4 BUDGET-FRIENDLY TIPS TO STAY ON TOP OF YOUR HEALTH AND FITNESS

Is your gym subscription costing you an arm and a leg? You don’t have to spend a fortune keeping your health and fitness on track. These four tips will keep your body in tip-top shape without breaking the bank.

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Lace-up your walking shoes
Walking is one of the easiest exercises you can do - and it's free! According to Michael Lam, a physician specialising in nutrition and healthy ageing, not many people recognise walking as a real workout. “Perhaps it's too easy, too common, too enjoyable, or too relaxing to be considered a serious form of exercise”, he says.

You don’t need any equipment or to spend a fortune on shoes. Lace up for a midday walk around the block, or a morning hike up the mountain. This low-intensity exercise is a great way to get in those steps, burn calories, and head outside for much-needed fresh air.

Follow these tips to get in your 10 000 steps a day

Get enough sleep
Are you getting enough shut-eye? According to personal trainer Lisa MacDonald, cleaning up your sleep habits means that you’ll reach your muscle and performance goals faster. So, avoid those late nights to get those gains.

Check out these great tips on how to get in those forty winks.

Make fitness dates with a workout buddy
Ditch the lavish dinner catchups and spend that cash on a dance class, enter a local race or sign up together for a marathon (that one you never thought you’d run). Your partner will not only keep you accountable when you want to cancel, but they’re the best motivators. You’ll have fun with your friend, and your body will benefit. Don’t worry, you can do it…and so can your friend!

Meal prepping
Batch cooking will not only spare you the hassle of cooking multiple meals a day but is a great money saver as well. Prepping your meals can spare you from impulsively buying takeaways and it will make healthy eating easier during those busy days. “Stick to the basic whole foods and then mix and match the ingredients for multiple meals”, advises personal trainer Emma Ford.

Struggling to plan your meals ahead?
Follow these easy steps to plan your meals for the week ahead.