How I Got In My Best Shape Ever Without An Expensive Gym Membership
Posted on October 18th, 2010 in Frugal Living Tips | No Comments »
Health and fitness is big business with plenty of customers who are willing to spend big money to look and feel their best. From dietary supplements to weight loss pills, gym memberships to $200 pairs of trainers; it’s possible to spend a *lot* of money on getting into shape.
However it’s not necessarily essential.
The fact is that getting fit is more about an understanding of what works (which is often very simple indeed) combined with the discipline and motivation to actually make those changes in your lifestyle.
That expensive gym membership isn’t going to do you a bit of good if you never go or if you work out ineficiently or even injure yourself along the way through poor form.
So today I wanted to talk about how I got myself into my best shape ever without spending a fortune.
Finding Cheap Fitness Supplies
I don’t have a home gym, or indeed any expensive equipment. Infact I have personally found that I can lose weight, stay trim and feel great with the most basic of supplies.
To me that means clothing that helps keep me cool and comfortable while doing my exercise. Sure, you can buy the latest Nike clothing if you want but any old t-shirt and shorts will do and there are numerous discount stores around these days selling cheap end-of-line sports wear. If you’re in the UK like me, take a look at Sports Direct where you can kit yourself out for next to nothing. Alternatively try taking a look at Ebay for budget sports clothing.
For trainers I do like to try and buy a reasonable pair – though certainly not top of the range. I look for a pair that are supportive, sporty-looking and have a thick, springy sole (to protect my ankles).
Besides this a water bottle, sweat band and a watch come in handy. You’re all set for next to nothing.
Healthy Eating On A Budget
You don’t need expensive diet drinks and creatine powder. If you want to shed pounds and feel your best ever the trick is all about eating low-carb, good-quality food. Fruit. Vegetables. Lean meat. Brown rice. And that doesn’t have to cost the earth.
Here’s an example of my standard diet to give you an idea of what I eat. For breakfast I eat an omlette with a random assortment of chopped peppers, tomatoes, spring onions and turkey bacon. For lunch I have a mixed leaf salad with some grilled chicken or turkey. For dinner I have vegetables and some meat. I drink at least one glass of water with every meal and for snacks I consume fruit or nuts.
That’s it. Nothing expensive or artificial. And what’s more this diet *works*. I should know – I used it to lose almost six inches off my stomach in just three months.
All the standard rules for buying food on a budget apply. Consider buying in bulk for a discount. Visit your local supermarket at the end of the day when they are reducing the price of short-dated food. Try buying fruit and vegetables from local markets or even growing your own to keep costs down.
How To Exercise For Free
There are two exercises which are free, require no specialist equipment, and have formed the backbone of my workouts for years. The first of these in the humble push-up. I aim to carry out 100 push-ups, three times a week. It takes time to build up to that level but keep a journal of how many push-ups you manage and aim to beat your score each time you exercise.
The second exercise really is the one that has had the biggest effect on my health and figure and that is high intensity interval training. That’s a big word for a simple principle. Rather than going for a standard jog, where you move along at the same pace all the time, you aim to change your speed.
Run, at full speed, for 30 seconds. Then walk or jog slowly for the next 30. Then pick up the pace again and so on. Even 15-20 minutes like this will quickly have you worn out meaning more fat burned, greater fitness and less time spent exercising for the same results. Oh, and of course it’s free. I do this three times a week too and that’s basically my exercise regime in a nutshell.
So there you have it. How I spent less than $100 to get set up, succeeded in living on a budget yet got myself into my best shape ever. Please feel free to share any tips here that you may have about getting in shape on a budget – we’d love to hear from you in the comments section.
