How to get summer body ready for 2026 without overspending

Adopting an active lifestyle feels like the best thing you can do for yourself, until the costs start mounting up. But building healthy habits doesn’t have to mean overpriced gym memberships, expensive gymwear, and an infinite number of supplements.

Over the past few years, I’ve embarked on my own journey to get fit without spending too much money. From walking workouts to finding the best gym leggings, I’m sharing everything I know about how to feel your best in 2026, without overspending.

Affordable ways to work out

The best, free ways to work out include at-home workouts like YouTube workout videos, walking, and lifting weights.

Best at-home workouts

Cost: £0-£20 (equipment optional)

Potential saving: £20-£70/month (compared to a gym membership)

Best for: Beginners, busy schedules

Working out at home is by far one of my favourite ways to save money and still achieve fantastic results. Whether you’re following a pilates workout or lifting weights, it’s very rewarding for minimal cost.

In the past, I wasn’t quite sure how effective at-home workouts could be, so if you’re anything like me, try one of my top 10 recommendations for ways to workout at home - you won’t be disappointed.

Are walking pads worth the money?

Cost: £180 (approx.)

Potential saving: £60-£600 (compared to £240-£660/year gym membership)

Best for: Beginners, busy schedules

At the start of last year, I tested a walking pad to see if it was really worth the money, and the verdict is in. I love it. Not only do I use my walking pad most days, but it has drastically improved my cardiovascular fitness level too.

It’s been a game changer for getting my step goal, and is ideal for using while you’re watching the tv or working at your desk. Though the upfront cost is around £180, it’s still more affordable than a gym membership which could set you back around £240-£600 a year.

Best YouTube workout videos

Cost: £0-£20 (equipment optional)

Potential saving: £20-£70/month (compared to a gym membership)

Best for: Beginners, busy schedules

I’ve relied on YouTube workouts for years now, and they’re one of my top recommendations for people wanting to get fitter. There are an abundance of fantastic workout videos on YouTube, and they’re all completely free.

Up until recently, MadFit has been my go-to for resistance training workouts, and she also has some fun dance workouts too. I recommend IsaWelly for pilates and Yoga with Adrienne is great for 30-day yoga programmes.

Best free yoga apps

Cost: Free

Potential saving: £20-£70/month (compared to a gym membership)

Best for: Beginners, small spaces

Yoga is such an underrated workout and it’s hard work if you do it properly. I’ve been doing yoga for years and it’s one of the best options if you’re looking for affordable workout options.

If you’re doing it at home, I recommend following a yoga workout on YouTube like Yoga with Adrienne or Charlie Follows. Both have a great selection of beginner friendly and intermediate classes available for free. Alternatively, download one of the best free yoga apps for guided meditation.

How to save on your gym membership

• Ask for a trial
• Refer a friend
• Student discount
• Compare gym prices
• Complementary personal training

I’m not the first to say that lifting weights is by far one of the most effective forms of exercise you can do – I certainly won’t be the last. And if you’ve fallen in love with resistance training, you might find yourself reaching for that gym membership.

On average, gym memberships can cost anywhere from as little as £20/month to £70/month. Luckily for you, we’ve looked into the best ways to save on your gym membership so you don’t have to. Look out for student discounts, and compare different gyms to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

Once you've decided on the best gym for you, it's worth browsing our latest selection of discount codes for gyms & fitness.

Fitness essentials actually worth buying

We all know the feeling of wanting to get in shape but not knowing where to start. And people online will convince you that you need anything and everything to get real results. But that is simply not the case.

As a result, it’s worth getting clued up on what’s worth your time and money, and what you can skip.

Best water bottles that stay cold

When it comes to the best water bottles that will actually keep your water cold and help you stay hydrated, I’m your girl. In the past, I reviewed a Stanley dupe with the real thing to see if it's worth the money, and even compared the Stanley Quencher with the Stanley IceFlow to find out which is best.

After years of buying cheap bottles that were a pain to clean or kept my water lukewarm at best, I can certainly say that it’s worth the money in the long run, and I haven’t looked back. If you can get a discount code, even better.

Best workout leggings

I’ve tested some of the best workout leggings at various price points and quality to find out which are actually worth the money. From Tala and Gymshark, to Amazon and Adanola, I spent years trying to find a good brand.

In my experience, I highly recommend a mid-range brand like Adanola. I’ve previously found high-end brands like Gymshark too costly for what they are, while more affordable brands like Amazon didn’t stand the test of time.

We have a fantastic selection of current sports clothing discounts and vouchers worth taking a look at to help you save.

Gym dumbbells

When I started working out at home, I made the mistake of buying random dumbbells without really thinking. If there’s one thing I would change, it’s buying adjustable dumbbells instead. They’re much higher in price point at first glance, but let me tell you – buying separate pairs of dumbbells adds up fast.

Free and low-cost wellness habits

• Sleep: This is so underrated when it comes to fitness, but it’s one of the most important things. Prioritise good sleep to help speed up your recovery.
• Hydration: Stay hydrated. If you’re after that lean, toned look, drinking water is key because it helps support your lymphatic system, which controls how puffy or bloated you appear.
• Walking: Don’t underestimate the power of walking. It’s fantastic because it’s low impact but can still create lasting results. Add a weighted vest to make it a higher impact.
• Stretching: A lot of people forget about stretching and/or warming up before they exercise. And it doesn’t seem to matter until you get injured. Injuries can set you back months, if not years. Stretching helps prevent this.
• Gut-health: The bad news is that no magic pill or supplement will sort your gut health out. But the good news is that it’s all just about what you’re eating. Aim for a whole food diet.
• Stress management: Stress can be one of the biggest reasons that your progress is slow. It can actually cause you to have weaker performance, which is why you might not see results.