Cheap ways to stay in shape: why it is easy to get fit for free

Cheap ways to stay in shape: why it is easy to get fit for free

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Research has shown people are more motivated when working out with others.  “Feeling accountable and like you have a support team around you can help,” says endurance sports coach Tom


Craggs. Sign up for ParkRun (parkrun. org.uk), free 5km timed runs that take place each week around the country and are suitable for all levels of running ability.  For something a little


different, ParkLives (parklives.com) holds free fitness events up and down the country with activities including tai chi, Zumba and walking.  There are even all-ages running sessions to get


the whole family moving. GO ONLINE  No time? No problem. Working out in your living room has never been easier.  “There must be more than a million workout videos on YouTube, from full body


high intensity circuits to five-minute ab blasts,” says Zanna.  She recommends looking for workouts that need no equipment and have low impact options if you are new to training.  “You don’t


need anything, you can just get stuck in. Use milk bottles and heavy cookbooks instead of weights. I use anything and everything,” says Zanna.  First thing in the morning is ideal for an


at-home workout, she says. “Schedule it three times a week and get it done.  It’s much easier to find an excuse not to do it in the evening,” she adds. DAY-TO-DAY FITNESS  One good way to


boost fitness levels is to work exercise into your daily routine without thinking about it.  “Walk vigorously and briskly during the day to ensure you’re always burning calories,” says


celebrity personal trainer Ramona Braganza.  She also advises taking any opportunity to work up a sweat. “While waiting for the coffee machine to boil, do 20 squats. "While you’re


brushing your teeth, stand on one leg for balance training and core work.  "Take the stairs wherever you can,” she says. “If you’re doing a few little things like this several times a


day, you’ll soon reach your goal.” Alternatively, combine your workout with doing something worthwhile. GoodGym (goodgym.org) is an innovative idea that encourages you to get fit while


helping out in your community.  HOT FITNESS BABE LOSES HALF HER BODY WEIGHT BY RUNNING There is a particular focus on helping the lonely and elderly and participants can expect to be sent


off to complete good deed missions while on a group run. Tasks include clearing hedges to improve visibility, changing light bulbs and cleaning up graffiti. STAND TO ATTENTION  Swapping


sitting for standing at work can burn an extra 50 calories per hour. Do this for two to four hours per day and by the end of the week you’ll have burned off an extra 1,000 calories without


even leaving the building.  “Being completely sedentary has a negative impact on your health. Sitting for long periods of time leads to poor posture, tension in the neck and back and weight


gain,” says former professional footballer turned personal trainer Andy Couzens.  “Using a standing desk can alleviate these challenges.” Convert any desk with the Deskrite 100 Sit-Stand


Platform, £263.94 (posturite.co.uk).  Where a seated desk cannot be avoided, ensure that sedentary periods are kept to an hour or less and break them up with a brief two-minute walk around


the office.  You can even transform your workspace into a gym with the Lifespan Treadmill Desk, £1,425 (thetreadmilldeskstore.co.uk).  SHOP AROUND  From sports shops to major gym chains,


it’s worth shopping around to find freebies. At Fitness First (fitnessfirst.co.uk) anyone can sign up for a free guest pass by giving their details. If you’re already a member you can bring


a friend for free every Friday. This month The Gym Group (thegymgroup.com) is offering free day passes at selected gyms nationwide. Sweaty Betty holds free yoga, Pilates and barre classes


nationwide. Visit sweatybetty.com to find your nearest class and book.  In London, Adidas (adidas.co. uk) hosts two free running clubs each week and has recently launched the Adidas Women’s


Training Studio which offers free workouts, running clubs and wellness sessions.