Getting fit on a budget

nappentass

Check out podcasts/mp3, free downloads.
I've just found that Yoga Journal do nice audio and video's which is helping me get back to yoga.
I've also seen personal training type stuff whilst browsing podcasts, which is usually free - just needs downloading - I use itunes, which has a huge podcast directory, and watch the videos on the 'puter screen cos my ipod's too old for the video stuff.

HTH
Jill

geri1965_2

I gave up the gym as I wasn't really enjoying it and I found it a chore.

I cycle or walk to work (you don't have to spend a lot on a bike, you can pick one up cheaply second hand or Halfords do some reasonably priced new ones) and I got a set of weights from Argos which I use for for upper body exercise.

I did also buy a skipping rope but I've never used it, I'm not supposed to do things that put too much stress on my feet due to having plantar fasciitis (although I ignore this advice when it comes to walking to work

mzdotokay

Buy yourself a bike and cycle wherever you go: to work, shopping, meeting friends - its enjoyable, easy, much less strenuous than running and its free (once you´ve bought the bike of course)!

Take it on the train at weekends too for a civilised cycle in the countryside.

geri1965_2

And a bike will save you money as well if you use it instead of taking the car or bus.

Idiophreak

Just to second things that have been suggested already really - the Tae Bo DVDs really are great - I'm not your average fitness DVD watcher, always found them soft, but especially the more advanced Tae Bo tapes are *fantastic* for getting you into shape, you really work up a sweat, they improve flexibility no end and teach you some basic kicks and punches (which might be useful for whatever martial art you chose).

If you wanna get into martiial arts on the cheap, I can recommend Judo and Jitsu (also, maybe, aikido)- both only really require a suit (probably £10 on ebay or £25 new) and cost a couple of quid per session - plus probably 20-30/year for licence and gradings. They're also both quite tuned toward self defense and you get a reasonable amount of "hands on" action, rather than just punching into space the whole time.

Cycling's also a good way to sneak some exercice in - for short trips it's probably faster than driving by the time you've parked the car, etc. And it's great to cycle out for a picnic on the weekend.

Dumbells are also a good idea, especially for guys that want to polish up ready for their "gun show" - a bunch of curls before bed each night soon tightens things up.

The exercise balls you get are also great - they really help with core stability and strength - good to combine with the dumbells for "bench" presses, good just for situps. Most come with a selection of exercises you can try and the box, or else there's loads online.

missyg_3

I set up a home gym for about £250 and got good value for money, but it could also be done a lot cheaper than that. Gym fees where I live are around £35-40/month, so it has already paid for itself - plus no petrol and the bonus of being able to workout even on busy days when I wouldn't normally be able to squeeze in a gym visit

- Cardio equipment from ebay local bargains or Freecycle
- Cheap gym mats from Argos, under £4 each
- Dumbell sets £10-£20 or less if you're lucky
- Rowing action exerciser £9.99 (I love this versatile piece of kit)
- Make your own folder of exercise/stretch diagrams & dumbell workout examples etc
- Secondhand DVDs, or workouts recorded off Sky
- Free pedometer and cycle computer from cereal packets/offers
- Your phone might have a stopwatch timer for laps/splits (if you run)
- Log your exercise time and track improvements to keep the momentum up!

Getting fit is brilliant - have fun with it!

Little_Chicken

Wow! Someone read my mind today - I've been doing Nell McAndrew's Ultimate challenge - bit it's a tad boring. Might try some of the Tae bo dvds... Thanks everyone for posting.

Cat72

Again the tae bo dvds are great.
I also have a mini tamploine. They are meant to move every cell in your body so are a very fun workout. I jog on it or practice boxing or streches. Its totally exhausting.Argos sell a cheapish one. Also try Aldi for their keep fit dumbells etc when they have them in.
Im just about to get a hula hoop as that seems a great fun way to workout. I got the idea from the wii fit as I love the hula hoop workout in that so have decided to buy a real one. Will let you know how I get on but its a tough and fun way to exercise. Aparentily its popular in USA with hula girl being the leader - you can see it on you tube. Definately different as Im so lazy and hate exercise. Once went to a step class and was so exhausted afterwards I had to get something to eat- at the chippy ! so I quit that idea fast. I have always been slim but am so unfit im embarrased to go to the gymn with all those ultra fir people strutting about :eek:

mzdotokay

Yeah fitness DVDs are great if you can motivate yourself. Borrow your friends or buy them second hand. If you still have a video player you might be able to pick up cheap fitness videos (instead of DVDs), and you get the bonus of being entertained by the interesting attire of stretchy pants and men in thong leotards!

anna42hmr

i agree, i got tonnes of exercise videos that i have picked up from car boots/charity shops/ebay etc and paid no more than a couple of quid each, and if i get bored of one, i have others i can use and not wasted a load on it

also i know some people at my weight watchers meeting swap exercise videos once a month between eachother

council swimming pools are not too expensive, also there are some adults dance classes that are not expensive, also check out whats on at the local social club/bar as some hold line dancing nights etc, which are usually only a couple quid a lesson or free! (as they make the money on the bar)

a second hand bike can also be got cheaply, or how about buying a small trampette? as jumping on that can be a good form of exercise

or how about buying a hula hoop or a skipping rope??