Fitness Tips for the Busy & Budget Conscious

Source: Calibe Thompson

In a fast and furious world of work, social commitments, and other tasks holding us down, we need to give ourselves the advantage in every situation possible. Many people skimp on their fitness in these situations and that makes me sad. I fully understand that finding the time to exercise for some people is impossible, and for those who already live sedentary life, it can have unfavourable results.

Fitness hacks are just one of the ways we can overcome this. Taking advantage of technology, a well-balanced diet, and expertly planned small bursts of exercise are just a few of the ways you can take control of your health in otherwise difficult circumstances. Sure, you should always give 100 percent if you want to make it, but who says you can’t make it easier on yourself along the way? Here’s a few ways you can assist in the process if you’re finding difficult to find the time or motivation to get started.

Ditch the car

One of the easiest ways to fit in some exercise almost every day is by ditching the easy mode of transport and choosing a more physical way of getting yourself around. It can always be tempting to take the car regardless of how far you’re going, but there are much healthier forms of movement which, with a bit of extra time to include them each day, can amount to an excellent amount of exercise each week. Saving on petrol isn’t half bad either.

Walking is a low-intensity yet highly effective form of exercise that can be easily achieved without too much discomfort. It is recommended that we walk for at least half-an-hour a day, which translates into roughly a mile in total. The other option is cycling, which can be enjoyed at a more leisurely or intense pace depending on how much of a workout you’re looking for. If you’re unsure whether you’re currently fit enough to cycle, or whether you’ll be able to make the commute each day, electric bikes are good for assisting in those more difficult journeys.

Take food supplements

Supplements can help you get the nutrients and vitamins you need if your diet is lacking. A balanced diet is undeniably one of the most important parts of living a healthier life, however it can be difficult to find exactly what you need, and when you do, it can be overpriced and mess with your entire food budget.

Protein is an all-round beneficial nutrient, and a compound you want in every aspect of your diet. This is especially true if you’re looking to bulk out a bit, in which case protein powder is a very popular option. As for vitamins, you should aim for a healthy intake of vitamin C during the winter period, as sunlight is often scarce and vitamin C is responsible for many healthy functions within the body, including the crucial absorption of iron.

Dance like mad

Are you someone who would rather avoid a workout by going out and partying? You’re certainly not alone, but don’t feel guilty as you can still get a solid bout of cardio through dancing like mad. If you like letting loose on the dancefloor, studies show that this can have a range of benefits including improved flexibility, stress reduction, and promotes a lot of movement which gets your heart beating.

If you ever feel like taking your weekend dancing and turning it into a regular workout, there’s a range of options which could suit your needs. You could check out daytime dancefloors, which are just like regular club nights except they usually take place between 5 – 9am, serve no alcohol, and encourage everyone to get on the dancefloor as a form of exercise. Alternatively, there’s plenty of fitness classes based around dancing such as Salsa or Zumba.

Be narcissistic

This may seem like a strange suggestion, but being a narcissist (even if it doesn’t come naturally to you) can be very effective in helping you notice your results and providing motivation, especially when budget and time seem to be conspiring against you. This also includes finding the time to reward yourself whenever you meet one of your goals.

Taking a narcissistic approach will also ensure that you put your fitness first, taking necessary steps to exercise and eat healthy even if it’s not convenient for others. Are your friends going to eat at a fast-food outlet? Be awkward and have something else. All your colleagues getting the lift down to the ground floor? Take the stairs and make them wait. There are always going to be times when you should concede, just as long as it doesn’t prevent you from an opportunity to be a healthier person.

Will Chivers