Shed the pounds while saving the pennies

Brits will spend £2.8 billion to get fit this January – find out where this money goes and how you can do it cheaper.

This year over 80% of people in the UK will embark on a health kick, and they will spend nearly £3 billion to do it. Those keen to improve their fitness will spend an average of £56 on new clothes to ensure they look the part, while £76.50 will be spent on exercise equipment.

Detox plans are another money trap, with 31% of people splashing out on new juicers and steamers to help them eat healthily. While these may all sound like great investments, when you consider that only 3% of Brits manage to make a permanent change to their lifestyle (with 23% giving up by 1 February) it is easy to see how this money may be wasted.

If you’re keen to get healthy this year but don’t want to spend a fortune doing so, take a look at these money-saving fitness tips:

Don’t get tied into expensive gym contracts

Lots of people will be joining a gym in January with the best intentions, but if you get locked into an expensive contract and discover that working out at a gym isn’t for you, you could end up wasting money. Instead try to join a gym that offers flexible, pay as you go memberships. There are lots of cheaper gyms around these days, and while they may lack fluffy towels and luxury saunas – they will have the equipment you need to workout.

Start running

One of the cheapest and easiest forms of exercise is running. Everyone can do it and all you need is a pair of trainers and some space. If you’re a beginner, why not join a running club? You’ll get tips and company at the fraction of the cost of a gym.

Buy budget clothing

If you are new to the world of fitness it can be tempting to splash out on expensive branded clothing. Before you commit to a particular exercise or routine however, opt for cheaper workout clothing (supermarkets are great for these). If you stick at your new routine you can start to look at making a bigger investment.

Exercise at home

Another cheap way to get fit is to work out at home. There are lots of online classes and programmes you can follow, or buy yourself a fitness DVD. Try to get into a routine and keep yourself motivated with visual cues and reminders to work out.

If you think you could use a little help in the motivation department, take a look at our Health page to see how a life coach could help you.

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