If you find the astonishing array of fitness equipment a bit overwhelming and the price of a standard gym membership exhausting then the solution may be to create a cheap home workout instead.
We all know that exercise is really important for good health and vitality. It keeps our cardiovascular system in tip-top shape and could even help us live longer. It is also the best way to keep our bones strong and our muscles, tendons and joints flexible. Exercise also has great mood improving benefits by stimulating the release of chemicals called endorphins. So, what's the problem?
Follow these simple tips for working out at or close to home and you will soon be feeling the health giving benefits of a good sweat AND avoid exhausting your budget!
Eight Tips for Getting Fit on the Cheap
ALWAYS stretch for at least five minutes prior to doing these exercises. This warms up your muscles and prevents strain and injury. If you have health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease or back and neck injuries always consult your doctor before starting any exercise program.
1. Power Walking
If you hate jogging, then power walking is for you. Power walking is free and offers some of the best health giving benefits for your heart and lungs. Your joints will be exercised without putting undue strain on your knees. Power walking exercises more muscle groups than jogging!
How: Walk at a brisk pace keeping your elbows at a 90º angle. Swing them back and forth quickly as your stride out. Press down from your heels for maximum impact on your thighs and buttocks. Walk uphill as this will burn more calories, and alternate with small periods of jogging. Remember to breathe in and out evenly and relax your body.
2. Jump Rope
Why not? This is a great cardiovascular exercise that can be done at home with only the cost of the rope. Five minutes of rope jumping will burn the same number of calories as jogging one mile! To get this benefit you need to work hard and fast at your jumping a la 'Rocky' i.e. without little jumps in between.
