Don’t let a lack of money be the reason for abandoning all those healthy New Year's resolutions. We have eight tips on how you can keep yourself fit for less than the price of a box of delicious jam doughnuts.
1. Work out DVDs
Check any bestselling DVD list during the Christmas period and there are bound to be at least a couple of celebrity fitness titles in there.
In the run-up to Christmas, fitness DVDs fly off the shelves faster than the hot cakes that will no doubt be consumed by their intended recipients over the same period.
This is good news for you, because come mid-January, there are sure to be some bargains to be had either on the high street or online at second-hand sites like eBay.
Fitness DVDs are so popular because they represent a relatively low, one-off cost, don’t require any specialist equipment and can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home.
There’s the added bonus that you can always swap them online or with a friend if you get bored with your particular workout and fancy a change.
From Davina to Nell to the Ministry of Sound, there are a huge array of titles available. Make sure you check the reviews online on sites like Amazon before you buy to help you separate the Cindys from the Jordans.
2. Video Games
If you were lucky enough to receive a Nintendo Wii from Santa this Christmas then there are a number of keep fit video games currently available.
By far the most popular is Wii Fit Plus which now even has government approval from the Department of Health.
Fitness videos share all the same advantages as their DVD cousins and, as long as you have enough room to swing a controller, are a fun and very contemporary way to stay fit.
3. Exercise at home
You can still exercise cheaply at home even if you haven’t got the latest games console or don’t fancy ending up with the body of a reality TV star.
Beware of letting the shopping network channels kid you into thinking that it’s necessary to spend hundreds of pounds in order to kit your home out with all the latest gym equipment.
Like fitness DVDs, once the New Year’s resolutions start to go by the wayside, the likes of eBay are flooded with unwanted gym equipment that has been gathering dust in the corner of someone’s bedroom
If you can avoid shipping costs and collect the items in person, then it is possible to get some basic gym equipment for a fraction of what you would pay new.
Sites like Freecycle are also worth a look. Gym equipment by its nature is often very heavy and people are willing to give it away for free just to get rid of it.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of space in your home. A corner of the garage, potting shed or even your garden (weather permitting) are all spaces that could be used as a work-out area.
There’s also all kinds of exercise you can do where simple household items can be used instead gym equipment.
Who needs a Stairmaster when you’ve got a flight of stairs? Why splash out on a sit-ups bench when you can tuck your tootsies under a bed or the sofa? And why buy a pair dumbbells when you’ve got a bag of self-raising flour in the kitchen cupboard?
4. Sports clubs
Joining a sports club is a good way of indulging in an activity that interests you - with the added bonus that it also keeps you fit. Also if you’re doing something you enjoy, you’re more likely to stick with it.
From hockey to handgliding and running to rowing, there are sports clubs out there for every conceivable interest.
Sports clubs are always looking for new members with all different skill levels and are generally very welcoming to newbies.
Remember, if you’re new to a sport then joining a club has the added advantage of giving you access to loads of training tips and advice from more experienced members. You’ll soon find yourself racking up personal bests in no time!
5. Running and walking
For those of you with a less competitive edge, simply running or walking is a very cheap means of keeping fit.
Once again the life of any distance runner (or walker) can be a lonely one. Running with a partner is not only more fun and safer, but also a great way of staying motivated. You can search for runners in your local area on www.runningpartners.org.uk.
Of course always take precautions when meeting up with someone for the first time. Either take someone with you or let a friend know where you are going, who you are meeting and how long you expect to be.
6. Free gyms
If you are a dedicated gym-bunny but are on a budget, it is still possible to use a gym without having to sign up for an expensive membership scheme.
YMCAs, universities and leisure centres all offer gym access on a pay-as-you-go basis. With many private gyms beginning to feel the pinch, some are also beginning to offer pay-as-you-go sessions although only at off-peak times.
If you’re feeling particularly cheeky, then why not take advantage of any free trials being offered by private gyms for a zero-cost work out. A lot of gym subscriptions also include a free guest pass, so if you have a rich friend who is letting their guest pass go to waste – why not ask them if you can use it?
Don’t forget your local council. With the nation’s health now being a political issue, councils like Birmingham are offering residents free use of public swimming pools and gyms during off-peak hours.
Also a recommendation from your GP could even get you a discounted gym membership if you are overweight or suffering from heart problems.
If you live in the inner city and don’t have the outside space to exercise, then go to www.tgogc.com. They specialise in building free outdoor gyms in inner city areas. You can check to see if there is one in your area or maybe even convince your local council to pay for installing one.
7. Green Gyms
So-called ‘Green Gyms’ have been run by the BTCV since 1998 and are now being used by over 10,000 people every week. The best thing about Green Gyms are that you can help the environment and keep fit at the same time.
It works on a volunteer basis and typically involves a three hour session with a break in the middle for tea and biccies. During a session you could find yourself clearing paths, cutting back undergrowth and also planting trees – all under the guidance of an experienced team leader.
Outdoor work of this kind is good for improving both your stamina and your strength. Every session is different so it is also less boring than more regulated exercise.
Most areas of the UK will already have their own Green Gym. You can find yours on http://www2.btcv.org.uk.
8. Gym membership (yes, really!)
The main drawback of a gym membership is that you sign up to a contract for a set period of time. This means you will still be paying out even if your interest wanes and you stop attending the gym. If you are not committed to keeping fit then a gym membership is a bad option for you.
However, if you are a dedicated ‘gym-bunny’ then paying for a gym membership is sometimes a more sensible option than pay-as-you-go. Take a look at the local gyms in your area and decide which one has the best deals for the facilities that you would like to use.
Work out how many times you would have to go each week in order to break even or recoup your membership fee. If it’s cheaper than pay-as-you-go then you might be better off taking out a membership. But always remember to read the terms and conditions carefully for any hidden extras before signing.
