Is 2009 the year you're going to start a new fitness regime, but you don't want to break the bank? Here are some top tips on how to exercise for less!
Well, the fun and frolics are over. You've gobbled up enough mince pies and turkey to last you a lifetime, and now you need to get fit!
With a new year ahead of us, many of us will have made the resolution that this year, we're going to lose weight, get fit, and generally become healthier. There's just one problem -- a lack of cash.
Money is always tight after the Christmas festivities, but with the economy on the rocks, this time round it's even tougher.
But don't despair, there are a number of ways to get fit without having to fork out loads of cash.
Change your everyday habits
Simple changes to your general lifestyle can make a big difference to your fitness levels.
Instead of taking the car everywhere, why not try to walk more often (for your shorter journeys, anyway)? It's so tempting to dive straight into your car on these chilly mornings, but making the effort to walk more regularly will not only help your fitness levels but also the environment.
If, like me, you take public transport to work, try to get off a stop early and walk the rest of the way. Or walk up the stairs in your office instead of taking the lift.
And when you're at work, don't email or phone your colleagues -- walk over to their desks instead to burn off extra calories!
Exercise in and around your home
Household chores -- General everyday household tasks like hoovering can be dull, but they are a great way of exercising and burning off calories. So stop using the dishwasher and start doing the washing up!
Improvise -- It's not difficult to design your own exercise routine at home. Filled water bottles and tin cans make great hand weights and there are plenty of exercises you can do without needing equipment, such as squats, press-ups, and sit-ups. Just turn on some music to get you in the mood, and away you go!
DVDs -- Fitness DVDs can be a great way to exercise and are a worthwhile investment if you use them regularly. However, it's always worth checking out your local library before you buy your own. That way you can save money and regularly alternate the DVDs so you don't get bored!
Fitness equipment -- If you have the space and are serious about using it regularly, investing in fitness gear such as rowing machines and exercise bikes can be well worth it. But before you pay up, check out Freecycle, the online recycling network. You will often find that someone is desperate to get rid of equipment that's hardly been used, and you won't have to pay a penny!
Join up with mates -- Why not organise a local footy team? Get several of your mates together and agree to meet up a couple of times a week for a game or two.
Alternatively, find a friend who is also looking to get fit, and arrange to go out for a run together a few times a week. Having a mate to spur you on can help to boost motivation levels and stop you from choosing to crash out in front of the telly instead.
Wii-Fit -- A fairly costly way to keep fit but if used regularly, it can be good value for money. Typically, a Wii-Fit (plus balance board) will set you back around £70.
Check out the local stuff first
I don't even want to think about how much I spend a year on my gym membership. It's too horrifying. But for some people (like me), joining a gym is the only way they know they will exercise.
However, before you sign up to one of the `big chains', have a look around to see what's in your local area. Local leisure centres can be cheaper than the larger gyms and will often have a swimming pool and squash courts to take advantage of.
The other great thing about local leisure centres is that you can often visit on a `pay as you go' basis -- so you don't have to commit to a contract. That said, if you are planning to use the facilities on a regular basis, it's usually cheaper to become a member.
You can search for local facilities on Active Places or for local sports clubs on LocalSportsClubs.co.uk.
Joining the gym
If you do decide to sign up with one of the larger gyms, one of the first things you should do is check whether the company you work for offers a discount at a gym nearby. Many do and it's a great way to save some cash.
Alternatively, you could join up through PruHealth, a medical insurance plan from Prudential. With this innovative scheme, you sign up for health insurance and automatically join the `Vitality' programme. This enables you to earn points whenever you go to the gym (up to one visit a day and 15 a month). The more points you build up, the bigger the discount you will be given on gym membership at Cannons, LA Fitness, or Virgin Active. You may even get it for free!
And you can boost your points further by doing simple things like buying fruit and veg at Sainsburys, giving up smoking and taking a fitness assessment. What's more, your points could help lower your premium when you next come to renew your health insurance policy.
But if this isn't for you, it's worth looking out for special offers at this time of year. Some gyms will be offering lower membership fees or free trials to encourage you to sign up. LA Fitness, for example, is currently offering half price membership, and you can also get a free one month's trial through Company Magazine. Readers of the Daily Mail can also take advantage of a free one month's trial at Kinetika, Otium and Quality Living health clubs.
Free one day trials are currently being offered by Fitness First and Esporta which allow you to assess the gym before you commit. And don't forget, if you do decide to join up, you can always try haggling to get a better deal!
Hopefully some of these ideas have inspired you to get fit! And if you are looking for a bit more motivation, check out the Fitness & Exercise discussion board for Foolish tips and advice.
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