A Broke Girl’s Guide to Getting Fit
No time? No money? No problem.
With a growing demographic of fitness-conscious Filipinos, it can be tempting to join the bandwagon and get on a treadmill, as well. Although fitness never occurred to me as a means towards becoming physiologically attractive, it does have its perks. Being able to walk up a flight of stairs without feeling like dying, feeling good inside for eating well, feeling the endorphin rush that exercise brings and fitting into your clothes from back in freshman year are just a few of the fitness benefits that you can experience.
From Jem’s article on her love affair with CrossFit
I personally find it impossible to go running after a full day at school or work, and gym membership fees are enough to repel me from fitness altogether. So, to get over my post-birth weight gain anxiety, I decided to try out some fitness hacks that got me fitter despite my lack of funds and actual time.
A Broke Girl’s Guide to Getting Fit
1. Stroller Jogging
After I gave birth, I struggled with my fitness, mostly because everything I did had to involve my months-old child. Everything I did, my daughter had to be enjoying more than me. So, I tried brisk walking with a stroller (on smooth asphalt of course!), which then evolved into a steady jog. I would eventually jog with her to the village park where she would play soon after. When the weather and schedule permits, it has become something my daughter looks forward to.
There is a number of strollers designed specifically for jogging.
image via helpfil.com
2. Biking
As much as I would love to bike all the way to La Mesa Dam, Nuvali or Antipolo, my energy levels and my time does not permit me to do so. Instead, I decided to save on cash and bike to the closest MRT station. If a dinner out or a meeting is nearby, I usually bike to the area. By doing this, your endorphin levels will be at a high (so you’re positively happy when you arrive) and you won’t feel bad about indulging in your favorite burger afterwards. Just make sure your wear the proper safety gear and bring an extra shirt, too!
Check out Ida’s article on proper bike gear.
3. Walking
Don’t laugh, but walking a kilometer home really does count as a cardio workout. This, of course, beats waiting an hour in line to enter the MRT platform (just for bag checking) or fighting for your life onto an overcrowded bus. Rather than waiting listlessly in traffic, take the long road and get your legs moving (this is debatable in heels, though!).
Sheena talks about comfy and versatile walking shoes in her article here.
4. H.I.I.T.
High Intensity Interval Training or H.I.I.T. is usually done in a matter of 15 to 30 minutes involving 3 to 5 minute intervals of, well, high intensity training. I used to do this with a group of mothers in a field. While we did exercises at intervals, our children were running around the field playing with each other. This is great for strengthening your core and boosting your endurance at the same time.
Try H.I.I.T. for yourself. More tips from Women’s Health Mag here.
5. Jumping rope
Waaay cheaper and more portable than a treadmill! You have 15 minutes? Bust out that jump rope and try to do up to 3 sets of 50, gradually working your way up to 100. When my day starts early, I bring my 2-year old daughter to the park and usually let her play while I jump rope as cardio. It’s usually a win-win scenario. She gets to play; I get to exercise.
image via hungryandfit.com
These are just a few of the endless possibilities of getting fit. There are a number of community-run gyms that charge as low as Php30-50 per session, as well. Another motivational factor can be working out with a group or a good friend or that “more-than-a-friend”. 🙂 Goodluck!
Exercising with that special someone might be the motivation you need! Here are more ideas on fitness dating.
