Taking up a gym membership, hiring a personal trainer, purchasing an online programme -- these are just some ways to get started on a fitness programme.

However, with the prevalence of social media these days, there are increasingly more ways to get fit without having to spend any money.

One easy source is none other than Instagram.

Here are five ways you can utilise the photo-based social media platform and get fit without having to spend money:

1) Getting inspiration via #Fitspo

Source: @sandrarileytang

Through the hashtag #Fitspo, you can view inspirational photos of fit people from all over the world at any time.

We also have a barrage of local #Fitspo personalities you can view, such as @sandrarileytang, @limaranagustina, @jasonch33 and @official_adriantan.

There are also a lot of Instagram accounts dedicated to fit physiques, such as @fitgirlsworldwide, @motivationforfitness or @fitnessgirlsmotivation.

You need to realise that not everyone looks that good every day -- sometimes they are preparing for a competition or the photos bring out the best of their physique -- but looking good takes dedication and discipline.

If you really want to become fit, you need to psyche yourself and get ready for some pain. Nobody said it was going to be easy, so suck it up and be prepared to literally work that ass off.

2) Gaining knowledge and tips from fitness-related accounts

Source: @official_adriantan

There are a lot of fitness accounts which offer workouts and videos of exercises, such as @H_I_I_T, @gymknowledge, @fitnessexercises, @leanfitnessrecipes or the @thesixpackguide.

These accounts share information to guide you on your fitness journey. It is good to keep track of these accounts to get ideas to

Alternatively, you can also choose to follow prominent fitness personalities.

Do note that most of these accounts offer general advice that are not specific to your body type, so it may not be as effective as a customised programme.

3) Receiving feedback and encouragement

Source: @limaranagustina

The thing about Instagram is how anyone and everyone around the world can comment on your photos and videos (so long as your account is not private).

You may not know it, but you are inspiring others at the same time you are getting inspired too. When you share your struggles or your progress, it is normal to have others leaving comments to encourage you.

So, the advice is: Make public your progress because that piles the pressure on to show results.

It doesn’t matter who they are or where they come from, positive words go a long way.

4) Charting progress on Instagram

Source: @jasminethecheerleader

As you go along your fitness journey, remember to take progress pics -- a simple selfie in the mirror will do.

Take photos every week and compare back to the first photo to see how far you have come.

Don’t put too much pressure on yourself; every little step forward is still progress. Instead, look back to see how much you have achieved already.

Celebrate the small joys and they will all add up to sweet success.

5) Connecting with other fitness enthusiasts in the community

Source: @jey_sng

Through Instagram, it is easy to make like-minded friends within the fitness community.

In a small country like Singapore, everyone is linked to someone and soon you will realise the world is smaller than before.

Instagram has also made everyone more ‘accessible’ and it is easy to follow fellow enthusiasts.

Make your progress competitive if you have to.

At the end of the day, this is about effort and exertion not just fun and games or the illusion of getting fit.

Top photo via @limaranagustina Instagram

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