Do you want to start working out but can’t afford to go to the gym? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! But there are plenty of ways to work around this problem…and plenty of free exercises for students to enjoy.
Here are a few ideas of things you can do to keep fit at university without spending a penny.
1. Running
An obvious free alternative to the gym is to start running. It’s a simple workout to pick up and you can do it wherever you’d like, so it’s a good one to start with. Try designating an evening or one morning a week to a short run. Find a nearby park, walking patch or beach that you can run along to make it a bit more fun and put your headphones in. Don’t push yourself too hard and try to enjoy it. After all, when it comes to free exercises for students, this is arguably the easiest of all.
Try giving running a go, especially during exam season, as it can also help to clear your head.
2. Yoga
You don’t have to do yoga in a class. You can do it from wherever you’d like. You can buy a cheap yoga mat on places like amazon or just use a towel. Anything works. Try watching YouTube videos or downloading yoga apps to follow a yoga sequence. You’ll pick it up in no time!
This is another great workout to do during exam season as it helps to relax you, relieve anxiety and clear your thoughts.
3. Cycle
If you have a bike then try cycling. Go on a bike ride around your university area and find new places to hang out. Again, don’t push yourself too hard, try to increase your length every time so that your body can keep up with your pace. After all, this is another of the free exercises for students that can quickly become a wonderful and enriching habit.
Related: How To Stay Active In The Winter
4. Home Workouts
Home workouts might seem like a lot of effort but, once you’ve done them, you feel so much better. It might be hard to drag yourself out your pyjamas to do some sit ups on your bedroom floor, but it’s worth it and it’s free! Try watching fitness influencer videos on social media or YouTube.
You can start to pick up different exercises to create your own routines that you can schedule in to your week. Treat your home workouts like the gym. Get changed ready to work out and set a time each day to do it. This makes it become far more of a routine.
5. Walks
Walking is often an overlooked form of exercise but it’s one of the best ways to keep fit. It works your whole body and gets you out in the fresh air and moving. Take yourself for a nice walk before your day starts, or walk to your lecture instead of driving or getting the bus. Listen to a podcast or some music and let your mind drift for a while. You’ll be keeping fit and also clearing your head while you do it!
You could set yourself a distance and increase it each week so that you can keep track of your progress. Maybe even try speed walking to pick up the pace.
6. Sea swimming
If you’re lucky enough to be based near a beach at university then make the most of it! Some studies suggest that sea swimming helps to release stress, relax your muscles and promote deep sleep – so it’s great to be doing during your time at uni and while studying!
Why not get some friends to join you and have a dip in the sea this weekend? If you want to do it regularly, you might find that there are social groups that go weekly that you could get involved in.
It might be a little cold at first, but you’ll feel great after.
If you’re looking to keep fit for free then try these things. There’s always an alternative to spending money and these tips are a good place to start.
Related: Five Benefits Of Yoga For University Students
