Whether you failed to fulfil that New Year’s resolution or life got in the way, many of us dropped the ball on fitness this year.

I know this because a day hasn’t gone by without a fitness meme doing the rounds on social media. The most popular at the moment is the “I’m proud to announce that despite eating my way through winter, I still fit into my flip flops” one.

I still fit into my flip flops, FYI, if anyone cares.

The good news is it’s not too late. In fact, it’s never too late.

The even better news is that it doesn’t have to break the bank, even if gym memberships can be expensive, and finding the time (or the energy) to go to the gym is even more taxing.

All of this can be solved with a few strategic equipment purchases, some handy smartphone apps and free YouTube channels, plus a bit of imagination.

Engadget has put together a list of all of the above to get you on your way to #FitnessGoals.

Free Workout Apps And YouTube Channels

• Sworkit on Android offers circuit training routines with easy-to-follow visual explanations of each movement for both strength and cardio sessions that use only your body weight. Sworkit also has a yoga section.
• Runtastic allows you to set goals, uses a built-in GPS to record routes in real-time, and even lets you share your success with your friends.
• Daily Workouts Fitness Trainer lets you workout in the comfort of your home. You can choose which area of your body you’d like to focus on and each workout is only 30 minutes.
• Yoga With Adrienne is a great YouTube channel that takes you through the basics of yoga, and also shows you how to use yoga to improve flexibility, tone and strengthen problem areas and connect with your breathing.
• Blogilates on YouTube helps you tone, strengthen your core and build strength through pilates.
• MadFit, on YouTube, is your one-stop fitness training channel. You can even get your significant other involved in couples workout challenges. Bond and work out at the same time. Everybody wins.

Once you’ve settled on a workout regimen, you’re going to need a couple of things on hand to really get the most out of your workout.

Before you start having flashbacks to that treadmill that you stubbed your toe on in the guest bedroom for years, but never actually used, this isn’t that kind of equipment. All of it is affordable and fits in a cupboard.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

• Apple Watch – this is the priciest item on the list (compared to the others), but the best investment that you can make. Keeping track of your health and goals will help you to stay focused.
• A yoga mat. You can snap one of these up for around R300.
• Cheap gym towels double as stretching aids and are cheap enough that you can afford to lose some in the bottom of your gear bag.
• A few light weights so that when someone asks you “if you even lift”, you can answer in the affirmative.
• Resistance bands are good to have around if you’re looking to improve muscle tone and mobility.

Now that you have the information there’s no excuse not to get on that exercise regimen.

Here’s to your health. May you live long and prosper.

[source:engadget]