6 ways to get fit for free

Here’s some welcome news: you don’t have to break the bank to get active. 

Slimming World’s Body Magic activity programme is specially created to help you build up your activity levels at your own pace and in a way that fits your lifestyle. So rather than splashing out on a gym membership or fancy fitness gear, you can exercise without spending a penny. 

These no-cost activity ideas will help you feel the amazing benefits of moving more – and keep your bank balance healthy, too. 

Look for an online workout

YouTube is awash with free workouts and tutorials. Many are suitable for beginners, too, so they’re a great place to start if you’re new to activity. Slimming World Consultant Louise enjoys doing a boxercise workout in her conservatory. 

If you’re a Slimming World member, log on to the member website to access 90 exclusive activity videos, specially designed to help people of all fitness and mobility levels enjoy the benefits of regular activity. Pick from seated workouts, strength training, dance, cardio and balance exercises – the choice is yours!

More for members: Pop over to the activity videos library to find a workout that works for you

Start active commuting

Whether you walk to work, jog home or cycle both ways, active commuting saves you pounds – and along with Food Optimising, it can help you lose them, too. For longer journeys that mean you rely on a car or public transport, you could park a couple of streets away or jump off the bus a stop early and walk the rest of the way. If you’re commuting at night, wrap up in a waterproof jacket, gloves and reflective clothing to keep yourself safe and warm.

More on the blog: 7 ways to park your car and boost your Body Magic

Use your smartphone

There are thousands of fitness apps you can download – and many of them are free! With apps for There are thousands of fitness apps – and many of them are free! With apps for everything from running to home workouts, you’re bound to find one you enjoy – and that’s the secret to making activity a lasting habit.

Take a walk

A brisk walk is an unbeatable way to get active. It’s free, you can do it anywhere and it counts as moderate intensity cardio activity, which means that, done regularly, it can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Danielle made the most of the dry weather with a hike around the Lake District.

More for members: Walk your way to fitness will explain how to find your stride with Body Magic

Set yourself a step challenge 

It’s a simple way of boosting your commitment to move more – and recent research has shown that walking just 4,000 steps a day can have big benefits for your health. There are a number of free apps that’ll track your steps, and if you’re a Slimming World member who uses Apple Health or Fitbit, you can link these to the Slimming World app and keep tabs on your steps in our Planner.

More for members: Find out how to connect your fitness tracker to our app

When you join Slimming World you’ll unlock our full get-fit tool kit, which includes:

• more than 90 on-demand activity videos, with workouts for every ability 
• easy-to-follow exercise guides and activity ideas 
• an online activity tracker, so you can chart your progress towards your next Body Magic award 
• the FIT log tool, to help you identify any barriers and put strategies in place  
• exclusive fitness-themed podcast episodes 

Find out more about our unique activity programme here