Health, fitness and the credit crunch

Apparently there's some kind of financial crisis going on.

I generally try to ignore such doom and gloom and fortunately my digibox broke last week so it's been no TV since.

What a blessing - it's been nice just reading, studying and listening to music!

As far as I'm concerned these things are largely a self-fulfilling prophecy - the more we talk about them the worse they get.

But what can you do if you do need to start saving some cash but you don't want to give up on your fat loss and conditioning plan?

1) Buy in-season fruit and vegetables. Supply and demand economics mean that those which are not in-season and must be imported will cost more. You'll also do your bit for reducing the negative effects of transportation and to support the local economy!

In-season fruit and veg: Apples, pears, figs, pumpkin, leeks, sweetcorn, broccoli, potatoes, kale and onions (there's lots more so do your research!)

SAVING - APPROX. £30 PER MONTH

2) Go to your local fruit and veg market about 15 minutes before closing. They will literally throw produce at you for next to nothing.

SAVING - ABOUT £30 PER MONTH IN CONJUNCTION WITH POINT 1.

3) Perform bodyweight training (or use dumbbells and kettlebells if you have them) at home. It doesn't cost you anything and let's be honest, how much have you achieved through your gym membership in the last year? Sprint up hills, ride up hills on your bike, lift heavy things you have at home - just get rid of your gym direct debit!

SAVING - ABOUT £40 PER MONTH PLUS REDUCED TRAVEL COSTS

4) Stop buying health and fitness magazines. Again, if you need to keep reading them, they haven't taught you much so far so why keep buying them?!

SAVING - ABOUT £4 PER MONTH

5) Stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Old news, but you still do it. This will save you hundreds and hundreds of pounds and your family can save on having to pay for your funeral until this 'crisis' is over.

SAVING - ABOUT £180 PER MONTH (BASED ON 20 CIGARETTES AND 7/8 DRINKS ON A FRIDAY)

6) Stop going to Starbucks (and other coffee shops) everyday. If you buy a coffee on it's own everyday of your working week (not including that muffin) you're throwing money away for something which most of the time contains a pile of calories and will only wake you up for half an hour!

SAVING - ABOUT £40 PER MONTH

So if you do all of the above, you could be saving over £300 per month.

Of which £50 could get you membership to http://www.stormforcefitness.com/ which will instantly show you how to fulfil Point 3.

Are you creating your own credit crunch....?