A student’s guide to getting fit on the cheap this winter

There’s the saying: summer bodies are made in winter.

With the mid-semester break fast approaching, there’s no better time to get back into your fitness regime that may have fallen off towards the end of semester, or never have existed in the first place.

NowUC has gathered the best (and cheapest) student hacks for getting in shape over the winter break.

University gyms

Make the most of student discounts whilst you can – gyms included! The University of Canberra’s UCFit offers its students a range of memberships that start from $12.90 per fortnight. If you’re based in the city, ANU Sport offers an Associate ANU Sport Membership for full-time non-ANU university students.

Free trials

F45 is one of the most popular, high-intensity training classes on the market, but it is also one of the most expensive. Luckily, there’s a way to side-step the cost whilst still getting your sweat on. Each F45 studio offers a 7-day free trial to newcomers, and with 7 different training studios across the ACT, you can try out each and every one for next to nothing! Similarly, Anytime Fitness offers a week’s free trial.

Youtube 

If you’re short on time and cash, then be sure to check out the plethora of free workouts available on Youtube. Whether it’s flexibility, cardio or resistance training, there are thousands of fitness channels which feature workouts that can be completed in the comfort of your own room, with next to no equipment. So put on your favourite Spotify playlist, roll out a towel and be sure to check out Blogilates, POPSUGAR Fitness and FitnessBlender among many others.

Swimming

Swimming is an excellent low-impact sport that’s perfect for in between high-intesity workouts. In the winter months, the water in Canberra pool’s are warmer and they’re less crowded. Student entry for Club Blue in Bruce is $5.00 per session.

Online fitness communities

If motivation is what’s holding you back, check out the many online fitness communities that are dominating the industry. Sweat is a female fitness community that features yoga, cardio and strength training workouts as well as meal plans. Similarly, along with recipe ideas and HIIT workouts, online community Keep It Cleaner features a Facebook page where users can interact and motivate one another.

Walk, run, hike

Whilst Canberra winters can be tough, there’s nothing quite like a hike or a run to get the feeling back into your toes. Be sure to conquer Mt. Ainslie, Mt. Majura, Black Mountain and Mt. Taylor this winter, and set out for a run or walk around Lake Burley Griffen.