Fun ways to stay fit this summer without having to pay costly gym membership fees

Web Team | 30th April 2019

The average person spends £4,500 per year on looking good, with a large chunk of that money going on a gym membership.

 

That’s a lot of money just to stay fit. The good news is that if you’re one of those who doesn’t want to spend too much on a gym membership, you still have plenty of options here in Manchester. Here are some of the best ways to stay fit without a gym membership.

 

Try these exercises with some of the workout products we featured here on Viva Manchester and you’re all set to start your fitness journey this year!

 

Take fun fitness classes

 

They’re much cheaper and more fun as you’re not limited to lifting weights and following rigid exercise routines. Women’s Health Magazine recommend you go to Barrecorein Manchester. They offer classes for all levels, as well as BarreASANA, which has additional musical elements, and BarreBANDS, which is great if you’re looking for an intense resistance band session. They also have fun classes that focus on strength, posture, and mobility—all of which are better alternatives to simply doing squats at the gym.

 

Go for a country walk

 

Manchester is close to some of the most beautiful woodlands, hills, and lakes in the country, and they are all located an hour or so outside the city centre. Not only are these places great for when you’re looking for a little peace and quiet, but they are also ideal destinations for when you want to get some exercise without spending money on equipment. Culture Trip recommends that you head to Chorlton Ees Nature Reserve or walk along the trails at Fletcher Moss. One of the most popular hikes is through the woodlands in Alderely Edge where walkers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Cheshire Plain. Nothing beats being outside in rural Manchester.

 

Join local marathons

 

Joining marathons or charity fun runs can make your jogging routine a little more interesting. Having an end goal will also help motivate you to work harder towards your target. One way you can do this is by joining the Great Manchester Run, which is one of Europe’s biggest 10km events. It costs £38 to enter and £45 for the half marathon. Last year, 30,000 runners participated in the event with the BBC reporting that professional athletes like Mo Farah (who won it), Moses Kipsiro, Abel Kirui, and Tirunesh Dibaba were also there.

 

This year there will be other professional runners to inspire you as you run. Follow in their example and run for a good cause. This year’s 10km race starts just off at Oxford Road on Portland Street and finishes at Great Bridgewater Street. Meanwhile, the half marathon starts and continues along the same journey and finishes at Deansgate. A post by Save the Children states that the race takes place on the 19th of May, which means there is still time to book your place. Participating in charity runs and marathons is a great way to get fit while also supporting a good cause. If you can’t make this May there are plenty of other opportunities throughout the year.

 

Try cold yoga

 

Working out during the summer months can be hard so why not try practising yoga in a cold environment? The indoor ski slope Chill Factore is the first in the UK to offer ‘snow-ga’, where yogis practice in the cold. Doing yoga in the cold causes blood vessels to constrict, forcing blood towards the core, where the body’s natural filtration system works to remove toxins. The cold temperature also encourages the mind to focus twice as hard to establish a deeper mind-body connection. It will also provide a welcome relief to the summer heat.

 

Staying fit doesn’t have to be mean spending hours in a gym doing the same old exercises. There are plenty of fun and interesting ways to get into shape around Manchester without a gym membership.