Personal fitness is a billion dollar industry and with new workouts and equipment hitting the market every day the choice can feel overwhelming. Getting fit doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. There are simple ways that you can get fit for free by using the tools listed below.
Five ways to get fit for free
- Take a daily walk – Walking is an easy way to kickstart your fitness routine. It will not only improve your fitness but is great for your mental health too. I always find walking helps to get my creative juices flowing and clears out my mental clutter. Take a short walk every day and see how different you feel after a month.
- Go for a run – Running is a fantastic way to boost your fitness. If you’re not sure how to begin then try the Couch to 5k plan. It’s a 9 week training plan produced by the NHS to help new runners slowly build up ther running routine. The programme is accompanied by a series of podcasts that you can download and use to train with. Online instructions are also available for those who prefer a quieter run. Running doesn’t come naturally to me but I started my running journey with this in 2013 and I haven’t looked back since.
- Free fitness apps – There are a range of free fitness apps on the market but I use the Nike Training Club app. It allows you to tailor workouts specifically to your needs and you can monitor your progress over time. With the Nike Training Club you’ll have access to 190 free workouts in four key areas: strength, mobility, cardio and yoga. Each workout is accompanied by an instructional video. Workouts are from 15-45 minutes long and you can adjust the search settings to include equipment you have.
- Use social media – There is so much free content available on social media that you’ll easily find a free workout to suit your needs. During lockdown, I’ve been attending free yoga classes on Facebook and Instagram Live and following strength training routines on Youtube. If you’re looking for a free fitness routine then be sure to check out social media sites. I’m sure you’ll find something of value.
- Get free equipment – It’s amazing what you can get for free if you know where to look for it. If you’re looking for a specific piece of equipment then sites such a Freecycle and Facebook Marketplace are a good place to start. You might have to clean it up a bit and arrange collection but its not costing you anything. So many people have workout equipment sat gathering dust in bedrooms or garages and they’re happy to give it away for free just to get it out of the way. If you can’t find anything online then be sure to ask the people around you – put a request on the staff notice board, send an email or post a message on social media. If it feels a bit strange, then you could always ask if anyone has one that you could borrow. People are often happy to help. I once mentioned to a colleague that I was looking for a cross-trainer, it turned out that she had one that she no longer wanted. When I offered to pay for it she declined, it was taking up too much space in her home and she wanted rid of it. I did get her a box of chocolates and a decent bottle of wine as a thank you. But it just shows you what you can get if you’re not afraid to ask.
How often should I work out?
Now you’ve seen how many ways there are to get fit for free, it’s time to take your first step. Whatever you choose, always start small and gradually build it up. You’re looking to create a new habit, so lots of small successes are better than a few big ones. Even 5 minutes a day will make a difference. If you miss a day, don’t worry – you’re human, just pick it up again the next day. The key is to start. (Psst – remember to consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise programme).
Don’t forget that getting enough sleep is a key factor in staying healthy. Take a look at my post on the importance of sleep for more information.