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How to get fit on a budget

It’s time to throw the “I can’t afford to exercise” excuse out the window. Here are five ways to get in shape for summer without putting a dent in your bank balance.

1. Group training:

If you’re new to exercise and not sure how to do basic exercises properly but you can’t afford a personal trainer, opt for small group training with some friends with a personal trainer. Most trainers offer this budget-friendly option at a much cheaper rate than one-on-one training.

Small group training also offers the chance to make new friends; unleashes your competitive spirit and is great for making sure you don’t miss a session if you know your trainer and class-mates are waiting for you.

Read: How to get started when trying to get fit

2. Join a team:

Exercise doesn’t and shouldn’t be limited to a gym. Find a local soccer club or touch rugby or action netball team in your area and sign up. It’s sociable and great exercise. Remember how much you enjoyed sport at school? Find that sport again and you could surprise yourself!

Read: Team sports boost teen health

3. There’s an app for that:

Get out your phone and download one of the many different apps available. From ones which track your steps each day to ones which track your food intake and act as an exercise journal, there are even ones which offer full yoga or HIIT classes on the go. YouTube videos are also a great option, provided you use ones which are done by professionals at not the home-video style wannabe ones.

ReadFitness apps for short, sharp workouts

4. Challenge others:

Start a challenge with your friends/ family/ colleagues. From a 30-day plank challenge to training for a local 5km or 10km race. There’s nothing like a little friendly competition to keep you motivated and on track.

Read: The basics of starting a training regime

5. Move more:

If group training is still to pricey an option, just try moving more in your day. Simple things such as parking far away from your destination and walking, taking the stairs wherever you go, carrying your groceries to your car rather than using the trolley and walking your dog every evening all add up.

Once you’ve made this a habit, increase your daily movements to things that get your heart rate up – try jumping jacks during advert breaks on TV, some squats while waiting for the kettle to boil.

Those strange looks people give you will soon be admiring ones when the exercise starts changing your body.

Read more:

Fit body, fit mind
Being a 'good sport' good for lifelong health
Everyday activities are as good as going to the gym  

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