Students Guide to Getting Fit on a Budget

With the London Marathon coming up everybody’s feeling inspired and the New Year’s Resolution late gym bloomers are getting fit for summer. But if you’re a student who doesn’t want to choose between a weekly food budget and a hefty gym membership, it isn’t so easy. Especially with the student lifestyle, you don’t want to be choosing between actually enjoying your student years and living like a recluse with a great body.

It can be a bit of a balancing act but once you’ve mastered the art of this getting fit on a budget business, you’ll be feeling good and have the cash to spare too.

1# Utilise your university facilities

If you don’t already use your university discounted gym then you’re going to wish you had when you leave your course. Universities usually offer really competitive gym facilities which non-students pay good money for, so it makes sense to use them now whilst you can. If a gym isn’t for you then why not make the most of the local parks and surroundings or join a club. It’s a great opportunity to make new friends and it’s just one more thing to add to your CV if anything else.

2# Download yourself a personal trainer

You can find a world of free fitness videos and apps available to download straight to your phone which means you definitely don’t need to spend on extras like personal trainers. The great thing about doing this is that you can find a workout or fitness personality that really suits you. The truth is that when you’re really motivated and engaged, you’re probably more likely to get more benefit from your workout anyway and it just means you can enjoy a workout from your room.

Need help? Find a list of the top fitness apps of 2015 here by Live Science:

3# Only buy the essentials

If you’re going to invest in one piece of decent kit you should really consider making it your trainers. High impact training is hard on your feet and joints so the right support is a must. Once you choose the perfect pair of trainers, look online and get them as cheap as you can.  Now that vintage is in, you can make the old work with reviving old T’s and going super cheap on the rest. Forget the expensive gadgets for now, there’s no point spending until you find a routine that really works for you.

Tip! Find your 12 gym bag essentials here.

 4# Make a plan and stick to it

In order to make a fitness routine work, you will need to put a plan in place to support your success. This means a workout plan that works around your lectures and budget friendly diet so that you’ve got no excuses. The great thing about it that it will provide you with the structure you need to turn it into a lifestyle. You’ll need to consider;

Your current fitness level

Understand your goals

Create a day to day diet plan (consider plenty of raw ingredients to make it budget friendly)

Create a fitness plan that is varied and allows for recovery.

5# Get in the right frame of mind

One of the biggest things you can do is make that commitment to getting fit and getting in the right frame of mind to overcome obstacles, rain or shine. Making that decision to get out of bed that bit earlier in the morning to walk to uni or by taking the stairs to push yourself that bit harder is all down to you but if it can make you healthier and save you money in the mean-time then there’s no reason not to.