If you counted all the money you spent on gyms and fitness programmes that you didn’t even end up going for, you’re going to be seriously sad. All that money could have easily bought you a year’s (okay, maybe half a year’s) worth of clothes. Don’t worry, we’re not making you feel bad—gyms and fitness classes can be extremely monotonous, especially after a long day of work. So we bring you 9 ways to get fit without spending a single buck. You’re very welcome!
1. Ditch the Elevator
Every time you take the elevator, think of all your hard-earned money going into the gym cash box. The easiest way to get fit, lose weight, strengthen your knees and calves is by using the stairs everywhere you go. Your wallet and body are both going to be very happy.
How much? Start with climbing 3 to 4 floors and go up to 10 to 15 floors.
Why: Approximately, 10 steps on stairs burns about 5 calories. So after you climb 3 to 5 floors you lose about 50 odd calories. Once, this becomes an everyday routine, your body will be programmed to climb more floors and lose the flab faster. Climbing stairs also ensures that your knees and calves are strong and healthy.
2. Ditch the Cab
We know your work is driving you crazy and there’s no time to hit the treadmill. But you can make a conscious effort to walk everywhere you go. For instance, instead of taking an autorickshaw from the station to your home, you can walk half the way. If you drive, park your car at least 15 minutes away from your destination and walk both ways.
How much? Walk for at least 30 minutes daily.
Why: Brisk walking for half an hour every day burns around 700 to 1,000 calories a week. Additionally, it aids in sweating out all the toxins and gets more oxygen into your system.
3. Give Yoga a Shot
When in doubt, go old school. From stretches that improve your posture and breathing exercises that calm you down to poses that help you lose the fat, yoga is a full-body exercise.
How much? Radhika Vachani, founder of Yogacara Healing Arts, says that ’60 minutes of yoga a day and taking the stairs will keep you in shape without having to go to the gym’. We suggest you try a range of options available online where you can learn simple poses. However, visit an expert before you try the difficult ones.
Why: Yoga is known to have both instant and long-term benefits. You may find that after a week of practicing it, you will feel less bloated and there will be a natural glow on your face. After a few months, you will be more flexible, energetic and even lose the extra weight.4. Shake a Leg
Remember when, as kids, we could break into a dance at any given point in time? Well, the time has come to do that again. Put on your favourite rock-n-roll or EDM track at home and dance away to fitness.How much? 30 to 40 minutes of rigorous dancing a day is recommended. However, if you have a specific back or knee problem, it is best to consult a doctor.Why: Dancing half an hour a day to your favourite track will help you burn almost 50 to 100 calories, depending on your body and workout regime. Plus, it’s really fun.
5. Unwind and Exercise
While doing any activity that requires you to sit and relax (such as watching TV), try doing squats and other exercises. This will help save your time while keeping you relaxed.
How much? While watching TV, listening to music or talking on the phone, do three to four rounds (of eight to 10 reps each) of squatting, stretching exercises and crunches.
Why: Sitting on the computer or in front of the TV can make your muscles stiff and painful. These exercises will not only loosen them, but also give you a toned body. And, of course, it helps in getting rid of cellulite.
6. Use Your Body for Your Body
Ever heard of weight-free workouts? If not, you’re in for a surprise. There are a host of exercises you can do to develop your muscles using simply your body weight, push-ups being an ideal example. Check out this link to get information on other exercises.
How Much? Follow the instructions given in the link and start slow. We recommend about 20 to 30 minutes a day.
Why: Along with saving your money, this is a relatively safe way of toning up as compared to weights. This is because you are used to carrying your own weight around. However, it is best to go easy to avoid any major injuries or pains.
7. Listen to Mom
Mother is always right. When she asked you to give her a hand in her daily chores, you probably didn’t take it seriously. But unless you want to spend your hard-earned cash on a personal instructor and rigorous dieticians, it’s time to take up some household work. Doing your own laundry, washing the dishes and dusting burns calories faster than you can imagine.
How much? We suggest you do at least half an hour of rigourous work around the house. Doing your own laundry, washing the dishes, dusting and organising are just a few of the many things you can do. Would be ideal if you could increase the duration to an hour, without breaks.
Why: Apart from keeping your house crystal clean, you will also feel fit and energetic. Rigorous working around the house will help you lose 20 to 30 calories an hour.
8. Look Like a Lady
Doctors advise flats for daily wear as they are comfortable and don’t hurt the back, but we also know that strutting around heels once a week offers great toning to your calves and butt.
How much? Wear high heels once and week and go out, whether you’re partying or simply going to work and back.
Why: While heels tone your calves and butt, they also help you stand erect and get a great posture. We don’t recommend that you do this too often, though.
9. Don’t Be Too Girly
No, we’re not contradicting ourselves. As much as you need to rock your heels, you also need to learn to play a sport. Whether you like playing volleyball with your friends or spend hours on Wii, you need to sweat it out to be fit.
How much? Spend 45 to 60 minutes a day playing any sport.
Why: Playing sports make you sweat and burn at least 50 to 70 calories every half hour. Additionally, the adrenaline will make you look fresh and give a healthy glow to your face.
Have any more fun ways to stay fit and be economical? Write to us in the comments section.