8 ways to achieve your New Year’s fitness resolution without paying for a gym – Wales Online
The Christmas period has passed and the chances are you currently feel more cheese than human.
If you have over indulged over Christmas (or indeed the whole of 2019) you may have decided to start the 2020s by getting in shape .
In this the case your first port of call will probably be to join and gym .
However gyms can present problems for people including:
- Up front joining fee
- Too expensive
- Being tied into a contract
- Too busy during peak times
- Can be intimidating
- Hard to find the time
There are however plenty of ways you can shift those stubborn bingo wings or second chin without setting in that dreaded direct debit to the gym.
We have put together some of the best tips and ideas to get fit on a budget.
Join a free running club
It is so much easier to get the motivation to get fit when you are surround by others.
That is the great things about running clubs. Plus they have the added benefit of making loads of new friends.
Some running clubs are free (though you can buy a branded top if you want).
In Cardiff are a free club that offer all round fitness as well as solely running sessions.
The world is your gym
Parks are often often equipped with basic fitness apparatus. These so called trim trails a usually made of equipment like chin up bars.
You could take the dog for a walk and get a bit of a sweat on – all for free!
Free fitness apps
Often gadgets are associated with us leading inactive lives, but it all depends how you use them.
There are loads of fitness apps out there that are free and actually work (providing you stick to them).
The range out there are huge but some well known ones include:
Couch to 5K – This NHS program says that within you nine weeks you will be running a five kilometers. By March you will be doing the Park Run!
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Daily Workouts Fitness Trainer – The Daily Workouts Fitness Trainer app lets you can exercise well in the comfort of your own home. You choose which area of your body you’d like to target and you are given a a simple workout of five to 30 minutes.
My Virtual Mission – A cool motivating app that lets you maps out a long distance running “mission”. It could be running across a country for instance. All the runs you go on count towards that long term goal.
On your bike
Cycling has never been more popular than it is now. The likes of Hoy, Wiggins, Pendleton, Froome and Wales’ hero Geraint Thomas have given the sport national attention.
Though many people spend thousands on all the gear but the wonderful thing about cycling is that you really don’t need to spend a fortune. A second hand bike costs very little and in Wales you are almost guaranteed to be less than an hours cycle for beautiful countryside.
Try a new sport
Ever heard of korfball?
One thing that put people off joining sports like netball and football is that they will be out of their depth.
Starting a new sport as an adult is daunting because you feel like everyone will be experienced. The way to avoid this is to start a minority sport such as korfball.
And because no one ever played korfball as kid clubs are used to newbies.
Your first two trainings are usually free and it is the worlds only truly mixed sex sport so has a really inclusive athmosphere.
There are clubs in both Cardiff and Newport with the for new players in January.
Incorporate activity into your day
If you haven’t got a spare half hour to go out for a run you can incorporate activity into your day.
Consider the following ideas:
- Start using a standing desk at work
- Bringing in standing meetings. Not only will you bee more active you they are also less likely to last all day
- Take the stairs
- Park as far away from the supermarket/work
- Adjust your commute – consider cycling if possible
- On the phone? Why not walk around the office
These are just examples. Find adjustments that work around your schedule.
Water is free
If you are feeling brave you can also try open water swimming.
This is free (though you will need a wet suit in winter) and and can take you to some beautiful parts of the coutry.
Make sure you stay safe and do not swim alone.
You can read our story on the rise of open water swimming here .
Go for a walk
Walking is so good for you. Not just your physical health but also for your mental well being.
It can improve your posture, stave off depression and take us to the most beautiful sights in Wales.
It is also can make you more productive. For example, novelist Stephen King is a prolific walker.