Free fitness resources for self-starters (part 1)

If you’re a self starter and you want to get fit – or fitter – for free, there are many no-cost fitness resources for you to try. Remember to warm up properly before exercising, don’t head straight into high intensity exercise if you haven’t exercised for a while, and if in doubt seek advice from your GP.

Find a favourite fitness website

There are hundreds of fitness websites that host all kinds of free workout videos, from yoga stretching to high intensity training and bodybuilding. There’s something out there for most tastes and levels of fitness, plus extra tips and resources. Examples include:

• www.physicalfitnet.com
• www.sparkpeople.com
• www.doyogawithme.com
• www.fitnessmagazine.com

Search it out on YouTube

YouTube.com has a huge range of fitness channels, with new videos to try every day. Try searching for workouts by keyword, or try some of the famous names such as:

• BeFiT
• Tone It Up
• FitnessBlender
• Rebekah Borucki
• Blogilates

Get ready to run 5K

The self-organised Couch to 5k programme is a free way to start running. The NHS endorses the nine-week training schedule for beginners, and hosts extensive information about getting started running, plus various podcasts and a smartphone app.

Military fitness without the bootcamp classes

If you want to go for full military-level exercise, The British Army has developed its own 100% Army Fit free app for Android or iOS. The app includes instruction videos, schedules and exercise plans.

Some other free fitness apps you might like to try

There are so many fitness apps it’s hard to know where to start, but here are a few ideas to help you get going…

• Fitocracy
• Nike Training Club
• Strava Running and Cycling
• Runkeeper
• ViewRanger Outdoors GPS

These are just a few ideas for self-directed fitness training, and there are more ‘get fit for free’ tips coming soon.

Do you have any favourite fitness sites channels or apps that aren’t mentioned here? Please share!