If you want to get in shape but you want to do it quickly without having to spend a lot of money, you are not alone. Getting in shape is a wonderful life choice to make because being fit helps reduce the risk of many health problems, it gives you energy and helps protect your body through your entire life.
Like Personal Growth on Facebook
However, the costs involved can be an obstacle for many people. Fortunately, you can get fit by doing many things that are free or only have a minimal cost. By adding these approaches to your routine, you can get in shape without having to spend a ton of time or money. Of course, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before you start a new exercise routine.
1. Start Walking
Whether you take the dog for a walk around the block, walk your baby in the stroller through the park, or ditch your car and walk to run errands, you will be doing yourself a healthy favor that won’t cost you anything. In fact, many experts say that walking is the cheapest and easiest way to get in shape. It activates the muscles in your lower body and core and burns calories at the same time, which can help you drop excess weight and tone your muscles at the same time.
Not only can walking help reduce your risk of developing heart disease, but it can also regulate mood and battle depression. Walking outdoors enhances these benefits, so finding time to walk through your neighborhood or in a nearby park is good for you.
2. Take The Stairs
Instead of using the elevator or escalator, consider taking the stairs as often as possible. Studies show that stair climbing for only two minutes per day can help stop you from gaining weight in middle age. Stair climbing as a form of exercise burns more calories than jogging, so you might also take time to run up and down the stairs at your local park or high school as a way to fit some exercise into your day. You won’t have to spend any money to do this, and you can burn some mega calories, boost your overall health and tone the muscles throughout your body. Start with just a few flights and add more as you build your strength and endurance.
3. Head To An Outdoor Gym
These are a little like playgrounds but are designed for adults who want to exercise in a fun and different way. Outdoor gyms are cropping up in cities all over the globe and they offer a huge range of benefits for grown-ups. Not only are you getting some fresh air, but you also have a myriad of ways to get in shape fast. The variety of equipment gives you the opportunity to work muscles throughout your body and burn calories at the same time. This combination ensures that you can tone up and slim down fast without having to spend more money than you can afford. Many outdoor gyms are free, while others will charge you a small fee to use the facility.
4. Make Time For Play
If you have kids or pets, you have a built-in opportunity to get in shape fast. You know that kids and pets love to play, and if you get in on the action, you have just found an enjoyable way to burn calories, tone muscles and get healthy without having to step foot in a gym. Walk your dog around the block or take him out in the backyard for a game of fetch or tug-of-war. If you have kids, play sports with them, go on a bike ride or chase each other around the playground. You’ll be having so much fun that it won’t even feel like working out. The best part is that none of these activities will cost you anything!
5. Jump Rope
You can find jump ropes for just a couple of dollars, and they offer a premier way to get fit fast. Jumping rope helps keep your heart healthy and is a weight-bearing exercise, which protects your bones. You’ll burn tons of calories when you jump rope, and many people find that it’s a really fun way to get in shape. Skipping rope also builds endurance, increases flexibility and can help you burn body fat. You can jump rope anywhere you have the space, so this is a great form of exercise for people who don’t want to go to the gym but want to firm up and slim down.
6. Eat Healthier
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to eat healthy. Choosing in-season fruits and vegetables and rounding them out with inexpensive but healthy, grains, meats and dairy foods lets you get in shape quickly and cheaply. Many people have the misconception that eating healthy is costlier than buying convenience and processed foods, but this is simply not the case. Eating the right foods optimizes your energy levels and gives you the fuel you need to exercise and get in shape. Use online or print cookbooks to help you learn how to prepare healthy and delicious meals that align with your goals.
7. Try High-Intensity Interval Training
This type of exercise, also called HIIT, optimizes calorie burn while cutting your total amount of exercise time. You can incorporate HIIT into virtually any exercise plan without having to spend any money. The idea is to go at a moderate pace for a set amount of time, and then go all out for a shorter amount of time. For example, you may walk at a brisk pace for two minutes, then run for 30 seconds. You will continue this for your entire workout and burn way more calories than if you didn’t go back and forth. Experts say that people who add HIIT to their routine get in shape much more quickly than those who do not.
8. Make It A Habit
You can’t do one workout here and there and expect to get in shape. You are going to have to commit to a consistent routine that prioritizes getting in shape. That means making a plan regarding what you’re going to eat and when and what type of exercise you plan to do. Many people find that keeping an eating and exercise journal can help them stay on track and remain accountable along the way. Over the course of a few weeks, these things should become second nature to you, and it won’t require so much time and effort to get things done and reach your goals.
Getting in shape doesn’t have to take forever, nor does it have to cost you a lot of money. By adding these simple things to your routine, you can keep your cash and work toward your goal of getting fit. If you experience a setback, simply start again instead of letting it get you down. In no time at all, you’ll be in great shape and you won’t be too broke to enjoy flaunting your new shape.
