Training that doesn’t hurt the hip pocket

Getting ready for Bridge to Brisbane doesn’t have to cost money, even if this is your first fun run. There are plenty of ways to get fit for free, both by yourself and in a group.

Fit fitness into your routine

Take a look at your daily routine and see if there are opportunities to add some exercise. Climb the stairs at work, go for a walk or jog at lunch, walk over to talk a colleague instead of emailing. You can even save money by walking, running or riding a bike to commute.

Get out in nature

Brisbane is surrounded by State and National Parks with tracks you can walk, run. Exercising in nature can help clear your mind, improve your mood and have positive effects on self-esteem, so grab a buddy and go exploring!

Find a free class

Brisbane City Council organises free fitness activities for people of all ages and levels of fitness. From boot camps to walking groups, aqua aerobics to yoga in the park, there’s a free class to suit every fitness regime.

Many council parks also have exercise equipment for public use. Find your nearest equipped park on the map and do a circuit a few times a week.

Find inspiration online

Between YouTube and Vimeo there is no shortage of free videos that cover everything from gentle exercises to get you started, to full 12-month fitness programs, all in exceptional detail. If anything, there may be too many, which can make it hard to know what’s right for you. Check out the Healthier. Happier. fitness collections, made up of best practice exercises for a range of goal-based workouts that you can do at home and are completely free of charge.

Fitness with friends

If exercising alone isn’t your thing, finding a group of likeminded friends could be the difference between achieving your running goals or staying on the couch. If you’re running Bridge to Brisbane as a part of a team, get your group together once or twice a week to train. If you’ve entered Bridge to Brisbane solo, ask friends, colleagues and family to exercise with you. Chances are you’ll know someone else seeking the benefit of a little peer motivation!

Make things interesting by switching up where you train, organising mini-races if your group is competitive, or tasking a different member each week to be responsible for leading stretches, picking a running route, or choosing a complementary workout for the group each week.

Saved a bit of money recently?

While training for Bridge to Brisbane doesn’t have to be expensive, there are a few things we recommend getting to make the most of your exercise:

• A pair of supportive running shoes
• Sunscreen, hat and a pair of sunglasses so that you are sun-safe while you run
• Your Bridge to Brisbane race bib!

Yet to enter Bridge to Brisbane? Sign up NOW to secure your spot at the start line on August 26.

Don’t forget to share your training snaps by using the hashtag #bridgetobrisbane!