By now you’ll have noticed we’re encouraging you to get fit. Fine, you might think… I’ll join the gym. But wait! There might be a simpler, more affordable option. We’ve taken a look at gym alternatives that can produce similar, if not better, results.

Running

At the gym: You’ll probably use a treadmill. This is good because your pace will be controlled, as will the incline. You’ll be able to select different workouts and even watch TV while you run.

Alternative: Life’s too short to watch TV all the time. Save money and run in the great outdoors by taking part in your local Park Run. Park Runs are exactly 5km in length and held every Saturday all over the UK at local parks. Each is free and run by volunteers; you’ll get a personalised barcode which will record your time each week, allowing you to close in on that personal best. Park Run is also quite social, with runners at a wide range of abilities regularly taking part.

Weights

At the gym: You’ll be able to pick and mix from a wide range of weight machines and free weights. There are so many variations no muscle will escape the burn, right?

Alternative: Body weight exercises, as practiced by hard men and women for generations, offer a raw, highly effective muscle building experience. It’s all about the technique; no machines here – part from the finely honed machine that is your body. Changing positions slightly will increase intensity and impact. Check out the book ‘You Are Your Own Gym’ for more.

Cardio

At the gym: You’ll have ample exercise equipment , including exercise bikes, cross trainers, rowing machines, steppers, even vibration plates! All of which can be used while you watch TV.

Alternative: Mix it up and try circuits in your local park. Plenty of parks will even provide the equipment. Take a look at The Great Outdoor Gym Company, and use the find a gym function to discover your nearest free outdoor gym.

So there you have it – an alternative to going to the gym. You’ll spend nothing, compared to the high cost of membership. You’ll get to get outdoors, train just as hard, if not harder and for once not have to sit in front of yet another TV screen.

Will you be trying out any of the suggested activities? Is there anything we might have missed? Let us know in the comments below and join the debate on Twitter.