Affordable fitness routines you can try out in 2025 to stay healthy

• Start 2025 strong with practical and affordable fitness routines
• TheRadar has compiled affordable workouts that require little to no equipment or expensive memberships
• Transform your fitness goals into achievable milestones this year

As 2025 begins, many people are setting new year resolutions to stay fit, lose weight, and adopt a healthier lifestyle. 

However, achieving these goals doesn’t have to come with an expensive gym membership or costly equipment. 

There are plenty of affordable and effective fitness routines that can help you meet your health goals without breaking the bank. 

Whether you’re looking to shed a few pounds, build strength, or stay active, these routines are designed to be practical, accessible, and easy to integrate into your daily life.

10 affordable fitness routines 

1. Walking or jogging: Walking or jogging is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to stay fit. All you need is a safe route and a comfortable pair of shoes. 

Parks, open fields, and sidewalks are perfect for this activity. Start with a brisk 20–30-minute walk daily and increase the intensity as your fitness improves.

2. Home workouts (Bodyweight exercises): Home workouts using bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, squats, lunges, planks, and burpees are ideal for those who prefer staying indoors. They require no equipment and can be done in small spaces. 

Create a circuit workout by combining exercises (e.g. 10 push-ups, 20 squats, 15 lunges per leg, 30-second plank). Repeat for 3-4 rounds and increase the reps and rounds as your body adapts.

3. Yoga and pilates: Yoga and pilates improve flexibility, balance, and core strength. These practices can be done at home with guidance from free online tutorials or in low-cost group sessions. 

They reduce stress, improve posture, and strengthen the core, making them suitable for individuals with sedentary lifestyles. You can begin with short 20-minute sessions and gradually extend the duration as you become more comfortable.

4. Dancing: Dancing is another fun and engaging way to stay active. You can explore traditional dances or embrace modern styles such as Afrobeat. 

Dancing is a full-body workout that enhances coordination, burns calories, and lifts mood. Dedicate 30 minutes to dancing three to four times a week. You can join dance classes or follow tutorials online to learn new moves.

5. Cycling: Cycling is another affordable option that doubles as transportation for some. It is an excellent cardiovascular workout that strengthens the legs, improves stamina, and burns calories. 

Whether cycling to work or riding in parks, it’s a low-impact activity suitable for people of all fitness levels. Start with 20–30 minutes and increase the duration as you build endurance.

6. Jump rope (Skipping): This is another cost-effective workout that requires only a jump rope, which is inexpensive and widely available. 

It provides a high-intensity cardiovascular workout that burns calories and improves balance and coordination. Aim for 10–15 minutes daily, gradually increasing the time as your fitness improves.

7. Strength training with resistance bands: This is a versatile and affordable muscle-building method. 

Resistance bands are lightweight, portable, and suitable for various exercises targeting muscles like the biceps, shoulders, legs, and core. Try squats, bicep curls, chest presses, and leg extensions for a balanced workout. Perform three sets of 10–15 reps for each exercise.

8. Swimming: Swimming offers a full-body workout that is easy on the joints. Swimming improves cardiovascular health, builds strength, and suits people of all fitness levels. Start with 20–30-minute sessions a few times weekly.

9. Group fitness classes: Group fitness classes held in parks or community centres provide an excellent opportunity for structured workouts. These classes, such as aerobics, Zumba, or boot camps, are often affordable and cater to different fitness levels. 

The group environment is motivating and fosters social interaction. Find a local fitness group to join for added encouragement.

10. Stretching and mobility routines: These are important for maintaining flexibility and preventing injuries. Regular stretching reduces muscle tightness, improves posture, and promotes relaxation. 

Dedicate 10–15 minutes each morning or evening to a stretching routine focusing on major muscle groups like the hamstrings, quadriceps, and lower back.

Staying fit and healthy doesn’t have to break the bank. 

You can engage in various affordable fitness routines, such as walking, bodyweight exercises, yoga, dancing, and more, to improve your health before the year ends. 

By incorporating some of these routines into your daily life, you can begin the new year feeling stronger, more energised, and ready to achieve your fitness goals.

10 healthy ways to reduce your belly fat

Meanwhile, in an earlier report, TheRadar compiled a list of 10 healthy ways to reduce belly fat, as too much can be chronic to a person's health. Therefore, it is essential to know healthy ways to reduce belly fat in ways that will not deteriorate the current state of your health.

The healthy ways to reduce belly fat include eating soluble fibre, eating proteins, reducing the intake of sugary foods, reducing stress, and getting good quality sleep.