So you thought you could get ripped by forking over that heavy wad of cash to your gym every month, but then you never manage to actually go there. Now the only thing slimming down is your wallet, and that's where you probably want some extra muscle. Well, guess what? You don't need to pay anything to get fit and you don't need fancy gym equipment to tone up. Use what you already have or the low or no-cost resources that are available just for military families.
Ready, set, get fit!
Follow these tips and soon the only thing too big to fit into your skinny jeans will be the fat stacks of cash you saved:
- Shake what your mama gave you. You don't need equipment; all you need is your body and the will to move it. Walk, jog, push your kid in a stroller, do some jumping jacks, pushups, squats and high knees. Your mama will thank you.
- Dust off your New Year's resolution collection of fitness gear. Take the sweaters you've been drying off the treadmill - yeah, we all do that - or break out the kids' jump rope. Get your workout on with the equipment you have lying around the house.
- Sweat during your screen time. Watch a fitness DVD or stream one off the Internet if you're new to working out or need to shake up your routine.
- Move it on down to Morale, Welfare and Recreation. Military recreation facilities are available at no cost, so if you must go somewhere for fitness, don't pay extra.
- Get competitive. There are probably active clubs or groups on your installation or in your community, including recreational groups, sports teams, jogging and walking clubs, biking or annual races. Getting moving with friends is much more motivating than running on a hamster wheel 5 times a week.