Five ways you can work out for less

The benefits of daily exercise are welldocumented. And for many, going to the gym or fitness studio is as much a social event as a workout.

But gym memberships come at a price and when you’re having to cut back in a cost-of-living crisis, little luxuries tend to fall by the wayside.

As budgets get squeezed and a frugal few months lie ahead, fitness expert Laura Williams offers the following advice to help boost your motivation, morale and bank balance...

1.What are your non-negotiables? “Can’t ditch your fave fitness wear? Addicted to open water swimming? Then don’t compromise,” says Laura.

“Find the best offers going, hold out for refer-a-friend deals and consider those off-peak promos.”

When it comes to gym wear, she says to check out recycling schemes – brands such as Sweaty Betty, lululemon and Fabletics offer good trade-in schemes for pre-loved pieces.

2.Justify that gym membership Laura says, ask yourself the following questions: Could you get the same facilities elsewhere for less? How often are you going? Can you freeze the membership? What keeps you there other than facilities?

Also ask: “Is it social, does it help you feel connected? Is it conveniently located? Great staff? Suitable opening times?” All are good points.

3.Consider community fitness “There’s a lot on offer outside of the standard gym,” notes Laura. “Leisure centres are constantly upgrading their offerings – you’ll find a gem of a class in a community centre you never knew existed, for a fraction of the price.

“Discover the ultimate feelgood fitness by joining an organisation like GoodGym. Getting out and about in your local area to see what’s available on the fitness front may seem like hard work, but it will end up opening all sorts of exercise doors.” 4.Get back into home fitness “Post-2020, having exhausted every online exercise opportunity going, we were ready to head back to the gym floor,” Laura recalls. “But in 2022, there’s a case for both (online and in-person fitness). Fitness equipment is back to a reasonable price; we enjoy a good climate for running, and outdoor gyms are popping up in parks all over the country, all the time.

“So there’s a real case for going it alone – and occasionally splashing out on your favourite group session.”

5.Partner up

Laura points out: “Double the resolve may mean the difference between failure and success. Having an accountability buddy, a sweat sidekick can help you stick to a routine outside of a formal exercise environment.”

“You’ll be surprised at the momentum you’ll build in a small amount of time, and the sense of achievement that comes not only from sticking to the plan – but from helping others stick to the plan – isn’t to be underestimated.”

If you meet a buddy at the gym, you are also more likely not to skip it, and get more for your membership money.

Fitness expert Laura Williams, has tips for spending less on fitness