Get fit outside gym?

Miss Informed

Hey guys,

Along with thousands of other people, I've made it my mission to lose weight and get fit. Yet unfortunately, I can't afford gym membership...

Anyone got any advice? I wouldn't even know where to start!

Belle E. Flops

Fitness Dvds???

shellyb73

Hiya,

Have you thought about a Bootcamp?? I think there is a website for them bootcamp.ie but I did one in Balbriggan and have to absolutley brilliant! Great motivation in the group, you do have to pay for it but works out about 4 eu a session..

Best of luck!!

shellyb73

Sorry, posted too early, meant to say "couch to 5k" has a website designed to get you running 5k in no time, check it out!

Again, best of luck!!:D

colm1234

buy yourself a second hand bike that would be a great starting point just 1 hour of cycling will burn fat up to 8 hours after, you only need to do it 3 to 4 times a week

Bigcheeze

shellyb73 wrote: »

Sorry, posted too early, meant to say "couch to 5k" has a website designed to get you running 5k in no time, check it out!

Again, best of luck!!:D

+1

I've had loads of gym memberships and I never lasted more than 2-3 months. Four years on from doing couch to 5k, I still run about 15 miles per week. The worse the weather, the more I like it

+ 1 for couch to 5k
http://www.c25k.com/

You can get some great apps for your phone to assist you with this also.

Dr Nic

Google a book called 'You are your own Gym'.

It is one of the best bodyweight only training books i've read outside of those HFL books that went out of print 20 years ago.

It is a good book, but be prepared to work hard to lose weight/get fit. A calorie deficit must be created for a sustained period. All books/programs worth a jot say this.

Its not that hard, you do really get into that 'routine' that people speak of, but it doesnt come easy to everyone at the start, and it has to be maintained for months...

Good luck

El Horseboxo

If you can't afford gym memberships or can't justify paying big money for just a year you should probably consider investing in some equipment which you will have for life. Yeah it will cost you but you'll never have to pay for them again.

Dumbells, kettlebells, some running shoes, skipping rope, bands, a mat, a swiss ball. Not all are neccesary but i'd recommend kettlebells, a decent mat and a skipping rope first if you were really stuck for the cash. With those pieces of equipment and body weight exercises you can create effectice workouts through out the week.

The below 2 files are worth saving. They are lists of bodyweight exercises that can be performed together and will give you a good idea of what to do or what you can use to create your own.


Bodyweight exercises 1


Bodyweight exercises 2


If you created 3 workouts from something similar to the above and stuck to them or varied them each week and combined it with some direct cardio work and maintained a good diet you will lose weight. You wouldn't even have to do direct cardio. You could even do 20 minute or so sessions 4-5 times a week. But if losing weight is your goal you need to pay special attention to your diet.

Miss Informed

Thanks for this guys, just a few simple options and I'm feeling encouraged! :):):):D:):):):)

frag420

I am in the same boat as you OP.

I am planning to finally start cto5k next weekend in Phoenix Park. Getting gait test done tomorow for new running shoes.

If you want to join me if you live near the park then the more the merrier.

Good luck with it

frAg

Larianne

Also, think of little things like walking/cycling to work or getting off a few stops earlier, using stairs instead of lifts/escalators to increase your physical activity levels.

metamorphosis

Larianne wrote: »

Also, think of little things like walking/cycling to work or getting off a few stops earlier, using stairs instead of lifts/escalators to increase your physical activity levels.

+1

People that are starting out imo underestimate this.

When I initially went about losing weight, it was after my leaving cert and i had a full time summer job and before that i was NEVER active. That summer i began walking in and out of work - a 1.5 mile trip each way and lo and behold the first stone came off me. I think the fact that I started off so small, my interest and knowledge grew and grew and grew for fitness and nutririon.

Dive in by all means, but don't go so hard you discourage yourself.

The couch 2 5k and body weight exercise are great ones too.

Best of luck OP

Ruu_Old

Buy yourself a decent pair of running shoes. Actually go into the shop and get advice from people in the know. They will be able to give you the right shoe. Start out small, couch to 5k is brilliant to start. Keep a log if that helps, you will get plenty of encouragement from folks who have "graduated". Good luck!

WHIP IT!

Some great options and encouragement there - best of luck OP!

I'd echo what others have suggested about effectively making your training "practical". It can be hard to get off the couch to "go for a walk/run" but if you're walking/cycling to work then you're doing it with a purpose - ie, to get to work (or, to get out of the kip! :pac: )

Great way to get active in a few small steps.

Transform

home workouts, a kettlebell, a skipping rope, some running/jogging, foam rolling, stretching - sorted

Chet Zar

Today I went out for a run, 20 minutes or so, then back to kettlebell swings (well with a dumbbell actually - improvised), thrusters with the dumbbells, push-ups then finished up with stretching. Done and done. Also have a skipping rope I used the other day - excellent workout can be had with a simple rope.

I do prefer gyms to working out at home but no reason you can't get a great workout in just off your own bat.

Miss Informed

Frag, thanks for the invite, but I'm Galway based. I hope you get a good group going.

Right guys, I have myself a fitness dvd and I finally collected my bicycle from a friends house... All I have to do now is actually put in the effort!

With respect to getting new runners... I've heard of a place in town that dose gait analysis, sounds like a good concept (first thought was.. maybe my gait is responsible for my complete inability to walk in high heels... ) but then I started to wonder... Would supporting whatever imbalances or curves that you have in your foot not cause the problem to worsen over time? I thought that by compensating for the problem you'd be encouraging your body to become reliant on the runners.. Any thoughts?

Thanks again for the support guys.

Chet Zar

Miss Informed wrote: »

With respect to getting new runners... I've heard of a place in town that dose gait analysis, sounds like a good concept (first thought was.. maybe my gait is responsible for my complete inability to walk in high heels... ) but then I started to wonder... Would supporting whatever imbalances or curves that you have in your foot not cause the problem to worsen over time? I thought that by compensating for the problem you'd be encouraging your body to become reliant on the runners.. Any thoughts?

Thanks again for the support guys.

That's an interesting take on it The idea behind it is to prevent any potential injuries or niggles you might pick up from running, putting stress on your joints and not supporting your feet. It's not that it's a 'problem' per se - just that running is high-impact and this is when problems can arise without the right support for your feet.

Minister Boyce

Miss Informed wrote: »

Hey guys,

Along with thousands of other people, I've made it my mission to lose weight and get fit. Yet unfortunately, I can't afford gym membership...

Anyone got any advice? I wouldn't even know where to start!

A Brisk 40/45 minute walk 3-4 times a week and keep a food diary of what you are eating during the week, obviously limiting the naughty stuff..

Transform

Miss Informed wrote: »

Frag, thanks for the invite, but I'm Galway based. I hope you get a good group going.

Right guys, I have myself a fitness dvd and I finally collected my bicycle from a friends house... All I have to do now is actually put in the effort!

With respect to getting new runners... I've heard of a place in town that dose gait analysis, sounds like a good concept (first thought was.. maybe my gait is responsible for my complete inability to walk in high heels... ) but then I started to wonder... Would supporting whatever imbalances or curves that you have in your foot not cause the problem to worsen over time? I thought that by compensating for the problem you'd be encouraging your body to become reliant on the runners.. Any thoughts?

Thanks again for the support guys.

just get a basic pair of runners to get started and take if from there. Most people dont need really expensive shoes unless they are going to be doing lots of milage

Try to walk barefoot as much as possible to keep arches strengthened.

Throw in a weights (body weight) session in there also

Wonkagirl

shellyb73 wrote: »

Hiya,

Have you thought about a Bootcamp?? I think there is a website for them bootcamp.ie but I did one in Balbriggan and have to absolutley brilliant! Great motivation in the group, you do have to pay for it but works out about 4 eu a session..

Best of luck!!

I am a huge advocate of bootcamps, but alas if she cannot afford the gym, bootcamp is even more expensive- 120 to 150 for an 8 week term, which is 24 classes..
www.bootcampireland.com
www.keepfit.ie
www.fitsquad.ie

I would suggest doing the C25K programme, then joining a running club. For eg, Pulse Tri athlon club is only 55e a year, and the weekly 10km run on a saturday morning is free.. they also do a sunday cycle which is free.. the other classes like spinning and swim lessons are pay as you go and are cheap..

i was in TK Maxx in Carricikmines yesterday, they have FANTASTIC runners and running gear for half nothing.. got myself a pair of asics and 3 under armour tops for 65e.

Transform

Wonkagirl wrote: »

I am a huge advocate of bootcamps, but alas if she cannot afford the gym, bootcamp is even more expensive- 120 to 150 for an 8 week term, which is 24 classes..
www.bootcampireland.com
www.keepfit.ie
www.fitsquad.ie

I would suggest doing the C25K programme, then joining a running club. For eg, Pulse Tri athlon club is only 55e a year, and the weekly 10km run on a saturday morning is free.. they also do a sunday cycle which is free.. the other classes like spinning and swim lessons are pay as you go and are cheap..

i was in TK Maxx in Carricikmines yesterday, they have FANTASTIC runners and running gear for half nothing.. got myself a pair of asics and 3 under armour tops for 65e.

wow thats super value!!

I am sure they also would do a skipping rope and a yoga mat - buy a kettbell for under €40 easily and you are sorted

Naos

Just incase anyone is looking for a cheap Bootcamp, check out todays Boards Deal:

http://www.boardsdeals.ie/

Eight week membership of Keepfit.ie Bootcamp training OR Crossfit training for €60 instead of €120.

Wonkagirl

Naos wrote: »

Just incase anyone is looking for a cheap Bootcamp, check out todays Boards Deal:

http://www.boardsdeals.ie/

Eight week membership of Keepfit.ie Bootcamp training OR Crossfit training for €60 instead of €120.

jesus that's brilliant- that's the one i go to, and it's absolutely fantastic. the trainers are outstanding and i've never felt fitter or leaner. i wonder is the offer open to existing clients!

ETA: of course it's not available to existing members.. bummer! as i said, it woudl whole heartedly recommend it. The crossfit sessions are for advanced members- did it once and couldnt walk for a week- so i'd probably recommend the OP start off with the bootcamp training class instead. 8 weeks of that would be a real kickstart, you'd be well equiped to go it alone after that with the tips youd pick up.

nice_guy80

http://www.youtube.com/user/scooby1961#p/a/u/1/aH6PKyTrIaM

all you ever need to get in shape at home

DonnchaMc

nice_guy80 wrote: »

http://www.youtube.com/user/scooby1961#p/a/u/1/aH6PKyTrIaM

all you ever need to get in shape at home

hahaha this guy kinda weirds me out haha

apsley

frag420 wrote: »

I am in the same boat as you OP.

I am planning to finally start cto5k next weekend in Phoenix Park. Getting gait test done tomorow for new running shoes.

If you want to join me if you live near the park then the more the merrier.

Good luck with it

frAg

Hi Frag420 - I m in the market for new running shoes, what test are you getting done can i ask?.

I'd love to join you in the park too but Iam only a beginner!!

metamorphosis

apsley wrote: »

Hi Frag420 - I m in the market for new running shoes, what test are you getting done can i ask?.

I'd love to join you in the park too but Iam only a beginner!!

Frag's referring to a gait analysis test - it's a test that gets you on a treadmill walking and jogging and there's a camera that examines how your feet position themselves when you run. Do they roll inwards (pronation) or do they roll outwards for example (supination). This type of test, especially if done by those experienced will help you know which show is correct for your type of foot. Having the right shoe is needed for injury prevention, shock absorption etc.

Best off to go to a specialist running store for best advice on this. If you are based in Dublin, I know Runways on Parnell St do them.

nice_guy80

DonnchaMc wrote: »

hahaha this guy kinda weirds me out haha

Why?
Because he is in his late 40's and has a body most people would kill for?
and he talks more common sense than most gym instructors/fitness gurus?

Then check out this
http://www.scoobysworkshop.com/

SanoVitae

Wonkagirl wrote: »

ETA: of course it's not available to existing members.. bummer!

Not exactly rewarding their loyal customers, are they?!

stephendevlin

Skipping rope! Hard to get used to at the start but once you've got the hang of it... Half hour skipping every day (tough at the start but sure what isnt) your sure to loose stones! lol:D

frag420

apsley wrote: »

Hi Frag420 - I m in the market for new running shoes, what test are you getting done can i ask?.

I'd love to join you in the park too but Iam only a beginner!!

HI,
Yeah just as ULstudent said above. I got mine done in Elveries on Suffolk st. Was wrecked after the 30 seconds I was on the treadmill doing the test so as far as beginners go we are in the same boat.

I hope to go out for first run this sunday eve and then tue and thur if your interested.

IL pm you details for meeting if you are interested.

frAg

Naos

SanoVitae wrote: »

Not exactly rewarding their loyal customers, are they?!

Big time. I'd definitly say that to them.

messi1985

i was in the same boat before Xmas.. couldn't afford a gym so went and bought a proper pair of running shoes and just did 5k 3 to 4 times a week and gradually increased it.. mapmyroute.com is a great site to locate different running areas cos eventually u will get sick of doing the same one.. unfortunately due to weather and more so xmas beering and eating iv put on the pounds again.. motivated now to lose stone and half by easter..

Wonkagirl

SanoVitae wrote: »

Not exactly rewarding their loyal customers, are they?!

Not quite true, actually. i got a 50e voucher for giving a testimonial for the website.. i also got 2x 25e vouchers for referring 2 friends.. oh and i also got a 50e voucher for winning an award at the quaterly fitness awards! So i've only paid full fee about twice i think.