Exercising on a budget

Although it can be easy to get caught up in the hype of exercise fads (and pay a bomb in the process), there are plenty of low-cost activities that will keep you fit, healthy and social, writes MARIAN BRENNAN.

The way we live today means it can be harder to get moving. Our jobs tend to keep us standing or sitting still and we’re increasingly reliant on cars to get us from one far-flung spot to another. Compared to past generations, we’re less likely to keep fit simply by living our lives. For some, the solution is to sign up to the local gym (or pool or pilates studio). These can be great places to exercise, but they can be too expensive or simply inaccessible for many people. Don’t despair – there are a growing number of free or low-cost activity options popping up!

Free outdoor gyms

For those who want to get into strength training without the commitment and cost of signing up to a gym, check out freeoutdoorfitness.net. You can search for free outdoor gyms in your local area as well as local Park Runs (more on those later). The website also has some really useful articles on various topics from how to use equipment at your local park to free exercise programs.

Park Run (or walk)

Park Runs are 5km events for walkers and runners (and their furry friends) that give people an excuse to get out in their local park or reserve every Saturday. They’re a great way to socialise and exercise at the same time and, if you’re looking for some motivation, Park Run will time you, so you can work on beating your personal best! With events organised all over the place, you’re unlikely to need to travel far to find one and they can be a great thing to do while travelling! www.parkrun.com.au If the idea of a 5km run seems overwhelming, the Couch to 5k is a great program to help you get started (even if you’ve never run before). Get running with Couch to 5K - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Tap into your competitive side

If you’re getting tired of your regular exercise routines, change it up with a game at your local tennis courts. There are many low cost or free tennis courts maintained by local councils that are just waiting for the next Federer or Williams to come along! Just search your local council website for courts near you. Going solo? No probs. Many parks have tennis walls that you can practice against. If tennis isn’t your thing, why not pull out the basketball and shoot a few at your local ring? If you’re anything like me, you might have forgotten how fun these activities can be.

Step it up

Looking to increase the intensity a bit? Stairs are a great, free tool to get you working harder. Stairs are not something you would necessarily do every day but can be included 2-3 times per week on days when you want a more intense workout. The good thing about working out at a higher intensity is that you don’t need to do it for as long to gain the same benefits. You can also find stairs just about anywhere, making it an activity that’s easy to fit into a busy work day. You may even have some stairs in your own home! If you’re after stairs with a view, check out: • Jacob’s Ladder at the base of Kings Park • Whitfords Nodes Health and Wellbeing Park • DNA tower in Kings Park • Craigie Leisure Centre stairs • Manning Park stairs in Spearwood

The good thing about working out at a higher intensity is that you don’t need to do it for as long to gain the same benefits.

Apps and websites

Phone apps and websites can be a great – and often free – way to access new exercise ideas. Some will also allow you to track your progress which can really help with motivation. • Daily Yoga • FitOn • Nike Training Club • 7 minute workout • Exercise Right at Home www.exerciseright.com.au/ homeworkouts

Walking groups:

Enjoy walking but sick of your own company? Walking groups are a great way to meet new people, explore new places, and stay motivated to exercise. There are plenty of free or low-cost options out there. • Heart Foundation walking groups www.walking.heartfoundation .org.au/walking • The Hike Collective www.hikecollective.com.au • Western Walking Club www.westernwalkers.com.au

Jump onto social media and look up local community walking groups in your area.