Which workouts offer best value for money?

Brits have made 22 million visits to the gym since COVID-19 restrictions eased in July – proving that even during the pandemic, many are trying to maintain fitness. Or, perhaps, lose a few of the pounds gained in lockdown.

But with many feeling the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, which workouts are the most cost-effective?

If you’d prefer to exercise without shelling out for memberships and sessions, stick to running, which costs just £10 ($13) per pound lost on the treadmill at a speed of 10 miles per hour, analysis by Ocean Finance found.

Cycling is also a cost-effective way to shift a few pounds, with “vigorous” spinning costing about £17 for every pound lost.

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Some time on the elliptical trainer, ski machine or doing step aerobics can also be an affordable way to lose weight, costing about £19 per pound lost.

On the other end of the scale, although many may enjoy bragging about the amount they can lift, weightlifting is the least cost-effective workout.

Weightlifting costs about £31 per pound lost if you choose a “vigorous” workout, or a shocking £61 if you take it a bit easier, the research found.

Meanwhile, water aerobics (£46), calisthenics (£40) and cross training (£36) are similarly costly.

When it comes to sports, high-impact games like rugby and squash are the most cost-effective, at £15 and £17 per pound lost, respectively – further demonstrating the importance of intensive cardio on value-for-money calorie burn.

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Basketball and hockey follow closely behind, both costing about £19 for every pound lost.

And tennis, at a cost of about £25 per pound lost, rounds out the top five.

Meanwhile, less rigorous activities, such as horseback riding – which costs a whopping £365 per pound lost – and golf – at £121 – fall short, the research found.

Story continues

Despite the growing popularity of yoga, it offers some of the least value for money, with the average price of £11 per one-hour) session quickly adding up to £134 per pound lost.

In fact, at a cost of £112 per pound lost, it’s ever-so-slightly cheaper to go 10-pin-bowling to burn calories.

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