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Two of the biggest misconceptions about maintaining a fit and healthy lifestyle is that 1) It takes up all your time and 2) Its expensive – but this is 100% not true and we are going to prove it! With expensive new workout classes and bank breaking juice cleanses being raved about every time we scroll down our Instagram feed, it’s no wonder that the #healthlife can sometimes feel out of reach. But don’t worry, we want to reassure you that you don’t need a bulging bank account or hours to spare to fit in a workout that will make you feel amazing and stronger than ever! Here’s how to get fit for free!

 

The DIY Workout
Do you ever feel at a loss with how to plan a home workout? Well we’ve created a simple formula that will let you build your very own workouts at home with no equipment needed!

Bodyweight exercises are amazing for achieving a lean and toned physique whilst also building functional strength that will help you feel like a goddess all through the day, not just in the gym!

So, here’s how you can build your perfect workout:

  • Choose 4 different exercises that target different areas of your body. FOR EXAMPLE: Squats, tricep dips, glute bridges and mountain climbers
  • Perform each exercise for 40 seconds and rest for 20 seconds between moves
  • Repeat the circuit 3 times with a minute break between rounds
  • Choose 4 new exercises and repeat the process (or if you’re short on time, call it a day there! Moving even for a shorter amount of time is better than sitting on the sofa!

Each round of circuits will take 15 minutes (including breaks) so you can choose how many different circuits you want to do depending on how much time you have to spare!

Remember that timed circuits are what you make of them… 15 minutes might not seem like a long time, but if you are pushing yourself to work as hard as you can, you will definitely reap the rewards and feel the burn!

More examples of great bodyweight exercises:

  • Burpees (you love them really…)
  • Lunge jumps
  • Commandos (plank into high plank)
  • Tuck Jumps
  • Star jumps
  • High knees
  • Press ups
  • Reverse lunges
  • Close grip press ups
  • Plank
  • Side plank

 

The Online Workout
Sometimes it can feel like there are not enough hours in the day, and getting out to a class or the gym just takes up too much time. Luckily, we have found some amazing online workouts so you wont need to leave the house (they could even be done in your PJs before you hop in the shower!)

 

For when you are short on time and space: Blogilates
Fitness Instructor Cassey Ho’s YouTube channel is packed full of workout videos that will have you feeling the burn in no time (sometimes in less than 2 minutes!). Pilates is a great way to tone up and work on core strength, and these workouts need no equipment (you don’t even need to be in trainers!) and very little room, meaning you could even fit one in between writing emails or boiling the kettle!

 

For motivation to get moving: Popsugar Fitness
From HIIT to ab blasters, the Popsugar Fitness YouTube channel has got you covered. Their impressive fitness instructors, including the amazing Kayla Itsines, will take you through the entire workout showing you the correct form whilst motivating you to keep pushing which, lets be honest, is usually the hardest part about working out at home! The workouts vary by body part, duration and intensity, meaning there is something for everyone from complete beginners to seasoned gym goers!

 

For a workout plan personalised to you: Nike Training Club
Nike has created an app that promises smarter and more effective at-home training. The app takes your personal goals and preferences and creates a tailor made training plan just for you. The app provides amazing workouts that you can do alongside an on screen trainer, in real time, to keep you motivated and on track.

With a huge variety of workouts from strength training to yoga, at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, you will be able to progress and challenge yourself without ever worrying about getting bored.

 

Running
We know running isn’t for everyone. It’s a bit like marmite. You either love it or hate it. BUT it is free, it gets you outdoors and it can do wonders for your mental state. Plus, no one said you have to run 10k and no one said you have to run constantly from start to finish.

If the idea of running for 30 minutes is too daunting, (or sounds too boring) start out with the walk-run approach: walk for 1 minute, run for 2 as a way to get your blood pumping and build up your stamina.

If you are feeling like a quick, HIIT-esque workout, find your nearest hill and try out some hill sprints! Jog to the bottom of the hill, sprint up it as quickly as you can and recover on the walk down, repeat this as many times as you want for an amazing endurance workout that will get you feeling fit in no time.

Sometimes the thought of going for a run can create instant feelings of dread and fear, but actually once you’ve got your trainers on and you’ve got your favourite playlist ready, you’ll step out the front door and realise it’s not nearly as bad as you thought!

 

 

The Best Workout Classes (Without the crazy price tag!)
There are so many amazing workout classes on offer nowadays, but with some classes costing over £20 per session it can start to take a toll on your bank account!

Not to worry, we’ve got you covered and have found some amazing workout classes that will cost you absolutely nothing!

If kicking your day off to a motivating start is what you’re after, head to the gorgeous Lululemon stores across London for their complimentary in store ‘Sweat with Us’ yoga classes with some of London’s top yoga teachers. Just check the website for when they are running and where!

Not in London? Sweaty Betty offer complimentary Yoga, HIIT and Barrecore classes that run in stores across the UK. All you have to do is get online and book into a class to make sure you secure your spot, it’s as easy as that!

Or if you are looking to get into running but don’t want to go at it alone, sign up to Park Run’, a free, organised running club that holds weekly 5 km runs across the UK. Anyone can sign up and join in whether you are a beginner just starting out or a more advanced runner looking for a social way to workout, this is an amazing way to keep motivated and even meet some new running buddies!

 

words by Lucy Edgerley

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