Cheap and Convenient Exercise Ideas: Alternatives to the Gym

Everyone has their own methods of keeping fit, but some of us have gotten lazy or distracted by other priorities and we’ve let our weight get out of control. For me, my big distraction is university, and lets face it – that’s definitely taken precedence over exercise. But the most important thing to remember is that increasing your levels of physical activity isn’t a great overhauling of your lifestyle, it’s just a small adjustment which will make you feel a lot better in the long run.

If you’re a fan of cycling or spin classes, then buying an exercise bike and putting it in front of the TV is a great idea. If you’re the competitive type, see how many calories you can burn during your favourite TV show and try to beat that each day/week.

Swimming is a great option, especially in summer. If you’re like me and love the water all year round, there are always heated indoor pools. Doing lap after lap can get a bit boring – I need music to keep me motivated and keep the boredom at bay! So another option is aquaerobics – sometimes relegated to the realm of ‘old lady exercise’, aquaerobics is actually a great option for those looking to lose weight and increase their strength. Classes generally run for about an hour and you don’t stop moving the whole time. Some classes also utilise foam weights (holding these underwater is just as hard as lifting heavy things on land!) and other fun props like noodles and kickboards ^_^ the best thing about aquaerobics is you can go at your own pace, so it’s a great option for older people trying to maintain their fitness and prevent falls, but also for younger people who really want a great workout!

Exercise doesn’t need to be expensive. One of the best options is to go for a walk or a run around the block. A lot of people avoid this because they’re self conscious about their bodies, but I find that if you go in the early morning or the evening there’s hardly anyone around. The only people you’ll run into will be other runners, who will respect you for making an effort.

Exercise can also be as simple as dancing around your house or breaking out some moves while you’re getting dressed in the morning – crank up some boppy tunes and dance like nobody’s watching – because unless you have a curious neighbour, chances are nobody is.

Whatever you do, just get out there and have fun! You’ll feel so much better even after a couple of days – your energy levels will go shooting up and the endorphins released by exercise will put you in a great mood! Best of luck!!