By Amy Moore
It’s January, and you’ve probably just finished the last of your Christmas chocolate stash (that’s if you didn’t eat it all in one go). You might be struggling to get off the sofa now and contemplating how your life really can’t go on like this. Is the thought of forking out for the gym putting you off going? “But the gym is so expensive”, you say. Well here are alternative ways to get fit this year that won’t break the bank. So get up off that couch, drop and give me 20!
1. YouTube it…
YouTube can get you fit without ever having to leave the house. There are thousands of videos for any type of work out to follow along to. You can go for the usual workout ones telling you how many squats and crunches to do. Or find alternative workout such as Pilates, Zumba or Tai chi. Pick something that intrigues you to make it more enjoyable. Mix it up with different types to keep yourself entertained and make you look forward to exercising.
2. Sign up for a charity 5k…
Nothing motivates you more than having a goal to accomplish. If you have people depending on you to train for a 5k then you will be more motivated to impress them. There are so many charity runs on throughout the year on a big and small scale. So there’s no excuse not to do it.
3. College Clubs/ Socs…
You’re a student and will never have access to such a wide range of clubs and societies so cheaply ever again. Get yourself fit for free or less than 2 quid by trying a sport you’ve always wanted to try out. Extreme volleyball, power trampolining or something more conventional like tennis or swimming. You will be shedding the pounds in no time.
4. Exercise as you go…
Instead of sitting restless on the smelly bus, get outside. Walk, run or jog to uni. Get out that rusty bike and cycle to the shops. Take the stairs instead of the lift. Building this into your daily life will make you feel less sluggish and entice you to exercise even more.
5. Download it…
There are thousands of apps out there to give you inspiration to get up and moving. From an app to track your running progress to providing loads of fitness routines. Just don’t get distracted switching back to Instagram.
6. Friendspiration…
If you have no motivation to get fit, find a friend to exercise with. Either go for runs together, cycle together or even join the same exercise class. Having them by your side will motivate you both to go the extra mile. It also creates a little friendly competition!
7. If all else fails, join the gym…
