Fitness on a Budget: Free and low-cost fitness options

While at university, you might be inspired to start exercising to improve your health or physical appearance, especially for the summer. However, it may not be in your best interest to begin buying fitness equipment and supplements to keep up this lifestyle.

While at university, you might be inspired to start exercising to improve your health or physical appearance, especially for the summer. However, it may not be in your best interest to begin buying fitness equipment and supplements to keep up this lifestyle. Here are some ways that you can reduce these costs while still being able to focus on fitness.

Park Exercise

Going to the park to exercise is a great way to start and get connected to nature along the way. Parks are ideal for any runner, providing nice views and fresh air. Living in Birmingham, there are plenty of park options for anyone, for example, Selly Oak Park, Cannon Hill Park or the Lickey Hills. It’s free and accessible for most people, which makes it easy to try at any time. Parks like Selly Oak Park have a small selection of gym equipment available to use. Although limited, it allows you to broaden your exercise and make it more interesting.

Unfortunately, this can be limited to the weather and season, as it could become unsafe in icy or rainy weather.

Park

Running

For anyone looking to maintain their health and feel good doing it, running is perfect. It can be easily accessible anywhere at any time, working great for those busy study schedules!

Like exercise in the park, it can be limited to what the weather is currently. It may not be as enjoyable or safe to do in bad weather. Fortunately, you can always go as soon as the weather settles.

Running

Student Discounted / University Gyms

Some gyms may offer student-exclusive discounts, which can be enough to consider the monthly subscription as some gyms can save you up to £120 a year! Gyms typically have an exceptional standard of equipment which allows you to work on any muscle group within the body, allowing you to focus on building muscle while still having the opportunity to do cardio exercises like the treadmill or biking. Additionally, you can go to the gym in any weather without sacrificing your workout.

One thing to consider with public gyms is that they may become crowded during peak hours (4pm – 8pm). This may make it not as accessible as you like. While cheaper, they may still be pricy as gym memberships are typically around (£15 - £30).

Gyms

Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!

Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.

Unihousing was selected as the Number 1 Student Letting Agent in Birmingham by the UK's biggest fresher community, Unifresher.

Contact Unihousing today to find out more!