Budget Friendly Fitness Tips
- SuperSavvySavers
- 1 day ago
- 15 min read
*** DRAFT!! ***
So who doesn't want to feel amazing? We all want to feel good, right? More energy, glowing skin, clothes that fit... but when you see the cost of some of the exercise classes, the workout gear, the home gym equipment… it's easy to feel like getting fit is a luxury rather than a basic human right. But here's the good news - you can absolutely smash your fitness goals without emptying your bank account.
We're talking about crafting a lifestyle that keeps you healthy and happy, without making your bank account weep. And the good news is, you don't need a fancy membership or expensive equipment to achieve this.
The internet is overflowing with FREE fitness apps, websites, and videos, most of which you can do at home so saves on time too. Or get yourself outdoors... try walking, running or sea swimming, or take yourself off to one of the many amazing outdoor gym facilities. All of these activities are absolutely FREE. So no more excuses! 😆 Here are our SuperSavvySavers tips to get you started on your budget friendly fitness journey...
1. Join an online Fitness Class! 🤩
The internet is absolutely bursting with FREE fitness resources! Seriously, it's like a treasure trove of workouts just waiting to be discovered. Want to try yoga without the studio prices? Done. Crave a high-energy cardio session without leaving your living room? You got it. Pilates for a stronger core? Check. Gentle seated exercises? Absolutely!
We're talking aerobics and dance workouts that'll make you feel like you're on your own personal dance floor, strength training routines that'll have you feeling powerful, and relaxation sessions designed to melt away stress. And the best part? It's all accessible from the comfort of your own home, on your own schedule.
No more excuses about not having time or money. No more getting in the car to get to the gym. No more feeling intimidated by rows of unfamiliar equipment. Just you, your device, and a world of free fitness options!
Whether you're a seasoned fitness enthusiast or a complete beginner, there's something out there for you. We've scoured the internet to find some of the best free activity links, and we're excited to share them with you. So, ditch the guilt, embrace the convenience, and let's get moving!
Here are some of the best FREE exercise, fitness and activity links that we've found online:
👟 NHS Fitness studio - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-fitness-studio/
👟 Better at Home - free library of 600 online fitness classes - https://www.better.org.uk/what-we-offer/activities/exercise-at-home
👟 ClassPass - over 4,000 free on-demand online workouts in HIIT & strength training, cardio, yoga, barre and more - https://classpass.com/try/home-workout-videos
💃 Dance workouts - if dancing to get fit is more your thing, check this lot out - https://www.byrdie.com/free-dance-workouts-5176224
🧘🏼♂️ Mindfulness - or perhaps achieving calmer moments are more your thing, try these free mindfulness and meditation courses - https://mindfulnessexercises.com/free-online-mindfulness-courses/
🏃♀️ Couch to 5k - if you are feeling a little more energetic and fancy running, the Couch to 5k is a brilliant Free App to get you running 5k in just 12 weeks (Yes, it works, I've done it myself!!) - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/get-running-with-couch-to-5k/
🪴 Be Active At Home - the Guernsey Health Improvement Commission offer a long list of ideas for active living over on their website and offers a tonne of links to online resources such as Joe Wickes, activities for new mums and mums-to-be, activities for older adults and ideas from the MS Society - https://healthimprovement.gg/services/be-active/be-active-home
👟 Couch to Fitness - feel fitter bit by bit with this free fitness programme you can do at home. I've tried this one myself and it's really good. The kids joined in too! - https://couchtofitness.com/
And if all that is not enough for you... just search free online exercise classes for beginners in your web browser and go take your pick! There are literally thousands of free fitness activities out there to choose from.
2. Use an Outdoor Gym! 💪🏋️♀️🌳
Maybe the idea of paying a membership fee makes you wince, or perhaps you just crave some fresh air while you move. Well, Guernsey's got you covered!
Did you know we have these amazing outdoor gyms sprinkled around the island? Think of them as playgrounds for grown-ups, but instead of swings and slides, you'll find all sorts of fantastic gym equipment. And the absolute best part? It's all completely FREE!
Imagine working out with a gentle breeze on your face, or getting your heart pumping while surrounded by green, calming park scenery. Guernsey's 'park gyms' as they're often called, are equipped with a variety of machines designed to give you a full-body workout.
Whether you're a fitness fanatic or someone who's just starting their fitness journey, these outdoor spaces are incredibly welcoming. There's no pressure, no judgment, just the opportunity to move your body and enjoy the beautiful Guernsey surroundings.
There are several outdoor gyms here in Guernsey all offering various pieces of outdoor gym equipment that anyone can go ahead and use completely free of charge. You'll find park gyms located at -
Saumarez Park - the largest and newest of the park gyms here in Guernsey offering various pieces of exercise equipment. The outdoor gym equipment at Saumarez Park is conveniently located opposite the children's playground - great for parents and grandparents to use whilst the kids are busy playing!
Styx Community Centre - offers various pieces of fitness and exercise equipment. The outdoor gym equipment is located within the children's play area positioned to the left of the main Styx community centre building.
Delancey Park - offers several pieces of outdoor exercise equipment although much of the outdoor gym is currently being renovated and only a few pieces of equipment remain. The remaining equipment is all looking very tired but will hopefully be replaced sometime soon. The outdoor gym at Delancey Park is located next to the children's play area, over by the outdoor bowling green.
So, next time you're feeling that little nudge to get moving, why not head to one of our local outdoor gyms? You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it, and your body (and your wallet!) will thank you for it.
How to use outdoor gym equipment
If you haven't used outdoor gym equipment before and feeling a little hesitant to dive straight in, there's some really useful information over on this Australian website - www.preventivehealth.sa.gov.au/healthy-living/being-active-healthy/movement-being-active/outdoor-fitness-equipment
The above link walks you through all the various pieces of park gym equipment you can find in the park gyms here in Guernsey and also includes a couple of video tutorials on how to use outdoor gym equipment. There are two video tutorials, one aimed at teenagers and adults and the second video tutorial is aimed at older adults. The videos also offers some suggestions on warm up routines and how much you should do of each of the exercises.
3. Get Walking!
Walking is a fantastic, accessible, and often overlooked form of exercise with lots of benefits for both physical and mental health. Here are some compelling reasons to incorporate walking into your daily routine:
Cardiovascular Health - Walking strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
Weight Management - Walking burns calories and can help maintain a healthy weight or aid in weight loss. It can also help increase metabolism.
Strengthened Bones and Muscles - Walking is a weight-bearing exercise that helps strengthen bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis. It also strengthens leg muscles and improves muscle endurance.
Improved Joint Health - Walking is a low-impact activity that's gentle on the joints, making it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels. It can help reduce joint pain and stiffness.
Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases - Regular walking can help prevent or manage conditions like type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and other chronic diseases.
Increased Energy Levels - Despite being a form of exercise, walking can actually increase energy levels and reduce fatigue.
Improved Balance and Coordination - Walking helps improve balance and coordination, which is especially important as we age.
Stress Reduction - Walking can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Walking has been shown to improve cognitive function, memory, and concentration and can promote better sleep quality.
Accessibility - Walking is a free and accessible activity that can be done almost anywhere and requires minimal equipment.
Convenience - Walking can easily be incorporated into daily routines. You can walk during your lunch break, while running errands, or simply as a leisurely stroll.
In essence, walking is a simple yet powerful tool for improving overall health and well-being.
Join a Walking Group
Joining a walking group offers a chance to meet new people, form friendships, and engage in meaningful conversations, as well as of course of getting yourself moving, some fresh air and visiting parts of Guernsey you might not ordinarily see.
There are various local groups and clubs you can join here in Guernsey that are either FREE to access or available at a small charge. Here’s a few…
Ramblers Well Being Walks are suitable for anyone who wants to get a little fitter with a group of like-minded people. Walks are free and take approximately half an hour, ending at various cafés where walkers are able to sit down for refreshments and a chat. Further information and Join for Free is available here - Ramblers Well Being Walks Guernsey
Club Bons Amis is a social and activity club for people aged fifty and over. It's a great place to make new friends and head out for regular walks They also organise meals and occasional visits to places of interest. Annual subscription is £10 per single or £15 per couple. Further information here - Club Bons Amis
The U3A Walking Group offers several monthly walks of varying degrees of difficulty, time and distance. You will need to be a member to take part which is £15 per year and there may be a small charge per session. The U3A is aimed at people who are retired from full-time employment. Further information here - U3A Walking Group Guernsey
Self-Guided Walking Routes
There are some great self-guided walking routes available on the Visit Guernsey website. You can view all Guernsey walking guides and hiking routes here - Walking Routes of Guernsey.
You can also download the Visit Guernsey App which provides information on all 43 walking routes around Guernsey including heritage, historic, cultural, wildlife and coastal routes. The App also provides local swimming guides as well as local weather and tidal information. It’s really good, and it’s free!
Download the Visit Guernsey App from the App Store or Download from Google Play.
4. Take up Running! 🏃♀️
The idea of running might not be for everyone, but hey... you don't know until you try, right?! Running is BIG here in Guernsey! There's loads of clubs and fun-runs you can get involved with or you can join the elite and head out on the coastal GU36, a gruelling 36 mile run of the cliffs and coastal paths!! Or of course, you can choose to run alone, in your own time, at your own pace! That's the joy of running...
As far as sports go, running is one of the most affordable you can do! We all have different budgets and priorities, and you can of course spend a lot of money on premium running goods such as carbon-fibre trainers, high-tech apparel and GPS gadgets, but all you really need is a pair of decent trainers.
Tips on buying your running shoes... 👟
When spending your cash on a decent pair of trainers, look to buy from a local sports shop rather than buying online. The trained staff will know which brands will fit you the best just by looking at your feet! You can try several pairs and get the right shoe for you.
Take your running socks and any shoe inserts with you to the shop.
Did you know.... your feet continue to swell during the day until around 4pm - the best time to try and buy a new pair of shoes!
Generally, shoes should be replaced every 300 to 500 miles depending on the brand and model. You can keep track of your mileage using an app such as Strava.
Remember, you don't have to spend a fortune on a pair of trainers! They just need to be comfortable and supportive.
Another great advantage to taking up running is that you can fit it into your own schedule and get out for a run at a time to suit you. No hanging around waiting for a class to start!
There are lots of running apps available to download to your phone as well as various running groups right here in Guernsey. Here's some of the best FREE running programmes, apps, local groups and online resources we've found to help you get your running off to a flying start...
Couch to 5k
There are lots of varying 'Couch to 5K' programmes and plans available, but the one we love is designed by the NHS and supported by the BBC. The NHS Couch to 5k is an App you can download to your smartphone that will get you confidently running 5km in just nine weeks. I've done this one myself and can say with great confidence, it works!
The best thing about Couch to 5k, besides the fact that it's FREE, is that you can quickly get to running 5km in just 9 weeks OR you can take as long as you want with it, and actually never reach 5k if that's not your goal, you can just repeat the walk/run interval sessions and do whatever makes you feel fitter and happier. Just getting out and about in the fresh air and walking or running for however long you want is what this app is all about. We love it! 💖
The NHS app in partnership with the BBC features a selection of great 'coaches' to guide, support and motivate you every step of the way, telling you when to run and when to walk. Choose from trainers such as Radio DJ, Jo Whiley; comedian and actor, Sanjeev Kohli; 13 time Olympic and World Championship gold medallist, Michael Johnson or comedian Sarah Millican.
If you do decide to reach the end goal of the Couch to 5k and catch the running bug, there's an additional program you can follow to help you achieve a longer distance, or a faster pace. It's entirely up to you where you go from there.
Further info on Couch to 5k here - https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/get-running-with-couch-to-5k
Download the Couch to 5k App from App Store or from Google Play
Guernsey Parkrun
Parkrun is a FREE weekly 5k community event that takes place in open spaces around the world. The Guernsey Parkrun takes place 9am on Saturday mornings at Pembroke Bay (parking in the car park by The Beach House café). Everyone is welcome and you can run, jog or walk the 5k route.
If you want to take part in the Guernsey Parkrun, you simply need to register online. You only need to register once and you will receive your personal barcode. You just zap the barcode when you turn up on the day and the organisers know who you are from that. Your run, jog or walk will also be timed.
You can register for Parkrun here - REGISTER HERE!
More info about Parkrun here - www.parkrun.org.uk
Guernsey Parkrun Facebook page here - Guernsey Parkrun
Further information and useful running programmes, apps and online resources...
Strava
Interval Timer
BBC Sounds
Spotify
other stuff...
5. Take up Sea Swimming! 🏊♀️
Sea swimming is hugely popular here in Guernsey and there are many brave locals who enjoy sea swimming all year round. Some are hardened, die hard sea swimmers who can just stroll straight into the freezing cold water as if they're stepping into a warm bath, whilst others wrap themselves up in neoprene. Well bobble hats off to them, I'm shivering just thinking about it! But the benefits of sea swimming are huge, offering a wide range of benefits for both physical and mental well-being. It's not just a chilly dip, it's a full-on wellness experience! And did we mention, it's FREE!
Here's a summary of a few of the benefits...
Improved Circulation - Cold water exposure stimulates blood flow, directing it to vital organs and then circulating it back as you warm up. This can enhance overall cardiovascular health.
Boosted Immune System - Regular cold water immersion may strengthen the immune system by increasing white blood cell count. The body adapts to the stress of cold, becoming more efficient at defending itself.
Skin Health - Seawater is rich in minerals like magnesium, sodium, calcium, and potassium, which can be beneficial for skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. These minerals can also promote skin hydration and healing.
Pain Reduction - Cold water has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce aches and pains. It's often used by athletes for muscle recovery.
Increased Metabolism - Cold water forces the body to work harder to maintain its core temperature, leading to increased calorie burning.
Stress Reduction - Cold water immersion triggers the release of endorphins, which have mood-boosting and stress-reducing effects. Sea swimming can also alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. The combination of cold water and the natural environment can promote a sense of calm and well-being.
La Vallette Bathing Pools
La Vallette is the perfect place to start your sea swimming experience! The water in the pool comes directly from the sea at high tide. The height of the walls allow a certain amount of water to remain in the pool as the tide lowers. The walls also stop an excess of seaweed or sea creatures finding their way into the pools.
The bathing pools offer a safe and contained area for salt water swimming, suitable for the whole family! The pools are made up of four unique coastal swimming spots, the Ladies’, Gent’s and Children’s pool and the Horseshoe Pool. The facilities include changing rooms, hot showers and panoramic sun terrace which are available to use free of charge. There is also an on-site café and event space.
Note! Although the pools retain their original names, they are mixed for all swimmers to use.
Free Online Open Swimming Resources
There’s some great free open swimming resources available online including technical advice and training plans. Here’s some to get you started -
The Great North Swim - 1 mile open water training plan (free download) - https://www.greatswim.org/training/training-plans/
The Outdoor Swimming Society – Swim Couch to 5k – a 7 week programme to get you swim fit. Free to download at https://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/the-oss-couch-to-5k/
Join a Swim Club or Group
As you can expect within our friendly little community here in Guernsey, there are various local groups and clubs you can join, mostly for free or at a small charge and all are friendly! Here’s a couple…
Guernsey Swim all Seasons is a local community of swim enthusiasts of all abilities who aim to take dips all the year round, no matter the season. You can join their Facebook group to connect with a swim buddy, share stories or join in group swims.
Guernsey Swim Adventures run both pool and open water sessions for locals and visitors and also run a number of open water events throughout the Summer season. Sessions are available at a fee and are fully insured and organised by qualified swim coaches and open water guides.
Guernsey Open Water Swimming - another local community of swim enthusiasts. Join their Facebook group for all the things open water in Guernsey.
Check out the Visit Guernsey Free Wild Swimming Guides!
Visit Guernsey have compiled a fantastic list of 45 local Wild Swimming Guides which allow you to find your ideal swimming spots across our islands depending on weather conditions, location and tide times.
Each guide details how to get to the bay, facilities information, swimming guidance and other activities you can explore at your swim location. With local tips and insight, these guides will help you see the islands from a new perspective.
The Wild Swimming Guides are available to view direct on the Visit Guernsey website or within the Visit Guernsey App which you can download for FREE from the App Store or Download from Google Play.
There's also a great blog post by The Wild Swimming Brothers which was published back in 2021 but is well worth a read. It details a 'wild swimmers beginners guide' to swimming in the waters around Guernsey with detailed information on nine popular swim locations. It's well worth a read. Read the blog here - Wild Swimming Brothers Guide to Guernsey
Important considerations when sea swimming...
It's crucial to prioritise safety when sea swimming.
Be aware of water conditions, tides, and currents.
Gradually acclimatise to cold water to avoid shock.
Swim with others whenever possible.
Stay safe!
6. Join a Gym! 💪🏋️♀️
If you do fancy joining a gym we have plenty of options available here in Guernsey, with each gym offering something slightly different. Being part of a gym community can provide valuable support and motivation. You can connect with like-minded individuals, participate in group activities and seek guidance from experienced instructors.
The gym you choose will very much depend upon your personal requirements. I recently opted for Beau Sejour's Freedom Membership as it was not only excellent value, it had everything I wanted from a membership with unlimited access to the gym (with the equipment I wanted to use), all exercise and fitness classes included, use of the swimming pool (and more). And I have to say, I'm thoroughly enjoying it!
I've found all the instructors and other people attending the classes to be really helpful and friendly so there's no need to worry if you've never been before, you'll soon get into the swing of things. And walking into the gym for the first time feeling like you're wearing a fancy dress costume (in your gym clothes), that feeling soon wears off! No-one really gives a hoot what you wear or what you're doing, everyone is too focussed on getting fit themselves!
The regular cost of a Freedom membership at Beau Sejour is £54 per month but you can save yourself £60 per year and pay just £49 per month using the SuperSavvySavers corporate rate.
So I pay £49 per month using the SuperSavvySavers corporate rate and aim to use the gym or attend an exercise class 3 times a week. That works out at just £4 per session!
Here's all the details on how you can become a member of Beau Sejour's Gym using our corporate membership to save yourself £60 per year! - SuperSavvySavers Corporate Gym Membership.
Enjoy your fitness journey and feeling great!
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