Tag Archives: Budget

Keeping Fit and Healthy as a Busy Student on a Budget

Being a student it can be hard to get into a routine of healthy exercise, even more so when balancing University work alongside. A look online will bring up a wide range of articles and fitness classes to read and take part in. In this blog I want to offer some guidance as to how you can keep fit and healthy as a busy student on a budget.

My housemates have been trying to get me participating in workouts with them however, I have always had the same feelings when asked. There has always been a high financial commitment attached to joining the gym which has always been off putting for me. Even with the more competitive price of the University gym, I still find the gym as too high of a financial commitment. However, the gym is not the only place to effectively participate in a work out, there are many low cost options of staying fit and healthy that can be considered.

With the introduction of lock down last year I soon found myself looking for ways that I could stay active during those times. Home workouts soon found themselves established into my daily routines. Here are a few of the best ways that I have found to start your health and fitness routine!

Stay Hydrated

Glass of Water by Manu Schwendener on Unsplash

Staying hydrated is an extremely important way of keeping healthy. The NHS recommends that we drink around 6-8 glasses of fluid per day.  The easiest way to do this is to just simply have a glass of water with you whilst you’re studying. I have found this to be an extremely easy way of keeping healthy whilst I am at University. If you are not a fan of water on it’s own you can always add no sugar fruit juice or even a slice of lemon.

Water can also be useful in other areas of fitness such as being used in weight loss treatments, more information can be found here.

Eat a Balanced Diet

Keeping a healthy diet has just as much of an impact on your body as exercise can. If you are exercising you need to maintain a healthy diet otherwise all the hard work being put in is being wasted with a poor diet. Here is a link to an article where there is more information about how eating a balanced diet complements exercise.

When looking to change my diet, I found that one of my favorite ways of satisfying my hunger was through snacking. Everyone loves a snack, I probably love them a bit too much if I am being completely honest. To incorporate more of a balanced diet into my lifestyle, I have tried to start swapping out my snacks for a piece of fruit instead.

It is also important for you to eat properly before and after a workout. Here is a short blog on what you should eat before and after a workout. I would recommend giving this a read before attempting any workouts to ensure that training is effective.

Head Out For a Walk

Walking by Arek Adeoye on Unsplash

Walking is one of the easiest and cheapest ways for keeping fit and healthy as a student. Going out for a quick walk has been one of the best ways I have used to stay fit and healthy as a student. A full walking routine does not even have to be implemented into your day, simply walking to the shops instead of driving has the potential for huge benefits to your well being.

I have personally seen improvements to my mood since walking to the shops rather than driving. Being out in open space for a small amount of time is a nice change of scenery which has been a real boost for my mental health. More information on walking and mental health can be found here.  There are other perks of walking too as you get to discover the local area, opening up potential to find new walking routes to try out in the future.

Do not worry if you do not get the chance to go out for a walk. In the next section we are going to look as home workouts as an alternative way to keeping fit and healthy.

Home workouts

Home workouts are another great way that you can stay fit and healthy in your own time. There are an abundance of products that you can try with various workouts that can be used in conjunction with the products. As this blog is more focused on sticking to a budget, products suggested will have multiple uses to maximize the costs of the products.

  • Resistance Bands are a cheap and versatile way of easing into home workouts. Prices start at £15.99 with different prices being found dependent on the resistance of the band. The bands can be used for a full-body workout which I will link here.
  • Dumbbells are another low cost way to start home workouts. Prices start at £13.75 for 2 x 1 kg Dumbbells with prices increasing as the weight increases. Dumbbells can be used for any level too so whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced gym goer, an effective workout can be achieved with dumbbells. I will link a 6 week beginners dumbbell workout here and I will link an arm and upper body workout here.

Dumbbells and Resistance Bands by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

So, here are some really easy and simple ways you can begin to get yourself into a really good healthy routine. Sticking to the new routine will be hard at first, but stick at it! The benefits in the long run are worth it over the initial breaking into the new routine period and you will begin to feel so much better.

Invest in Yourself: The Multi Gym VS The Gym

Have you ever wondered about building your own home gym? Imagine how convenient, time efficient and accessible a workout place in the home would be. If you’re keen to get fit, build muscle and exercise but worried about the ongoing, monthly cost of a gym membership, have a shortage of time or feel self conscious stepping into the gym, then allow us to introduce to you to the multi gym.

At excercise.co.uk, we understand the ever growing demand for fitness equipment in the home, subsequently,  basic equipment like dumbbells are frequently sold out. That’s why, we believe the multi gym is a staple piece of equipment and is truly worthy of investment. Why, you might ask? Take a look at our information below.

  • The cost factor: multi gym price vs a gym membership

We have a multi gym to suit most budgets, with prices starting from £349 and ranging up to £2,199. We also offer 0% finance payment plans across all of our products over £399, so you could secure your multi gym with as little as a 10% deposit and spread the cost over 12 months!

To put it into perspective, the average gym membership is £40 per month making the average year long membership £480, more expensive than our starting range of multi gyms! Why not invest into a lifelong machine, for less? Ultimately, the multi gym is a financial investment and a money saving machine.

  • With one machine, workout the full body!

The multi gym can work out every muscle you target in the gym, whether you’re looking to build strength, muscle or tone up – the multi gym can do it. Check out our blog on the 10 best multi gym exercises to achieve your fitness goals.

  • From beginner to professional

Did you know a third of under 35’s are too self conscious to join a gym? The multi gym is the perfect way to battle these feelings. With the multi gym, you can work out in the comfort of your own home, try new exercises and discover a passion for fitness without the pressure or anxiety of a busy gym.

Also fitting for professional, or long-time gym goers, our multi gym selection ranges from 45 kg weight load, up to a 170 kg weight load, considered the next evolution level of strength training! Check the range of multi gyms available online now.

  • To suit your schedule 

Social Media consultant, Lisa Williams, recently told the BBC she will not be returning to the gym after the pandemic, because home workouts fit perfectly around her family and work commitments. The multi gym is the ideal way to upgrade your home gym so you can workout anytime without sacrificing the gym-style, professional equipment.

If you’re ready to invest into yourself by purchasing a multi gym but you’re not sure which model is for you, then read our ‘Multi Gym Buying Guide.’ Otherwise, visit our website and purchase your multi gym today with complimentary delivery available!

FITNESS OVER 50: RELY ON RESISTANCE BANDS

There is no such thing as too old to exercise! No matter how old you are, they will always be some exercise you can perform safely from home! This blog will demonstrate the best exercises for aging adults from the comfort of their own home, the pandemic can’t stop you!

Exercises using resistance bands can be directly linked to better balance, mobility, gait function, flexibility and fall efficacy – you could say they help your body stay younger for longer! Whether it’s for you, a grandparent or even a friend, the benefits of resistance bands will shock you!

5 REASONS TO CHOOSE RESISTANCE BANDS TO EXERCISE

  • Safe – no worrying about dropping any heavy weights!
  • Affordable – one of the cheapest pieces of gym equipment to own!
  • Customizable – different resistance levels can customize your daily exercise to your individual goals – purchase individually or in bundles! 
  • Portable – lightweight ensures you can move and store your equipment at ease!
  • Simple – they are so many different ways to use resistance bands, anyone can use them! You can try more complicated moves the more confident you get!

WHY AGING ADULTS SHOULD USE RESISTANCE BANDS:

Although Resistance bands can benefit people of all ages, it’s known to be excellent way for aging adults to promote a decrease in muscular strength with aging. They are many other benefits of exercise as an older adult; balance and stability, joint strength, social and mental benefits and cardiovascular health!

It can be easy to ignore exercise as our bodies get older, injuries and chronic pain can result in a reluctance to regularly exercise. The problem is, not exercising can cause more harm in older generations; they are many simple exercises that over 50’s could benefit from if implemented in their daily life!

If you’re not ready to jump straight into using equipment, explore different exercises you can do without equipment to get started.

5 RESISTANCE EXERCISES TO TRY OUT:

If you are new to resistance exercising at an older age, are injured or are returning to exercise after pregnancy you should check with a healthcare provider to ensure they are no modifications you should follow.

The following exercises have been hand selected for older adults, some positions can be completed laid and sat down to reduce intensity when required. They may be less intense but you will be sure to see and feel a difference!

BANDED ROWS – STRENGTHENS THE BACK AND FRONT OF ARMS WHILST BUILDING BETTER POSTURE
  • Sit on the floor with your legs together in front of you
  • Loop the resistance band around your feet and hold with each hand
  • Exhale whilst slowly pulling the bands towards your core (Keep your back straight!)
  • Inhale and slowly extend your arms towards your feet back into the starting position
  • Complete a set of up to 15 reps
BANDED TRICEP EXTENSIONS – HELPS STABILIZE THE SHOULDER AND ELBOW JOINTS, EVERYDAY LIFTING OF HEAVY ITEMS AND MAINTAINING MOTOR ACTIVITIES SUCH AS WRITING
  • Start by standing up straight
  • Place one end of the resistance band under your right heel
  • Hold the other end with both hands over your right shoulder
  • Stretch the band pulling it up above your head
  • Return to starting position
  • Complete a set of up to 15 reps on each side
RESISTANCE LEG LIFTS: STRENGTHENS MUSCLES IN THE LOWER BACK, BUTTOCKS, HIPS AND THIGHS TO MAINTAIN OR ACHIEVE BETTER BALANCE WHILST AGING

If you do not have a loop band don’t worry, tie your band together with a simple knot – the shorter the loop the higher the resistance!

  • Standing up straight, place the loop around each ankle
  • Your feet should be shoulder-width apart whilst in an upright posture
  • Place your hands on your hips whilst lifting your right leg to the side – if low balance hold onto something with one arm!
  • Once you feel the resistance return to the starting position
  • Repeat for up to 15 reps each leg
BANDED ANKLE PUMPS – STRENGTHENING THE CALF MUSCLES LINKS TO BETTER HANDLING ELEVATED TERRAIN AND ACTIVITIES LIKE GOING UP AND DOWN STAIRS; THE ANKLE PUMPS UTILIZE CALF MUSCLES PUMP FUNCTION TO PUMP BLOOD TO THE HEART BY MUSCLE CONTRACTION
  • Sit in your chair in an upright position with your shoulders back (this exercise can also be done seated or laid on a floor with your legs straight in front of you!)
  • Holding the ends of the resistance bands close to your hips, place your right foot inside of the band and raise the extended leg
  • Adjust the intensity by shortening the band
  • When happy with the resistance level, point your foot and flex it back
  • This can be repeated up to 20 times
  • Make sure to repeat on other leg!
BAND PULL – STRENGTHENS MUSCLES IN YOUR UPPER BACK WHICH WHEN WORKED ON WILL IMPROVE POSTURE
  • Sit in an upright position or stand, drawing your shoulders back
  • Hold each end of the resistance band with both hands and raise your arms to shoulder level
  • Inhale as you pull the band apart as far as you can, moving your arms laterally away from your shoulders – the upper body will become a T shape with arms extended
  • On the exhale return to the starting position
  • Complete a set of up to 15 reps

They are so many different exercises to try out using resistance bands to prevent muscle loss with age, but we hope these get you started! If you are looking for a more intense workout, increase the resistance and include some harder resistance exercises.

It is recommended all adults complete strengthening exercises such as working with resistance bands 2 times a week, for more info on how much exercise you should be completing see NHS Live Well.

If you enjoyed this article you can share it with family and friends, and stay stronger for longer!

Staying Healthy And Motivated As A Student On A Budget: The Basics

As a student, it can be difficult to get into a healthy exercise routine and even more difficult without the proper funds. Personally, I have used money as an excuse in the past for not being able to get into a regular fitness routine.

There have been many times a friend of mine has asked if I wanted to get a gym membership with them and I am faced with the same conflicting feelings. From a money standpoint it can be great value for money if you can afford it. However for me, as much as I would have loved to join the gym in the past, the commitment for me was always too big financially. And I am sure lots of other students feel the same. Besides let’s face it, there are plenty of ways to stay healthy without needing to invest large sums of money.

Budgeting as a student can be hard – but it’s not an excuse to stay unfit!

Staying fit and active during the last year became one of the biggest challenges for me. With the lack of structure and schedule in my days I started looking for new ways to motivate myself and create some sort of consistent and regular exercise routine to maintain my fitness levels. As a student, it’s important to have alternative ways of staying fit on a small budget, without the need for a gym or much physical equipment.  So lets explore some of the basics!

A Fresh Morning Walk

Free, easy and calming. One of the things I have come to appreciate most is a crisp morning walk. The hardest part of the day for me is the morning. Yes, I know, such a stereotypical student. But lots of people struggle with mornings and for good reason. Getting out of bed and starting a productive day can be daunting at first and the effects of the pandemic have made it harder for some.

Not everyone is a morning person

I have found that the quicker you get yourself up and active, the better. I got into the routine everyday or every other day of waking up, having a quick shower and heading out the door to get some fresh morning air. Living through the pandemic and multiple lockdowns, you really come to appreciate being in large open spaces like parks and the feeling of nature around you.

Scenic and natural environments are best to explore on your walks and jogs

Doing exercise in the morning has many benefits such as making you feel more awake and energized. As well as improving your internal mood it can spark productivity and help with motivation to complete tasks. These are certainly the effects I found, helping me get more done in my day as well as improving my outlook on the days work. If you’re ambitious and well prepared, turn this morning walk into a morning jog. The benefits will be enhanced and you’ll start noticing a difference in the way you feel throughout the day.

A Morning Stretch

In addition to a morning walk, to get your muscles ready and moving before you head out, try doing some light stretches or yoga positions. Nowadays we live in such a digitized world, a lot of students and young adults find themselves hunched over screens all day, attending online seminars or online work calls. All this use of technology can be difficult on your lower back, neck and eyes as well as other areas of your body for long periods of time. It is important to stretch on a regular basis to help improve posture, increase range of motion and also in some cases, help reduce and manage stress. The free act of stretching your limbs and body can have massive benefits on the rest of your day.

By taking the time and listening to your body, you can start stretching away tensions held up in your joints and muscles. Even just a 5 -10 minutes stretch will improve how your body feels, helping you to feel more relaxed and mobile. Take a look through this article to get an idea of how simple a daily stretching session can be.

Whilst there are plenty of stretches and yoga positions that can be done completely for free without additional equipment, if you’re doing floor stretches I would recommend investing in a yoga mat to make the experience more comfortable and prevent possible injury. What’s also great is as well as doing basic tension relieving stretches on the mat, it can also be used in more intense workouts and toning exercises if you choose to do so.

Download a Fitness App

Another great tip for young people looking to stay healthy and motivated on a budget is to download a free fitness app on your phone. Wearable tech is gaining a lot of interest these days, although it’s definitely not the cheapest way to track your health. Whilst a wearable tech more accurately tracks your movement and activity, free fitness apps on the app store are still a great way to manually input and track your fitness data. This way you can keep up to date with all the progress you’re making!

Find the right app for you to track your health and fitness goals

A great side effect to using a fitness tracking app is that it can be used as a source of motivation to continue with your new routines. Personally for me, hitting my daily steps goal and tracking other factors such as my mood and sleeping patterns, really helped me to get myself into a better daily schedule and more importantly, stick to them! My days felt more productive and it was all documented on this app for me to review. If you are someone who struggles with motivation I would definitely recommend checking out what apps out there would best suit your needs.

Some apps focus more on certain fitness routines such as muscle building

There are plenty of apps on the market, finding the right one can be tricky. It all depends on what your fitness goals are. Some apps let you input really detailed logs about diet, different exercises, heart rate, blood pressure, the list goes on! Don’t be overwhelmed by this though. Just stick to the fitness and health areas that you want to focus on. Soon you will appreciate being able to track your long term goals overtime, whether that is just getting into healthier habits or really going for weight loss and muscle gain goals, there is an app for you.

Staying healthy and motivated as a student can be hard, but by trying to integrate some of the activities discussed here, you might find it’s easier than you think!

Find Out How To Successfully Manage Your Chronic Illness While At University

University is known to be difficult for any student. It is additionally challenging when you have to navigate university life with a chronic illness. This is how you can improve the way you manage your chronic illness while at university.

1. Find exercise that helps, not hinders.

Exercise has fantastic benefits, you don’t want to miss out by thinking it’s not for you. But, your chronic illness is unique to you, so you need to find ways to exercise that suit your body.

A common misconception is that exercise always wipes you out leaving you more fatigued, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Rather than pushing yourself to the max at the gym doing high-intensity workouts, work regular low-moderate exercise into your routine. Your body will find this easier to cope with, minimising the chance of feeling fatigued afterwards.

Even in a boxy university bedroom, you can start a low-moderate exercise plan. Student budget-friendly equipment, such as a yoga mat, resistance bands, and toning weights are all you need to get started. Youtube is a great tool to find free workouts that you can follow at your own pace.

Young woman performing simple yoga move in front of laptop following an online class
Photo by Kari Shea on Unsplash

Another excellent piece of equipment for those with a chronic illness is an exercise bike.  The wide range of resistance settings allows for a personalised approach to exercise. Plus, exercising from the comfort of your own home empowers you to set the pace, making exercise work for you.

Woman happy listening to music with earphones and smiling
Photo by Jackson Simmer on Unsplash

Top tip: Start your mornings right! Challenge yourself to a 10k on an exercise bike while you listen to music or catch up on a podcast. This will energise you for a day of university.

2. Check your nutrition.

Vitamins and minerals are nutrients your body needs in small amounts to work properly and stay healthy- NHS

Depending on which chronic illness you have, it may affect your nutrition. Whether you’re catching colds easily or feeling tired and run-down, you could have a nutritional deficiency.

If this sounds like you, the first step should be consulting your medical team. You can get simple blood tests and check your key nutrient levels, like iron and B12. If these are low, they can recommend a treatment such as tablets, intravenous infusions, or injections. This can set you back on the right track for living your best university life.

Wooden chopping board with various foods laid out, eggs, avocado, mushroom, tomatoes, herbs.
Photo by Katie Smith on Unsplash

If possible, also eat a balanced diet including a wide range of food groups and supplement this with nutrient-rich protein shakes. Top tip: When choosing one, check that the ingredients include the nutrients that you specifically need.

woman sitting on yoga mat holding a protein shake or smoothie and with weights on floor
Photo by Derick McKinney on Unsplash

Once you have improved your nutritional levels, you will hopefully start feeling more energised and be able to say ‘yes’ to more opportunities at university!

Group of young men smiling and laughing looking at their laptops
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

 

Please consult your medical team before making changes to your exercise routine or nutritional intake, they can provide you with bespoke advice.