From free workouts to exercising outside, five ways to get fit if you’re on a budget
GET in great shape this JanYOUary without having to flex your finances.
Whether you prefer to exercise at home or want to meet up with others outdoors, there’s a free fitness option for you.
Get off the starting blocks with these simple workouts.
SO LONG, SOFA: Start your journey with a supportive app such as “NHS Couch To 5k”.
You’ll be encouraged to gently build up your fitness until you can run the distance.
You could also try the Couch To Fitness website (couchtofitness.com), which will guide you through three, 30-minute home workouts over nine weeks.
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RUN FOR FUN: Once you’ve caught the running bug, you can join a community of like-minded joggers.
Search online for free running clubs in your area or ask at a local sports shop.
You can also take part in a parkrun. There are more than 1,000 of these free, 5k runs around the country, held every Saturday morning in local parks.
They are non-competitive, friendly and a great boost for your mind and body.
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Go to to register for your first event.
PARK LIFE: As well as parkrun, there are likely to be other free fitness groups in a park near you.
See to search and register for free fitness classes run by qualified personal trainers.
They ensure that sport is accessible to everyone. If flexibility is more your thing, look out for free or low-cost yoga sessions in your area.
Every Sunday morning from May to September, you can join free classes through parkyoga.co.
Last year they were held in 50 locations around the country.
More parks now boast brilliant green gym facilities, with free-to-use strength machines.
Complement these with a brisk walk or gentle jog around the park. Start adding in bursts of speed or small hills to keep challenging your body.
WATCH & WORKOUT: There’s a never-ending supply of free workouts on YouTube.
You can join the 13million who already subscribe to Adriene Mishler’s yoga channel, with its huge catalogue of routines.
For a more cardio-based workout, try the free sessions from family favourite Joe Wicks’ Body Coach channel.
DO GOOD, FEEL GOOD: Join up at your local branch of to do good while you get fit.
Groups typically run or walk briskly to carry out a physical activity which helps the local community.
This could be gardening, litter-picking or shifting boxes for a foodbank.
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As well as being a great way to get fit, you meet others and help people in your area.
It’s free to join, though they encourage a small donation.