You don't need to go and buy a gym membership to start your journey to a healthier and more active life - try these easy tips to get active for free! 

The start of the new year can be full of new exercise commitments and not a lot of money given the financial 'Christmas Hangover', more tips on how to ease the financial hangover post Christmas here.  

But for now, here are some tips to help ease you into integrating a more active and sustainable lifestyle into your daily routine: 

• Use the stairs 

Believe it or not some people find physical activity hard to fit into their everyday lives. This is because in the modern world we have managed to put convenience at the heart of everything we do whether it be shopping, getting from A to B or getting to our computer in the mornings - this is known as an obesogenic society, which in short means we are living in a world that encourages sedentary behaviour usually due to technological advancements. So, why not aim to beat the convenience urge? Instead of taking the lift to your office floor, take the stairs; instead of emailing that piece of work, print it out and hand-deliver it to your collegue. Actively engaging in more movement in your everyday life is an easy and sustainable way for a happier and healthier lifestyle. 

• Try an outdoor gym

If you have been to your local park chances are they have an outdoor gym. Find one close to you and try out some of the equipment, most of this uses your body weight as resistance but ensures to aid the movement as to accomodate everybody. You could start a routine here before doing your own park walk or to do your Couch to 5K! Parks are great places to get active and it has been proven that being active outdoors is not only great for your body but also helps your mental wellbeing therefore helping you de-stress and stay mindful. Feel the ground beneth your feet and integrate this easy tip into your lifestyle. You'll soon notice the benefits and feel good factor, why not do it with a friend?  

• Devise a routine on your own time 

Trying to stick to a programme can be challenging and if you have a lot going on in your life can add more stress, doing more harm than good! Why not devise a routine that you can sustain and do in your own time? Pick a set of exercises whether this be star jumps, stair walking, jogging on the spot and skipping; simply create your own and perfrom these for around 10 minutes. This will add to your activity of 30 minutes a day on at least 5 days of the week! You can do this at any time that suits you and gradually increase the time perfromed, change the exercises or add in a resistance movement like 2 litre water bottle goblet squats (you don't hear that in the gym every day!). If you want, sit down with a friend and plan your own routine or take turns and show them what you've got on your lunch break - see if they can keep up with your session!

So, start getting fit for free and not only save your money but get your heart pumping like it was made to do! To read more on fitness and for more ideas visit the Health Advice and Fitness section!