No More Excuses: 3 Ways to Get Fit in 2015

It’s getting to that time of year again when we all start thinking about New Year’s resolutions and gyms start trying to wheel us in with impressively cheap deals. But wait! Don’t get tied into a contract that suddenly gets expensive come March. Instead, make use of these three great tips for staying healthy on a budget and make 2015 your year.

1. Exercise at Home

It’s not all about the latest fashionable class; you can get a great workout without even leaving the house. There’s a selection of workout DVD’s and games on the market now that make chiseling those abs and torching the fat achievable. Front room exercise programmes have come a long way from the bright leotards and encouraging catch phrases of the eighties so be prepared to sweat!

If you’re the kind that is likely to slack off, enlist a friend or partner to do it with you. You can encourage each other to keep going until the bitter end. Remember, as you get fitter you will start to find the exercises easier.

The main drawback to this method is the boredom. And we all know that boredom is responsible for trashing a good New Year’s resolution. Invest in a couple of DVDs and games and alternate which ones you use to ensure your workouts stay varied. If you don’t have cash to buy a few, swap with friends or scour jumble sales for second-hand DVDs. Make this a priority, you only need to skip one workout for your new found good habits to start slipping.

2. Run

Running is undoubtedly one of the cheapest forms of exercises out there. It also offers an array of health benefits, including improvements in stamina and heart strength. With a maximum calorie burn of around 700 an hour, this little gem is the perfect choice for the would-be fitness enthusiast.

The main disadvantage with running is the toll it takes on your joints. The shock of your feet repeatedly pounding hard pavements puts a lot of pressure on your knee and hip joints. Whatever your budget, it’s important to invest in footwear that absorbs as much of this shock as possible, learn about the best running shoes here.

3. Cut out the junk

Diet plays a huge part in our overall health and well-being. Cutting out the junk food is one of the easiest ways to look after ourselves and our bank balance. Opt instead for a varied diet full of whole foods and vegetables. Traditionally considered more expensive than ready meals and frozen pizzas, it is very possible to eat well for less. Make good use of cheaper cuts of meat and frozen veggiest by cooking in bulk. Cooking in bulk is far better for you than high calorie sandwiches — plus you’re saving money by having leftovers.

Live near a farmers market? Fresh food markets are a fantastic place to get affordable vegetables. Wait until the end of the day when stallholders are packing up to do your shopping. They will often sell what’s left at vastly reduced rates to save on the hassle of packing it up again for tomorrow.

What are your New Year’s resolutions? Let us know in the comments below!

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