Spill the beans... on cheap ways to get in shape this "summer"

pauliboo wrote: »

Does anyone know anything that a physically disabled person can do?

I go to physio every week, but the exercises aren't going to lose me any weight.

I have arthritis in my hip and lower back so walking is out of the question.

Aquarunning! No impact but you are supported by the water and the floatation suit. The effort obviously is the push against the water rather than gravity.

Back to the original subject of the thread. Get a few friends to go walking with it makes it more fun. 30 minutes per day, three days a week is supposed to be very good for you.

If you are going running or walking use an MP3 player with audio books downloaded onto it as it makes the time even more enjoyable.(50 Shades of Grey might be a bit distracting though).

Pick up exercise DVDs or equipment at Charity Shops or Car Boot Sales. I've seen DVDs at 50p - £1. I picked up (just) a set of weights in a carry case for £3. Also look out on Freecycle/Freegle for these items or even put a 'wanted' on for them.

To the disabled poster (sorry, head's a shed today, forgotten your name already:() - I'm disabled, can't walk at all with any footwear on, so go barefoot at home.

I'm too embarrassed to go to a gym (can just imagine the derision) so we invested in a WiiFit, and I've lost two and a half stone with that!:T My husband has also lost one and a half stone.

It's great because you just choose what you can manage, you can do 10 minutes at a time then rest if you want, and you do it when it suits you, not thing "oh no, it's Monday 19:00 and I have to attend the gym now" style of thing.

Other than that, smaller portions (try using a smaller plate, some folks find it helps) and tap water to drink.:o

I've personally lost about a stone in the past year or so, here are my best tips...

1. Don't take money to work. I don't carry cash every day because I know I will spend it on unnecessary snacks or drinks. About once a week I'll buy lunch at work but the rest of the days take a healthy packed lunch such as home made soup, noodles, beans with salad... and then keep a few bits at my desk such as dried fruit and nuts and green tea so I can have something if 'boredom hunger' strikes.

2. Go vegetarian/vegan!! I wouldn't tell anyone to go veggie against their will but if you've been thinking about it then give it a go even if it's just for some of the time. It saves money, makes you plan your meals, and (for me at least) helps shift some of those stubborn pounds

3. Go running or walking. All you need to invest in is a pair of trainers. You can get sports apps for free to track your walks/runs. See if there are any local running/walking clubs, these can be joined free or very cheaply.

4. Find exercises you can do at home. As others have mentioned you can pick up exercise DVDs online very cheaply. There are also videos and workout plans you can get for free, just do a quick search for 'printable workout plan', 'abdominal exercises', 'cardio exercises' etc... once you know a few exercises you can squeeze in a 15 minute workout in the morning or evening. Mix them up so you don't get bored and add in exercises from ballet/pilates/yoga/aerobics/anything you fancy!!

Works for me!! :T

Instead of buying expensive pasta and baking sauces, that contain fat, sugar and salt, use cheap tins of chopped tomatoes - add some chilli powder and dried herbs (and maybe crushed garlic) and you can get trim while saving money!