Gym memberships can be pricey, but luckily, there are plenty of other ways to exercise that won’t break the bank.
Here are 10 of the best, cheapest exercises you can add to your fitness plan without spending all your hard earned money on fancy equipment…
Walking
It might sound obvious, but go for a walk! Walking is the most basic form of exercise that you can do anytime and anywhere, and because is low impact, the risk of injury is low.
You should ideally take 10,000 steps a day to maintain good health and lose weight. Use a pedometer and make sure you’re reaching that target.
You can usually buy a basic one for about $15 or simply install some pedometer app on your smartphone.
Make a point of walking whenever you can. Take the stairs instead of the lift, walk part of the way to work, or take a quick stroll during your lunch break.
If you prefer company, get into a routine of taking the dog for a walk in the evening, or arrange to walk with a friend.
Swimming
Swimming is a great workout. Even just half an hour burns over 200 calories.
Admission to a local pool usually only costs a few dollars, so it’s an exercise you can fit into your weekly fitness regime without hurting your wallet too much.
And it’s good for all different levels of strength and fitness. Work at your own pace and gradually build up your stamina.
Dancing
Dancing burns an average of 300-800 calories an hour – so get the music pumping! There are plenty of good dancing classes offered quite cheap and for all skill levels.
So have a look around at some local studios or take Zumba classes. Alternatively, you can just dance by yourself or with friends at home.
Dancing improves your balance and coordination at the same time as getting your heart pumping. So it’s a great way to burn excess fat while having fun. Put on your favorite music on and go crazy!
Bike riding
Ditch the tram and ride your bike instead. Bike riding is a great way to burn fat and build up muscle strength, toning your calves, thighs and glutes.
If you own a bike, try to ride it more often instead of driving or catching public transport. Or, if you think you’ll only use it once in a while, you can hire bikes pretty cheaply.
Going for a scenic ride along the beach or the river is an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, giving you a workout while your mind relaxes.
Skipping
Grab a jump rope. Skipping is an excellent cardiovascular workout and helps to tone your legs and stomach.
You can mix and match different styles of skipping and develop your own routine.
For example: try jumping rope for 30 seconds at a moderate pace, then for skipping intensely for the next 30 seconds, then back to your normal pace, and continue alternating.
Play around and have fun – and you’ll be working up a sweat in no time!
Strength Training At Home
Invest in a simple set of hand-weights, or use household objects like water bottles and follow a strength training routine at home.
You can use a chair to do tricep dips, and a bar to do chin-ups. You can also do plenty of exercises such as sit-ups and push-ups without any equipment at all. Develop a routine and stick to it.
Exercise videos
Using exercise videos is a great option if you like an organized workout led by an instructor, but can’t afford expensive classes or are shy about exercising in front of people.
Shop around and invest in some exercise videos that you can use regularly. There are also plenty of websites that offer free exercise videos taking you through step-by-step instructions with routines that you can regularly use.
Even try a quick search on YouTube. You’ll see how many videos there are out there.
Group personal training
If you feel like you need a personal trainer, but are put off by the cost, why not get a group of friends together to share the price?
Most personal trainers will offer a reduced price for groups, and this way, you can make your workout a social activity.
This is likely to make you feel more positive about it and more likely to stick to the commitment.
Rollerblading
Remember how much fun rollerblading used to be? Dig out your old pair and roll away, and you’ll be toning you legs, lower abdomen, butt and lower back at the same time as burning calories.
In nice weather, it’s a pleasant way to spend an hour or so- try rollerblading along the beach or in a park.
On rainy days, you could even get a group together and check out an old-school indoor roller-disco.
Mini trampolining
Trampolines are fun and they can give you a great workout too! You can buy a mini trampoline for around $80.
Set it up in front of the TV and jump or jog on it while watching your favorite shows.
It’s a great way to work out without getting bored or overly tired, and it works to tone your calves, quads and glutes at the same time as getting your heart pumping and burning calories.
