Keeping fit and losing weight may seem expensive, but there are simple ways to keep fit that don’t break the bank. Don’t waste your money on diet pills and ab toners. Instead, follow these simple but effective ways to reach your goal.

Walk more

By increasing your steps per day this increases your non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT). This is when your body burns calories through activities that aren’t sports. You could do this by cleaning, gardening, shopping (result), or by taking the stairs. Aiming for 10k to 15k steps per day could help the average person burn 400-600 calories extra per day, as well as significantly improving their cardiovascular health.

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Use youtube and instagram for at home workout ideas

Instagram and Youtube have increasingly become popular for people to gain inspiration for workouts at home and at the gym. Many influencers, personal trainers, and fitness enthusiasts post videos of step by step workouts for both beginners and advanced levels.

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LEG DAY & ASSUMPTIONS… ouuu what a juicy mix? . I have a killer leg workout for you this evening, starting with some pre exhaust lunges for the quads, followed by pure brutality ? My ASSUMPTIONS YT has just gone live too, it’s so juicy omgg you guys can be savage; fillers, steroids, liar etc etc. hahaha link in my bio & make sure you subscribe ??? @lucydavis_fit ?? Don’t forget to TAG your workout partner, DOUBLE ♥️ tap and SAVE for later! 1️⃣ BW lunges – 4×20 reps (60s rest) pre fatigue 2️⃣ Hack squat – 4×8 reps 3️⃣ Bulgarian smith squat – 4×8 reps 4️⃣ DB step ups – 3×8-10 reps 5️⃣ Leg extensions – 3×14 reps . Song ? Lil Wayne – Uproar Outfit: @gymshark new Energy Seamless+ release TBC *paid partnership* #ad #gymsharkwomen #Legworkout

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Use resistance bands

If you want to increase the intensity of your home workouts, or want to improve your strength without the cost of a gym membership, resistance bands are a great addition to your gym bag. They range from £7-£15 and can come in a variety of strengths to suit you.

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Go for a run

Running is not only free, but is one of the most effective cardiovascular exercises to increase your stamina and improve your health.

Photo – Colin Lane

Make your own lunches for work

You may think eating healthy is expensive, but making your own healthy meals at home, will not only save you money but doesn’t have the hidden calories that most shop bought sandwiches have with added sauces and oils.

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#LUNCHBOXCLUB ? NUTTY BUTTERBEAN COUSCOUS SALAD W/ HALLOUMI. Going through a recent obsession with Halloumi but this salad is pretty perfect without it if you don’t share my passion for cheese, or if you would wish to make it vegan, leave it out Also some FAQ I often get: Do you eat it cold? Yes! All of the lunches I make are intended to be eaten cold but you can warm it up if you wish. What lunchbox do you use? This one is from @blackblumdesign. It doesn’t leak and is very sturdy – ideal for my hectic days. RECIPE Makes 3 lunches INGREDIENTS 180g cooked couscous 1 can of butterbeans 1 tsp of paprika 1 pack of halloumi cheese 1 cucumber 60g sundried tomatoes 1 bag of rocket 3 tbsp of olive oil 1 tbsp of apple cider/white wine vinegar 30g almond flakes, toasted Salt + Pepper METHOD 1️⃣Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F. 2️⃣Drain and rinse your butterbeans before tossing in paprika, + scattering on baking tray. Place in oven for 15 minutes. 3️⃣Chop cucumber and sundried tomatoes into small chunks, and add to cooked couscous + roasted butterbeans. 4️⃣Cut halloumi into about 9 slices, + fry or grill for 2-3 minutes on both sides until golden. 5️⃣ Line lunchboxes with rocket, + then add couscous butterbean mixture, followed by the halloumi slices. 6️⃣Combine olive oil, vinegar, a pinch of salt and pepper and drizzle over each lunch box. Finish by garnishing with toasted almond flakes. #THEFOODMEDIC #LUNCHBOXCLUB

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Track your calories

Apps such as ‘My Fitness Pal’ are a great way to track what you’re eating. You simply scan the barcode of your food, or search the item and the app will add up the calories and macronutrients for each item. Whether your goal is to eat more or less calories, hit your protein intake or eat less sugar, apps like this can help you to stick to your fitness goals for no cost.

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