Low-Cost Ways to Stay Fit and Healthy

Who says going to the gym is the only way to work out?

In today's digital age, exercising at home has never been easier. There are workout DVDs for sale, training programs on YouTube, and free 30-day regimens catering to different fitness levels.

But a word of caution: Don’t take advice from just anyone on the Internet.

“There is a lot of questionable advice out there, so always make sure the advice is coming from someone certified by a reputable fitness organization,” said StrikeItHealthy.com director Therese Pasqualoni.

As for choosing the proper workout regimen for one’s fitness level, Garmin recommends rotating cardio and strength-training exercises so that the routine doesn't get stale. Taking a look at one's exercise regimen on a weekly basis can help determine how effective it is in keeping a person in shape and motivating him to work out.

Some effective exercises that can be done at home include squats, push-ups, jumping jacks, crunches, and chair dips—all of which do not need any equipment to get started.

Wellness coach Krystel Pineda had to undergo a grueling ordeal before finally deciding to take the path toward fitness. She gave birth to a baby boy, but he passed away after only 21 days.

“I was aware that during my pregnancy, I was not careful with my lifestyle choices, particularly when it came to food and exercise,” she said.

Determined to turn things around, Krystel started her fitness journey by tweaking her diet. She refrained from eating fast food meals and cut down on junk foods, thus also saving money in the process and allowing her to enroll in a nutrition program.

“Nutrition programs turn out to be cost-effective in the long run, especially for those who want to jumpstart an active lifestyle.”

Krystel has already lost 28 pounds, though she’s still working toward her goal of attaining her ideal weight.

Anna Bantayan, a writing consultant and pro bodybuilder, has found a way to save money and time while staying fit—buying food in bulk.

“It will help you prepare your meals in just one day and get set for the rest of the week,” she said.

Aside from preparing her meals in advance every week, Anna brings her own baon to work. That way, she seldom spends money for dining out, allowing her to monitor what she’s putting into her body. When she eats out, she's careful not to overeat. "Though I allow myself a small indulgence from time to time.”

The benefits of drinking water when it comes to losing weight and staying fit have long been known.

Water helps burn fat and rev up metabolism, allowing organs to function efficiently. One popular trick is to drink a glass or two of cold water early in the morning to force the body to warm up the water and jumpstart metabolism.

Many studies also show it’s easy to confuse hunger with dehydration, so keeping oneself hydrated can curb hunger and appetite.

Another study published in the Journal of Psychophysiology showed that hydration could help reduce pain sensitivity, which comes in handy when undergoing physically demanding activities like exercise.

Though already with a couple of bodybuilding accolades under her belt, Anna continues to face challenges when it comes to pushing herself to work out.

“Motivation isn’t a factor to succeed in fitness—discipline is,” she said. “Come hell or high water, you do your program. It doesn’t matter whether you want to or not.”

But keeping up with a routine can be a struggle, so she makes sure to surround herself with like-minded people through an online support community.

“Joining an online group and seeing other people’s success stories have inspired me to keep moving forward. It also made me accountable with my progress.”

Staying fit and healthy doesn't need to be expensive. And with the BPI AIA Wellness Series, individuals can earn points and receive rewards for making healthy choices, allowing them to get more out of life while being protected from life’s greatest health risks. Visit any BPI branch and talk to a Bancassurance Sales Executive to know more about the BPI AIA Wellness Series.