Getting fit outside the gym

Personal trainer Selina Wright

Tony Martin

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Get fit with 10-minute circuit

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IN A time where obesity is an ever increasing concern, leading an active an healthy lifestyle is something we should all strive for.

However, joining a gym or having a personal trainer is not always achievable on the weekly budget.

Red E Personal Training owner Selina Wright said there was plenty of activities you could do at home or outside at low or no cost.

"From as simple as walking or going for a run," she said.

"This is a great way to exercise and feel good at no other cost than a good pair of runners."

Health, sport and recreation councillor Paul Steindl said there were a variety of options around Mackay for those who wanted to exercise on a budget.

The PCYC has a number of classes from as little as $5 (for members) or $7 (for non-members) a class.

Acting branch manager Acting Sergeant Kelsie Henderson said bushikai karate classes run twice a week, as do mixed martial arts.

Both cater for a broad demographic, from children to adults.

The Athlete's Foot owner Dan Healy said while you could buy a pair of running shoes for $50 or $60, they might not last the distance.

"A pair of shoes, if they are correctly fitted, are going to last you about 800 to 1000 kilometres," he said.

Mr Healy said for a reliable pair suited to your foot type, you need to spend about $160, which isn't much compared to an annual gym membership.

Red E Personal Training owner Selina Wright shares a 10-minute circuit you can easily do at home.

First, get warmed up by walking up and down the driveway or stairs a couple of times before commencing this mini circuit.

• One minute of high knees jogging on the spot.
• One minute of push-ups, toes or knees.
• One minute of squats.
• One minute of star jumps.
• One minute of tricep dips off the back of a chair.
• One minute of lunges.
• One minute of crunches or sit-ups.
• One minute of sprinting on the spot while pumping your arms.
• One minute of step-ups onto a sturdy chair or bench.
• One minute of squat jumps.

This is a 10-minute circuit. Ms Wright said beginners might like to just start with this, while the more advanced could go through it two or three times.

Scrooge It

If you can't afford or prefer not to spend the weekly cost of a gym membership there are a number of alternative options for keeping fit on a budget.

• The Bluewater Trail offers one of the most scenic walks in the region.
• Cardio workout stations are beside the Bluewater Lagoon, in the John Breen Park and at Grasstree Beach.
• If you have a pair of small dumbells, you can also use those at home or take them with you to a park.
• Join group training or boot camps, which are a great way to gain access to a trainer at a lower cost.
• Fit balls can be bought for around $50 and used at home.