Getting fit on a budget

Jellicat

OK I'm unfit and skint. And also a bit demotivated. Aside from the obvious...walking and running, anyone got any good tips on getting fit that dont involve me forking out for expensive classes or gym fees? I'd love to join a martial arts class, but I'd rather have a little fitness first so I dont feel like a muppet when I join.

Sola

For about £20 you could get a set of dumbbells (handweights) which will be great for toning and building bone density. There are plenty of exercises illustrated on the Net as well as safety advice.

Bean_Counter

Jellicat wrote: »

I'd love to join a martial arts class

I do martial arts but it can be quite expensive when you add up the monthly fees, grading fees, licences, sparring gear etc. Having said that it is a real buzz and I really enjoy it. Just make sure that you know what you are getting yourself into if and when you decide to give it a go.

There are plenty of exercises that you can do using your own body weight as resistance, such as push ups, sit ups, squat thrusts etc etc. Have a search on the web and I'm sure that you will find a load more.

chickalittle

how about skipping? Buy yourself a decent skipping rope - probably around £10 from a sports shop ( don't get a kiddies one) - great for stamina and as a cardio work out. With skipping you can build it up quite easily. You could also invest in those wrap around ankle weights so when you are out walking you work harder - same with the wrist ones too - they're not too expensive either.

sarah1980

Get a DVD, or even better - rent one!

The best one I've ever used is Davina McCall's the Power of 3. Not super-skinny women in spandex, you can adapt the moves to suit your fitness level and all in the comfort of your own home.

You should be able to pick it up cheap on Ebay as it is a bit out of date now. But still the original and best!

Good luck x

Toothsmith

Pair of running shoes - out on the road.

Run/walk to start with and buld up the running time and gradually the distance.

Cheap as chips, fun, you'll feel better from day 1.

Increase natural endorphines so feel good factor will kick in.

Tone up very quickly

Just ckeck with a doctor first if you are very overweight, or have any health issues.

Jellicat

Wow Bean Counter I didn't know it would be pricey at all...its always something I've wanted to do but didn't factor in anything other than paying for classes and pads and things...it was partly a self defence thing as well as fitness. Maybe I'll just try self defence until I'm a bit less skint.

Will definitely try dumbbells, and skipping is one I hadnt thought about, ta! Already walk loads, I'm a bit paranoid to run though lol.

suki1964

Second the skipping here, can do it in doors as well as out if you have a room big enough, great fun (just make sure you have a very supportive bra)

Lita_Ford

How do you do it I dont get time to be unfit. Im on the go all the time

chuckley

tae-bo dvd OR free day gym passes.

robpw2

use your stairs at home ad some music and step up in time with the beat and then down