GET SLIM without the gym!

With gyms either expensive or closed, here’s how to keep in shape from home

- TANYA PEAREY

Get gardening

The average green-fingered adult can burn more than 51,000 calories a year by gardening. Just 35 minutes a week burns 632 calories every month. Want an all-over tone-up? Try leaf raking. ‘It’s the perfect exercise,’ says Nicola Addison of Eqvvs Personal Training. ‘Raking requires a whole range of movements – twisting, bending, lifting and reaching – and these use several different muscle groups.’ In 30 minutes, you can expect to burn around 171 calories mowing the lawn, 152 digging and 135 weeding.

GET PEDALLING

Not been on a bike for years? It might be time to get back on the saddle. It’s a great way to get your heart pumping to help cut your risk of developing diabetes, cancer, heart attacks, strokes and other serious conditions. Recent research from Denmark found that regular cyclists lived almost four years longer than those who didn’t exercise. If you’re looking to rebuild your confidence, check out new book Back on Your Bike by Alan Anderson (£12.99, Laurence King Publishing).

Fidget

‘Good news if you struggle to sit still,’ says Terri-Ann Nunns, creator of the Terri-Ann 123 Diet Plan. ‘Research has found you can burn 350 calories a day just by fidgeting.’ While watching TV, trace the letters of the alphabet with your feet. It’ll also help to strengthen your ankles and challenge your brain.

Resist!