Looking at a good economical way to fitness -Suggestions?

Donegal_Paul

Right, I'm 40 and looking to lose some weight but also get fit.

So in a bid to do this I have downloaded the podcasts on http://www.armyfit.mod.uk/GetStarted.aspx but they don't actually correspond with the excercises on the website!! for example on the site day 1 is 2min jogging 2 min rest, on the podcast its 1 of each then the next day blurs into the 1st on the podcast and seems like the right and left hand dont know what they are doing :-(

So, Im motivated and looking really for a podcast ideally as this can keep me motivated, Im the kind of person needs a routine for this sort of thing if Im to keep at it and I want to keep at it!

So, anyone got any suggestions, my only other possibilities are to use the kids wii fit i guess but I would rather be out in the fresh air frankly, as I would think it's better excercise.

Please don't suggest a gym, I can't afford it at all so there's no point :-(

chivers1977

This is what I am doing http://www.c25k.com/ with the Get Running app on my ipod

Donegal_Paul

ohh thanks for that, ill have a proper look but certainly looks good at first glance

Kt8

get the 30 day shred dvd from ebay 6quid. if gets results and is exactly same programme i used to do with my personal trainer. use it with the couch to 5k run as running alone won't get you the results that the shred exercises do.

jenniewb

Not sure if they have fees or not but don't forget to look up running schools. Try sports stores like Runners Need where they may have advertisements for such groups or even know of groups to attend themselves.

Also don't forget things like thr Army circuit drill training (British Military Fit or something like that!) - they happen all year round (just tend not to be so popular in the winter as they are outside)contact your nearest cadet group for more info. I would be amazed if that didn't make you fit!

You don't want to join a gym but many council gyms are pay as you go. You pay one fee to register and then just pay every time you go. I know its still not cheap (£7 a visit!!) but its not something you have to attend every day to get the full benefit and could be a good challenge if you feel you need a kick-start once in a while. Variation is the key to keeping yourself fit- do as many different forms of exercise as you feel able and change your workout every 6-8 weeks to constantly challenge your body.

Donegal_Paul

kt8, is the dvd really any good, have you tried it?

jennieb, I've had a chance to look at local running clubs etc locally but there's nothing local thats not too expensive for me :-( we also dont have anything like a running shop round here, its all jb sports or sports direct :-(

British Military Fit I have already looked at and again, none near me in Bedford.

Again, on council run gyms, it's 30 quid to register then it's £6.30 per session which I simply cannot afford as I do need some structure or I'll simply not carry on, that's what I'm like. :-(

So, I think that the main plan will be to try the 8 week C25K starting on Wednesday.

flossyblog

I would always recommend walking.

You can start off at your own speed, if you walk slowly it doesn't matter. after a few walks you will find that you are walking quicker.

have a look for organised walks in your area. http://www.getwalking.org/

Donegal_Paul

Thing is with walking, if I want to get fit I need to get my heartrate up otherwise it's not excercise :-/ So I may as well run.

jenniewb

Donegal_Paul wrote: »

Thing is with walking, if I want to get fit I need to get my heartrate up otherwise it's not excercise :-/ So I may as well run.

I can see where your coming from (I actually agree with how you feel) but walking is still exercise. Attach ankle and wrist weights for more of a challenge and power-walk up steep hills- this can actually help you increase muscle and improve your cardio.

Only other suggestion I have is to rent/buy a bike and use it for all your transport if you don't already.

Get on a train somewhere an hour or more away and run around wherever you decide to go. New sights every time!

Try different styles of running: sideways, backwards, uphill, with vibrams, with other peoples dogs (you may become very popular in the winter months! high knee running, heel flicks, speed intervals.... the different styles will all help your general running improve. I really rate hill running and noticed a big improvement in my speed after a summer of running up many hills outside last year. (Unfortunetly I developed a shin/soleus issue and am not able to run outside this year ) but if you want to get your heart rate up, find the steepest hill you can find and race yourself up.

chivers1977

Donegal_Paul wrote: »

kt8, is the dvd really any good, have you tried it?

jennieb, I've had a chance to look at local running clubs etc locally but there's nothing local thats not too expensive for me :-( we also dont have anything like a running shop round here, its all jb sports or sports direct :-(

British Military Fit I have already looked at and again, none near me in Bedford.

Again, on council run gyms, it's 30 quid to register then it's £6.30 per session which I simply cannot afford as I do need some structure or I'll simply not carry on, that's what I'm like. :-(

So, I think that the main plan will be to try the 8 week C25K starting on Wednesday.

Go for it Paul. There is a thread on here for C25K or a facebook group too that you can post on http://www.facebook.com/C25Kplan. I am now on W4D2 tonight and am feeling so energised and loving it:T

PS Remember to come back and let us know