non-gym workout advice needed

So I've been in the UK for 3 weeks now and I'm really trying to get fit now. I lost a stone last time I was here for 3 months, and so far I'm losing weight slow and steady just through eating more healthy and doing a few miles of walking each morning.

Back in the US I went to the gym to work out and now I find I'm missing that. I like having a good long ride on the stationary bike, or the eliptical machine, and really sweating it out. Swimming was always nice too. But the local gym near where I live now is just too expensive for me at the moment, it's about £48 and that's even with the discount I get with my boyfriend being a member. Since I'm in the middle of job hunting and learning to drive, funds are just too tight to splurge on a gym membership.

So does anyone have any suggestions on other workouts I could do? I'm walking and trying to build up to running, and I do squats, crunches, and push-ups too. But something new would be nice to add to the mix.

Also, does anyone have a recommendation for any good workout dvd's? I've thought of that as another exercise to do, but there's so many that I don't know where to start.

I'm not sure what your city is like, but we have hills and stairs coming out the wahzoo here.  You can use them as a real life stair climber.  I'd also check out the local leisure centre, if your council supports them.  They should be cheaper than a private gym.

I bought a Tae-Bo dvd as I felt my leisure centre didn't offer aerobic type classes that I was interested in. I also love stability ball. I do take a class for that, so I don't have a dvd recommendation, unfortunately. If anyone else can recommend one, that would be great! You can also pay per class at the leisure centre, so if there's something that interests you, you don't have to purchase a full membership.

I'm not sure what your city is like, but we have hills and stairs coming out the wahzoo here.  You can use them as a real life stair climber.  I'd also check out the local leisure centre, if your council supports them.  They should be cheaper than a private gym.

I'll definitely check out the local leisure centre. Sadly they don't have a website, but I'll try to track down something local. Problem is, I'm not in a city, just a small village. I can get to Preston (the nearest city) by bus, but it's not terribly convenient, so I think I'll try to find more walks and such around the countryside.

I think I'll definitely rent the Tae-Bo dvd as well and see what that's like. I want something good and energetic as I think the leisure centre only offers yoga.

I'm a big promoter of jump-roping. It's making a comeback!

Find the O/S map for your area, and set off in your boots & waterproofs.  A GPS is sometimes helpful, but I usually leave the map reading & GPSing to my husband.

I'm a big promoter of jump-roping. It's making a comeback!

I was going to suggest the same thing!  I just got my jump rope out so I can do it after work since its light longer. 

Liberty, I work out at home too, add some lunges with weights.  Use them for your squats too and you can get ankle weights for leg lifts etc.  Here is a great link with instructions for all kinds of exercises... http://sparkpeople.com/myspark/ex/all_exercises.asp

Although I haven't jump roped in years, I think I'll have to give it a go. I've been meaning to get some hand weights as well, so I'll have to suss out where I can get some.

jennredd, thanks for the link to the exercises. I've joined up to sparkpeople already, but I never really looked at all the exercises they've got on there. Guess it's going to be a good workout day today.

I was going to recommend www.sparkpeople.com [nofollow] as well!  I don't have a gym membership, just some 5 and 10 lb weights, an exercise ball, a treadmill, and two energetic dogs!  I use SparkPeople for all of my strength training stuff and then just walk (inside on the treadmill or outside with the dogs) while listening to audio books for my cardio! 

I didn't get a new student bus pass when my last one expired and holy crap, I can already tell the difference! I walk to the leisure centre twice a week for classes, which is about two miles each way, then I try to make up an excuse to walk into town at least once on the weekends. These hills in Bath are great for the waistline!

Yoga - you can rent those DVDs as well.  I'd start with a beginners to get the basics down.  Once you learn the poses you can do them daily.  I love yoga. Flexibility, strength training and meditation all in one!

walk walk walk. i have just started walking to and from work 2-3 out of 5 days and the results are great. It takes 35 - 40 mins to walk each way, but i also find it de stresses me too. I also have hand weights, tae-bo DVD's and some Yoga ones too.

I highly recommend getting a dog!!  In the three months since we've gotten our dog, I've done more regular exercise than in the last three years.  We walk at a minimum of 20-30 minutes per day and I ride my bike with him for 20 minutes three times per week.  He's an awesome motivator!!!

Exercise has always been a chore for me and lo and behold, now it's a joy. 

I love the DVD "Denise Austin: Pilates for Every Body." There is an NTSC version on amazon.co.uk for 4.52 pounds. This is about a 50-minute workout,and you actually work up a good sweat and use a lot of muscles by the end of it! You work the legs, abs and arms. All you need is an exercise mat and a resistance band. And of course, as it's one DVD, if you ever want to do just a section of the workout you can. If you use this and also go for walks a few times a week, you won't need a gym

I've rented a few fitness dvd's and I really like them so far. I've also really gotten into cycling and it's a great way to find out more about the area I live in now. It all must be working somewhat, I've lost almost a stone in less than 2 months, so that makes me happy. Plus I start my new job tomorrow and after 3 months I get a 50% discount at the gym that's in the same complex. So hopefully with some regular cycling and the gym discount and the gym right across the parking lot from my work, I'll get more active and continue with the good work.