6 ways to workout for less

WE ALL want to feel fit – and the benefits of daily exercise are well-storied.

And for many, going to the gym or fitness studio is as much a social call as a workout – it boosts our self-esteem, improves our well-being and happiness, reduces stress levels and is a great way to make new friends.

But as budgets get squeezed and a frugal few months lie ahead, fitness expert Laura Williams offers advice to help boost your motivation, morale and bank balance.

Fitness non-negotiables

“Can’t ditch your fave fitness wear? Addicted to open-water swimming? Then don’t compromise,” Williams says. “Find the best offers going, hold out for refer-a-friend deals and consider those off-peak promos.”

When it comes to gym wear, she says to check out recycling schemes – brands such as Sweaty Betty, lululemon and Fabletics offer good trade-in schemes for pre-loved pieces.

Justify that gym membership

Williams says to ask yourself: Could you get the same facilities elsewhere for less? How often are you going? Do you have the option to freeze your membership? What keeps you there other than facilities? Is it social? Is it a location? Great staff? Suitable opening times?

Consider community fitness

“There’s a lot on offer outside of the standard gym,” says Williams. “Leisure centres are constantly upgrading their offerings – you’ll find a gem of a class in a community centre, for a fraction of the price.

Relationship with fitness

“In 2022, there’s a case for both (online and in-person fitness). Fitness equipment is back to a reasonable price; we enjoy a good climate for running, and outdoor gyms are popping up in parks. So, there’s a real case for going it alone – and occasionally splashing out on your favourite group session,” Williams says.

Partner up

As Williams points out: “Double the resolve may mean the difference between failure and success. Having an accountability buddy, a sweat sidekick, can help you stick to a routine outside a formal exercise environment.”

She suggests a FaceTime for Yoga with Adriene, a running partner to meet on a regular route, or a WhatsApp group to exchange goals and progress can all work wonders to help keep your fitness alive and on track. Plus, if you meet a buddy at the gym, you’re more likely not to skip it, and get more for your money for that membership.

Be an incidental exerciser

Now the commute’s back on the menu, it’s time to maximise travel time. “Practise interval-walking to the station, alternate very brisk walking/moderate pace. Start slow, with 15 seconds on/15 seconds of recovery, gradually increasing the time of your faster intervals.”

Along with walking up every escalator and staircase, Williams says to perform seated crunches.

“Sit with back resting in chair; lift thighs off seat before lowering them to the floor; calf raises; squats throughout the day. Along with any other moves you can do at a desk, microwave or on a train.”