When I was recently approached by Legal and General about a
fitness for free challenge, I thought damn this is going to be a tricky one,
and actually re-wrote this post about 3 times because I just didn't feel like
it was real and honest enough about the little things i do to keep fit that
cost me nothing!
Yet when scrolling through my instagram I came to realise I
actually do quite a lot to keep fit for free so here goes:
I have 3 dogs which need exercise and play time which equals
me walking them! Ok so my mum is the main barer of this chore but about 4 or 5
times a week I will join her for an hour long stroll through the countryside.
Walking is great cardio and just one hour of casual walking can burn around 250
calories!!
Heres some other ways to increase your steps per day: get
off the bus/train a stop earlier, park further away from the office, go and
talk to colleagues face to face rather than emailing, walk to the shop for your
Sunday papers or why not find a local market or gallery you can wander round
for a few hours at the weekend... it all counts!
Run
Ok, so I invest money in running, but then I ran the London marathon...
it will take you no longer than 20mins to jog/walk or run a mile and for short
distances a tatty old pair of trainers will be just fine! If you start taking
it seriously though I’d recommend spending a few bucks on a decent pair from a
proper running shop.. no one wants a nasty injury!
YOUTUBE
Youtube is amazing for finding great workouts you can fit in
anywhere and anytime, a lot of what I do at the gym you could quite easily do
at home or in the garden, squat, lunge, plank, burpees... find amazing workouts
here, here and here!
Cycle
So bikes cost money, but only last week me and friends –one of
which doesn't own a bike - went for a lovely 8 mile ride around a local lake..
how I hear you ask? She borrowed one! I’m sure you will know someone who has a
bike they’ll be happy for you to lend once in a while!
Swim
No no not in those awful chlorine pools but in local rivers,
lakes or even the sea! Open water swimming is so much fun and great exercise, using every muscle in the body! Make sure you read
these tips first from the British Swimming Organisation on safe open water
swimming first, it sounds scary but it’s so much fun and what’s better... it’s free!
Play!
Yes play... kids aren't lining up to get in the gym are
they? Why? Because they play! Grab a bunch of friends together for a picnic or BBQ and play silly games like ‘IT’ or stuck in the mud to get energy levels
pumping. Or if you want to keep it a bit more serious include a playground in your running route and get on those monkey bars!
Gym Trials
Finally on my list is free gym trials... now I've done this
once or twice but it does come with its cons, yes you get free use
of what can sometimes be AMAZING gyms, but you quite often have to leave contact
details which will equal you getting pestered ALOT by extremely persistant sales people for a good year or so...
I hope this has inspired you to get fit without the hefty
cost of a gym membership; there really is no excuse to not keep fit this
summer! Why not share how you keep fit for free and win £350 worth of gym equipment on behalf of Legal & General... full details here!
Kirsty x
*all images from my Instagram
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