Ok, so the last blog was all about not dropping the fitness ball as we are fast approaching the Christmas party season and everyone wants to look top notch in their little black dress or that suave black suit and bow tie! With that in mind, I know that at this time of year, most people decide to use their pennies for going out, Christmas shopping, new party outfits and trips to the hairdressers. A gym membership can be well down on the list priorities but incorporating fitness into your routine is vital both for general wellbeing and to make sure you’re LBD ready when the festive party season really arrives.  So this week, we are going to focus on keeping fit on a budget..what are your options and how can you make every penny count?

Take to the streets

It might sound like common sense but walk… and walk lots! Don’t get stressed trying to find a car parking space in one of the beautiful under cover shopping malls we have here in Glasgow. Walk into town. Burn some calories on the way into the shops and you’ll be sure to burn lots while walking round the shops choosing those important gifts for all your loved ones. You might even burn enough calories to reward yourself with one of those indulgent Christmas coffees at your favourite coffee house!

If you use public transport, get off a couple of stops earlier and walk the rest of the way. Use the stairs rather than escalators and lifts. Dog owners are lucky enough to be out walking whatever the time of year or the weather conditions. Exercise and meeting people is part of the dog owners’ routine. So why not try out some new routes? On the days when you have time for a longer walk, get out to the countryside and make a day of it. Exercising outdoors is great for your immune system, energy levels and general mood so don’t give into the winter blues, wrap up and get out there.

Fitness for Free…

I know the saying goes, you can’t get anything for nothing these days’ but exercise can be free. Exercising outdoors is free. I’ve already covered walking but why not go for a run through your nearest local park to release some serious endorphins! There’s lots of local running clubs running events throughout autumn and winter. Just make sure you dress appropriately for the weather – it’s ever changing in Glasgow regardless of the time of year anyway.

Some things aren’t free…

Some things aren’t free but they can be inexpensive. Attending a fitness class on a PAYG (pay as you go) basis can be as cheap as £2.50 and there are many places where you can use this type of service.

It means you can spend your money wisely on when you really want to train rather than having a gym membership you may only use a few times throughout the Christmas period.

Most health clubs and gyms offer free passes to try out their facilities before joining. If getting fit is on your New Year’s Resolutions list for January 2016, I would definitely suggest trying out a gym now that you are interested in joining after the festive season.

Many gyms are quiet at this time of the year so you’ll get a good feel for the club without that crazy January busyness that kicks off the start of a new year. Village the Hotel Club Glasgow offers day trial passes so get in touch if you’d like to come in and try it out. 

You’ll also find alot of gyms have great offers in November and December and this can be a great time to sign up as you’ll get your fitness programme in place whilst it’s quiet and you can enjoy all the facilities at your own pace.

For more details of the current Autumn offer at Village, call 0141 375 3142. You can currently join us for only £30 and not pay a penny for the rest of the year (terms and conditions apply)...Sounds like the perfect seasonal gift to yourself!