Working Out On A Budget

The gym craze has been alive and well for years when it comes to people who are looking for ways to get fit. In many ways, a gym is an ideal arena for those who require inspiration to get them to move around, as a gym is a little space carved out on the face of the planet that is specifically geared toward fitness. A shrine to good health, as it were. Not to mention, a gym has more equipment and offers more amenities than most average people couldn’t afford to have in their own home. After all, how many people do you know who are able to outfit a house with a gym, sauna, free weight room, cycle room, and juice bar?

So for those who would like to live healthily, a gym membership is often a step in the right direction. There’s only one main problem standing between many people and the gym, namely, the cost. Even the most bare-bones gym isn’t cheap, and if you’re looking to join the gym that offers the juice bar alongside the elliptical machines, you’re looking at a possible investment of several hundred dollars in membership and startup fees.

For most of us who are looking to live on a budget or have monetary concerns that are more pressing, a gym might not be an option. The good news? Living healthily and being fit doesn’t necessarily have to be a huge monetary commitment. It certainly can be, but it’s more important to make a mental and physical commitment to wellbeing, rather than throwing a wallet at a gym. Even the most expensive gym won’t get you fit if you never go.

For those who would like to work out but keep their pocketbooks lined, here are two big tips on getting fit while saving money that we all know, but might not consider seriously enough.

Run outside. Seems obvious, but you don’t need access to a treadmill to get your cardio in. Many people end up preferring to run outside, as it’s a chance to enjoy some fresh air and the great outdoors. If you have knee problems that preclude you from running on cement, try the outdoor track at your local school. It’s totally free and is specifically designed to be kind to you joints.

Body weight training. Instead of relying on expensive weights or gym memberships, try push ups, sit ups, lunges, crunches, and other exercises that use your own body weight as resistance as a way to stay fit.

Buddy Workout Exercise Routine

If you are looking for a no cost workout then exercising with a partner is an ideal method to use. Basically you will be using the weight and resistance of the other person to perform each exercise. This should be done very carefully and by using small amounts of pressure to prevent any injuries from occurring.

There are various types of exercises that you can do together and I will describe a few of them below.

Shoulder Press – this can be done by standing face to face with your partner and pressing your palms together at shoulder level. By keeping pressure on each other’s palms you want to move your arms upwards in a smooth movement. Try not to arch your back. Aim to do 10 reps.

Inner/Outer Thigh Muscles – position your legs so that your partner has their hands on the outside of your knees. The movement involves you pushing your legs apart while your partner tries to prevent you by applying pressure. Aim for 10 reps. This can also be repeated for the outer thigh muscles by having your partner place their hands on the inside of your knees.

Shoulder Shrugs – For this exercise you want to place your hands on your partner’s shoulders. Attempt to lift your shoulders up to your ears while your partner applies pressure. The goal is for your partner to apply gentle resistance. Again aim for at least 10 reps.

Hamstrings – Lie down on the floor on your stomach and bend one leg at the knee so that it points up to the ceiling. Your partner wants to hold the back of your foot and apply resistance while you try to bend your leg to your buttock area. Aim for 10 reps if possible.

Quadriceps – For this exercise you will want to be on your back on the floor or use a mat if necessary. Lower your knees towards your chest, this will be the starting position. Your partner will apply pressure to your feet while you attempt to straighten your legs. Aim for 8 to 10 reps of this exercise.

While doing these exercises the person applying the resistance wants to use enough force to make it difficult for the person to execute the movement. But not so much that it is impossible to make any kind of movement at all. With a little practice you can both see and feel how much pressure is required and you will know when to increase the amount.

How to stretch your triceps

Video: A trainer demonstrates how to do a tricep stretch.

The Best Low Cost Exercise Ideas

Exercising doesn’t have to be expensive and being short on funds shouldn’t be an excuse for not getting enough daily exercise. With a little thought and determination it is possible to exercise almost for free every day!

Walking – This is of course one of the cheapest and easiest exercises to do. All that you really require is a pair of walking shoes, which you probably have anyway. All that is left is to put on your shoes and walk for 20 to 30 minutes each day.

Crunches – Crunches are a great way to strengthen your back and stomach muscles. Aim to perform one to two sets a day of about 10 to 20 crunches in each set. As you improve you can either increase the number of sets or increase the number of repetitions.

Cycling – Most people have access to a bike and cycling is a wonderful exercise. It improves and strengthens your muscles and your cardiovascular system. Going on a bike ride is a great way to de-stress yourself after a hard day at work. It is also enjoyable by yourself or with a group of people.

Dancing – What’s to stop you from putting on your favourite music and dancing? This is a great form of exercise that requires no new clothing or shoes. You can dance around the house with your kids or alone while doing your housework.

Playing Ball – Get outside with your spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend or kids and play some type of ball game. This could be soccer, baseball, volleyball or just having a good old game of catch. This is a great way to have fun and brings back memories of your childhood.

Swimming – If you are lucky enough to live near a lake or river you can enjoy going for a swim all summer long. This normally costs nothing unless you have to pay for parking at a beach area. Memberships at local swimming pools can be relatively inexpensive and a good way for a family to spend some quality time together.

Hiking – Grab your hiking boots and head out to a local walking trail. This is a fantastic way to visit local scenic areas and get some fresh air into your lungs. It also makes for a wonderful day out with the family. Why not take a picnic lunch and really enjoy your outing.

So there you have some inexpensive ideas on how to fit exercise into your lifestyle. You really have no excuses left anymore, it’s time to start exercising and living healthier.

Grilled Spicy Island Beef Kebabs Recipe

Ingredients

Marinade

1/2 cup chopped green onions

1 tablespoon ground allspice

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon chopped fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 habanero or serrano peppers, seeded

Kebabs

1 1/2 pounds boneless top sirloin, trimmed and cut into 30 cubes

1 red bell pepper, cut into 18 pieces

2 black-ripe plantains, peeled, and each cut into 9 pieces

Cooking spray

Diagonally cut green onions

Lime wedges for Garnish

Directions

Prepare grill.

Combine marinade ingredients in a food processor or blender; process until smooth. Place marinade mixture, beef, and bell pepper pieces in a large zip-top plastic bag; seal. Marinate in refrigerator 20 minutes.

Remove beef and bell pepper pieces from bag; discard marinade. Place beef, bell pepper pieces, and plantain pieces in a large bowl; toss well to coat.

Thread 5 beef cubes, 3 red pepper pieces, and 3 plantain pieces alternately onto each of 6 (12-inch) skewers. Lightly coat kebabs with cooking spray or use olive oil mister. Place kebabs on grill rack coated with cooking spray. Cook 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare or until desired degree of doneness. Garnish with green onion pieces and serve with lime wedges.

Kegel Exercises are Ideal for Men Too

The Kegel exercise was developed by Dr. Arnold Kegel to strengthen the pelvic muscles. They are typically thought of for women, but there are many benefits that make them ideal for men as well. As more people become aware of the positive benefits that come from these exercises, the more popular they will become for men as well as women.

When men perform a Kegel exercise, there is a strengthening of the bladder and urethra which can be very beneficial for men who have undergone a prostatectomy. The muscles in the bladder become stronger which will help men to exercise more control over this muscle. There is also an increase in the strength of the bowel by practicing these exercises every day.

There are many reasons that the muscles in the pelvic area can become weak over time. It is a part of the natural aging process and a person who is overweight and does not exercise regularly will find that their pelvic muscles become weaker over time. Prostate gland surgery can also weaken these muscles.

To begin using the Kegel exercise the most important part is making sure that you are working the correct muscle. To find the muscles that you should focus your attention on for a proper exercise, attempt to stop your flow of urine. When you are able to do this, you are using the right muscle for this type of exercise. You should only use this test to make sure that you are using the correct muscle. You will prevent infections of the urinary tract when you are only performing the exercise when you are not passing urine.

Once you have the proper muscles located for your Kegel exercise, you can do them almost anywhere and anytime that you have a few minutes. You should always do these exercises when your bladder is empty. Contract the muscles in your pelvic area for three to five seconds then relax them for ten seconds.

You should do ten repetitions of these exercises one to three times a day every single day. In the beginning, you may only be able to hold the muscle for a few short seconds. Over time, you will be able to build your strength and hold it for the entire three to five seconds.

It is recommended that you increase the duration of your Kegel exercise over time. The maximum amount that you should hold the muscle is ten seconds for each of the contractions. When you do these exercises daily, you will build up your muscle strength over time and avoid exhausting the muscles.

Add the Kegel exercise to your daily routine so that you can remember to do them. This is the most difficult part of the exercise. Try doing them in the morning, after you have your lunch and then again right before you go to sleep for the night. Choosing the same time everyday will help you to remember these exercises. Over time, you will notice your muscle strength increasing and you will have all of the positive benefits that these exercises bring.

Classic Sunday Dinner: Slow Cooked Rump Roast

Ingredients

1/4 cup flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

5 pound rump of beef

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

2 sweet onions, sliced

2 carrots, peeled and cubed

Herbs and other seasonings as desired (I like Tarragon)

1 cup liquid (1/2 wine and 12 beef broth)*

Other vegetables if desired (like potatoes or mushrooms)

Directions

Season the flour with the salt and pepper and pound the mixture into the meat. Brown meat on all sides in the hot oil. Add the onions, cover and cook over low heat 10 minutes. Add the carrots, herbs, seasonings and liquid. Cover tightly and simmer 3 1/2 – 5 hours, until meat is fork tender. Add desired vegetables during the last 20 or 30 minutes.

Reverse Lunges

Video: The reverse lunge helps to develop the quads and hamstrings and to shape the glutes.

Partner lower body stretches

Video: Partner stretching is a great way to increase your flexibility.

The Hotel Room Workout

If you travel a lot then it can be difficult to fit in an exercise routine. If you are on a business trip you are most likely working long days and don’t want to visit the hotel gym. It may be more convenient to go for a swim or do some simple exercises in your hotel room.

Hotel rooms are famous for having large telephone directories, so why not take advantage of this! Simply use these large books as a weight and do some repetitions with them. You could even balance the book on your lower legs while doing some leg raises. Or how about sitting on a chair with the phone book between your knees and squeezing to stop the book from falling!

The phone book can be used to lift up and over your head and even to hold while doing side twists with your body. You could get very creative with just this one item!

See, there are some simple ways to keep fit when travelling that don’t involve the hotel gym. Another very simple solution is to simply take the stairs as much as possible during the day. By doing this you won’t even need to do a separate workout after dinner.

If your business trip is leaving you feeling stressed out then go for a nice evening stroll after dinner. This gets you away from the hustle and bustle of the hotel and allows you time to regroup. Walking any time is a great de-stressor.

Your bed can be used to do push ups against and a sturdy chair will allow you to perform knee bends and squats. Even sitting on the edge of the bed and performing shadowing boxing movements is a good workout in itself. This is also ideal if you are dealing with any type of lower body injury.

Lunges, calf raises, leg raises, arm circles, side leg lifts, sit ups, push ups and walking on the spot can all be done in a hotel room. You could also pack resistance bands in your suitcase and use these for resistance exercises while away.

Even though it is hard on your body to travel, whether you are away on business or on vacation there really isn’t any need to forgo your exercise routine. Most hotels have some type of exercise room and many today have a pool. Don’t forget there is always those dreaded stairs to help you burn off those extra calories you may have consumed during your visit.