If you can’t afford to join a gym but still want to keep fit, there is plenty you can do. And best of all you could burn more calories than the average gym workout and it doesn’t cost you the earth.
Here, we present five more ways to keep fit without having to join a gym
1. GET DECORATING
Climbing up and down the step-ladder to reach nooks and crannies adds to the calories burned when you decorate. Wallpapering is an energetic activity too – applying paste and reaching up to put the paper on the walls works the upper body. Where to start: The bedroom? Amount of calories burnt in one hour: 280 ________________________________________
2. JOIN AN INDOOR CLIMBING CLUB
Climbing stretches all the major muscle groups in the body and is also a great way to work your core abdominal muscles. These are the muscles of your lower back and stomach that form a ‘corset’ around your middle. You need these muscles to help you balance while you are climbing. You will strengthen and tone the muscles in both your upper and lower body. Where to start: Visit the Association of British Climbing Walls website on www.abcclimbingwalls.co.uk or try www.ukclimbing.com. Amount of calories burnt in one hour: Around 400.
________________________________________
3. TRAIN FOR A MARATHON
The average person running a marathon will take at least four and a half hours to run 26 miles. But before you can achieve this goal, you need to follow an intensive exercise programme at least four months before the marathon. Running will build up your cardiovascular system so your fat will simply burn off without you realising it. Where to start: Bud Baldaro, running consultant to Adidas, recommends running three times a week and increasing to four to five times a week. Throw in some swimming or cycling and you’ll build muscle tone too. Amount of calories burnt in one hour: From 300-400
________________________________________
4. TURN YOUR WALK INTO A WORKOUT
Walking at least 30 minutes every day can help you burn up fat and lead to weight loss. This is because aerobic exercise increases the amount of enzymes contained in our muscles. More enzyme activity in our muscles means more efficient use of oxygen which, in turn, burns up fat more quickly. Where to start: Leave the car at home. Amount of calories burnt in one hour: From 220 walking at a moderate pace.
________________________________________
5. 15 MINUTES OF EXERCISE EACH MORNING
Apart from being a great start to the day, moving blood around your body and bringing fresh oxygen to the brain will make you feel more alert and improve your mood. This is because exercise releases endorphins – our body’s own natural feel-good chemicals, making you feel calmer, happier and more relaxed. Even better, after around four to six weeks of short bursts of exercise, you’ll develop stronger abdominal muscles – the part of your body that gives you that much coveted look – a waist. Where to start: Stretching, squats, lunges and yoga in your front room. Amount of calories burnt in one hour: Around 100