9 easy and affordable ways to get fit this January
Toning up doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg
Toning up doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg
It won't come as a surprise that January is the most popular time of year for new gym memberships, work-out gear and health food subscriptions. After all the Christmas parties and dinners, most of us are carrying around a little extra weight, and with a new year comes a fresh start and 'new me' mentality, with many making new years resolutions to get fitter and tone up.
But after an expensive December, forking out for a gym membership can seem a bit expensive. Not to mention time-consuming (half the time is spent on getting there and back in the first place) and uncomfortably busy – all that standing around and queuing just to use the treadmill, and being watched by other gym-goers as they wait for your machine to free up, can put anyone off joining the crowds on a cold and miserable January evening.
So why not save those pennies (it's the year to be Lagom after all), and achieve your health goals from the warmth and comfort of your home. No time or money wasted, and absolutely no queuing.
Here are 9 ways to get fit in January, without leaving the house. From cardio to core strength, we've got you covered. Make 2017 your fittest year yet!
1. Treat yourself to some new workout gear
When you look and feel the part, it's easier to feel motivated to start exercising. Mix and match from our affordable athletics range to create your perfect workout outfit.
2. Dance like nobody's watching
Dance along to the Zumba Slimdown Party DVD for a selection of high-energy workout routines designed to improve health and fitness.
3. Put on some energetic music
Dance, skip, box, squat or do jumping jacks to the ultimate fitness workout music CD, with up-beat tracks like Under Control by Calvin Harris, Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake, Timber by Pitbull, Earthquake by Labrinth, Waka Waka by Shakira, and Ain't Got No, I Got Life by Nina Simone and Groovefinder.
4. Tone your tummy
Tone your tummy with Charlotte Crosby's Belly Blitz workout DVD. The English reality TV personality presents this instructional fitness programme featuring three-minute routines designed to help tone and flatten the belly.
5. Blitz your bottom
Want a perky posterior? Charlotte has also got you covered in the bottom department, too! Charlotte Crosby's Bum Blitz workout DVD featuring three-minute routines is designed to help burn fat and get a toned bum.
6. Work out with Joe Wicks
If you haven't heard of Joe Wicks and his 'Lean in 15' plans, where have you been?! The personal trainer and Instagram sensation is everywhere, spreading the word about eating proper food and working out in short, sharp 15 minutes 'HiiT' workouts. His new DVD contains 3 hours of workouts for different levels, and his infectious enthusiasm definitely won't let you quit. Read our interview with the man himself here.
7. Try Davina's 30-day workout challenge
Davina's been doing fitness DVDs for years, and this one (30 day fat burn) takes you through 30 days of fat burning and muscle toning. The programme consists of six ten-minute exercises including 'Boxfit', 'The Ultimate Fat Burner', 'HiiT Fat Burner' and 'The Buddy Workout' in addition to an abs workout and a strength and tone workout. If you've done a Davina DVD before, this one is perfect to add to your collection.
8. Lose weight with Lorraine
In this fitness DVD, TV presenter Lorraine Kelly is joined by fitness instructor Maxine Jones to present a programme of aerobic exercises designed to burn fat and increase fitness. We love smiley Lorraine, and she's still smiling at the end, so it must be good.
9. Grab Gogglebox's Scarlett Moffatt's workout
Queen of the jungle and Gogglebox chatterbox, Scarlett Moffatt presents this weight loss programme DVD consisting of a series of short, high intensity workouts designed to burn fat and increase fitness. She's looking incredible at the moment, so if these exercises are what she's been doing to get in shape, then we're sold.
For the best results, combine healthy eating, cutting down on sugar and alcohol, and regular varied exercise, and try to avoid repeating the same workout too often. Switch things up for maximum results!
See all our DVDs and books here, or visit your local store.