With the current cost of living crisis, finding affordable ways to stay fit has become more important than ever. Keeping fit on a budget is possible and in fact, there are plenty of fun and creative ways to stay active without breaking the bank.
Whether you prefer walking, swimming, running, yoga, or more adventurous outdoor activities – there are plenty of options to choose from.
To add some excitement to your workouts, Dean Zweck, Product Development Manager at Total Fitness, has shared his tips on how to make the most of your wallet-friendly workouts while still having fun.
1. Workout from home – as well as the gym
You might wonder why an expert from a leading health club is telling you to work out from home but don’t be surprised – pairing home workouts with a gym routine is a great combination.
One of the biggest benefits of working out at home is the convenience factor. You don’t have to worry about travelling to the gym or finding time to fit a workout into your schedule.
You can work out whenever you feel like it, whether that’s early in the morning, late at night, or during a lunch break.
Try to alternate between the gym and working out at home so you can benefit from the variety of machines and heavier weights at the gym and also the convenience of home workouts.
When you exercise at home, you have more control over your workout routine. You can customise your workout to your fitness level and goals with the help of online sites or streaming services.
They offer free workout routines, meaning you can experiment with different exercises and equipment to find what works best for you.
Total Fitness has a range of digital workouts for members to take advantage of – whether it’s a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout, or more meditative Yoga or Pilates – there’s something for everyone.
Additionally, you can put on your favourite playlist and do simple exercises such as push-ups, squats, sit-ups, jumping jacks, and burpees – these can be done anywhere with no equipment needed.
2. Swim to get fit
Unlike other forms of exercise that require expensive equipment, swimming requires minimal equipment apart from swimwear and a pair of goggles.
Of course, some people choose to invest in additional gear but that’s not necessary to reap the benefits of a good swim. Swimming is a versatile form of exercise that can be adapted to meet the needs of the swimmer.
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced in the water, there are many different workouts and swimming techniques that you can try to keep your workouts interesting and challenging.
Swimming is an excellent form of exercise as not only do all the major muscle groups receive a great workout, but it is also low impact compared to other cardio options such as running, meaning less stress is put on your joints. If you’re lucky enough to live by the sea, going for a morning swim doesn’t cost a penny.
At Total Fitness, we offer a range of different swimming facilities for kids and adults of all ages, including family pools, main pools and hydro pools, making it great value for money.
3. Join a Gym with Variety and Value
Gyms that offer a variety of ways for members to workout, from swimming pools to group classes, are worth the cost. Total Fitness offers various membership discounts available for anyone looking to get active, including students, couples and over 65’s.
Many gyms also offer free trial periods for new members too meaning you can try before you buy and make sure it’s the right gym for you.
Once you sign up for a gym membership, be sure to take advantage of all the classes and facilities available. You’ll be able to explore which workouts work for you, no matter your goal.
Gyms offer great value as they provide a variety of ways to work out, allowing you to mix up your exercise routine to avoid any boredom and keep you engaged whatever your fitness journey.
What works for you one day, may not work the next, so being able to adapt and change your routine means you can always get the best out of your workout.
4. Join a Class
Joining a class can be another money-saving way to get fit and have some fun. With many gyms offering a variety of classes from high-intensity workouts such as Bootcamp or Spin, to the more relaxing forms of fitness with Yoga, Thai Chi and Pilates – there is always a class to suit your mood.
The great thing about classes is you can shake up your weekly session, allowing you to try out different workouts that you may never have tried before, as well as helping you to find new workouts that you can build into your everyday fitness routine. They can give you exercises to try outside of the class and build up your confidence too.
Classes are also fantastic ways to socialise, meaning you could find a workout buddy who is also looking for ways to get fit for less.
With the rise of group exercise classes, whether you’re attending with current friends, or looking to make new ones, classes give you a chance to spend time with like-minded people, whilst also helping you to reach your goals.
Finally, don’t forget that getting fit on a budget doesn’t mean your workouts have to be boring. Embrace the variety of ways to work out and find something to suit your needs, whether that’s traditional forms of exercise such as weight training or running, to alternative ways to move your body, such as hiking, climbing, rowing, dance classes – or even roller skating.