know people who would love one but their lifestyle just does not allow it. But taking a dog out and about is likely to make your walks more fun, and more energetic! If you don’t have a dog of your own, see if you can borrow one from a friend or neighbour.
4) Contact your inner child
If you have kids, do they spend too much time in front of the TV or computer? Get them playing some games outdoors - and join in. If you’re not a natural footballer, try a gentler activity like Frisbee or kite flying.
5) Home and garden
I don't know about you but I'm always exhausted when I've done the cleaning; both gardening and hoovering are both excellent ways to keep fit. Even washing up or cleaning the windows will burn a good few calories! Research suggests that doing regular weekly housework could burn off over 50,000 calories a year.
6) Volunteer outdoors
There are plenty of charities who need volunteers to work in the great outdoors. For example, the Wildlife Trust always need people to help with conservation work - everything from pond and woodland maintenance to acting as a wildlife guide. You’ll get fitter, meet new people and do some good at the same time!
7) Get standing
Try to stand, rather than sit, when you’re traveling on public transport. This will burn more calories and help tone your leg muscles. If you balance on your own (rather than holding on to anything) you’ll be working your core stability muscles, too.
8) Don't slouch!
Many of us are guilty of poor posture, especially when sitting at a desk or at the dinner table. One way to improve posture (and avoid damage to the lower back) is to sit on an exercise ball instead of a chair. Your core muscles will have to work harder to keep you balanced, so it will be much more difficult to slouch.
9) Swap fitness DVDs
I don't know one person who doesn't have a fitness DVD they don't use anymore,, mostly because they get pretty dull once you've done them over and over. Gear up some of your friends for a swap, everyone will benefit and you'll give your fitness a boost by doing something different!
10) And if you really can't live without the gym...
Get hold of free one day passes... most chains offer these and are keen to attract new members so give them out fairly freely.
So... every little helps, surely there's something in the list above that attracts you!
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