Fit body, tight budget
We'd all like a slim, toned body, but we can't all afford gym membership fees. However, there are lots of low cost ways to exercise and some of them are even free.
Walking
The most obvious form of exercise we can all do anytime anywhere is low impact, so the risk of injury is minimal and all you need is a comfortable pair of walking shoes. You can have a laugh walking with a mate or you can fit it into your daily schedule for example, walk part of the way to work. On a note of caution, always tell someone where you are going and do not walk on your own after dark. The same goes for running.
Jogging
Jogging and running are higher impact, so make sure you have a proper pair of running shoes. Again it's better with a friend, or a running club. If you are new to running start by jogging for one minute then walking for one minute and repeat for half an hour. After doing this three times a week for a week or two, increase to two minutes running, one minute walking. Keep increasing the amount of running at a comfortable level. Details of organized runs and running clubs can be found in magazines like Runners World.
Cycling
Look out for adverts for secondhand equipment and you can pick up an almost-new bike cheaply. You will need to make a one off investment in safety stuff, like a helmet and reflective stripe. Cycling is also a handy mode of transport and can save you a fortune in fares or petrol. You can do your weekly shop at Sainsburys with a rucksack then cycle home, intead of splashing out on taxis.
Team sports
If you enjoy team sports like netball or football check out what is happening in your area. Motivation shouldn't be a problem when you know you'd be letting the team down if you don't turn up and the cost is minimal.
Dancing
If, like many of us, you wouldn't be seen dead dancing in public, you can still dance like a maniac while the calories fly off in the privacy of your own home. It's great fun and there is no embarrassment factor!
Trampettes
Trampettes are like mini trampolines. Claire, a fitness instructor in Staffordshire, swears by her trampette, which she bought from Argos for £17 three years ago. "It's a good way to get into exercise without getting scared off by over-exhaustion or boredom. I have my own music on (loud!) and have a bit of a disco on it. I jog on it for at least 30 minutes but have quite often got carried away and spent over an hour dancing up and down like a flea on a dog!"
Videos
There are a wide variety of home exercise videos on the market, from aerobics and strength training to pilates and yoga. Swap videos with friends or borrow them from your local library.
Sticking to it
Selim Arieff, personal trainer for Get Motivated, says, "the key to success is to find something you enjoy. Otherwise there is no way you are going to stick at it." Try to exercise three to five times a week for 30 to 60 minutes. You will get a better all round workout the more different activities you do.
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