Getting fit is a New Year’s resolution that lots of people make each year. However, a few months into the year people can often find themselves flagging; gym memberships can be expensive and it can be difficult to keep up the enthusiasm for going several times a week.
There are lots of other ways you can get fit and healthy without paying for gym memberships or fancy exercise equipment. Here are some of our best tips:
Exercise at home
Aside from the expense, not everyone likes going to the gym and exercising in public. There are lots of simple exercises you can do in the comfort of your own home, such as this 10-minute cardio workout from NHS Choices, or their legs, bums, and tums workout.
Workout DVDs can be a great option too, as you have a set structure to follow and motivation from an instructor. If you or someone in your family has a games console, such as a Nintendo Wii or an Xbox One with a Kinect sensor, then you can find great workout and exercise games such as Wii Fit, or Xbox Fitness. These games have the added advantage of interactivity, so they can actually monitor your performance and help you to gradually improve your fitness levels like having your own personal trainer. You can also use these games to exercise as a family so you have fun at the same time.
Walking
Walking is one of the easiest ways to get more exercise and keep fit. You can increase the amount you walk day to day by leaving the car at home or not getting the bus for shorter journeys. You could also start going on weekend hikes with friends or family, or just walk around your local area. Walking is one of the easiest and most natural ways to increase your health and fitness.
Sports
Activities like badminton and swimming are accessible and enjoyable sports which don’t require a lot of expensive equipment. Badminton is an easy sport to get into, and doesn’t require a lot of skill to start playing. It also allows you to exercise in a more social way, playing against friends or family.
Swimming is also a great option, as it gives practically all your muscles a good workout. The price of using the pool in your local leisure or sports centre should also be a great deal less than the gym, and you don’t have to be tied into any lengthy contracts.
