The Price of Fitness

The commercial industry spends countless dollars to enforce the idea that we need a certain pair of shoes, a particular machine, or a special outfit to get in shape. And we can not forget those costly gym memberships. I have fallen victim to this attitude to a small degree.

I have a great deal on my gym membership. It cost me only twelve dollars a month. But, in the year and a half that I have had this membership, how often have I actually used it? ZERO! Yes, that is correct—I have not gone once. My point: no matter how great a deal you obtain on that gym membership or piece of equipment, if you do not actually use it, it is a waste!

Working out and getting into shape does not have to cost a fortune. If you are waiting for the money to buy that membership, equipment, or outfit, chances are very good that once you have these things, you will still not get on the fitness bandwagon. Exercising is about commitment and will-power not what you have or do not have.

Obtaining a beach-ready body is about breaking a sweat, not breaking the bank. With a few simple tips you will be on your way to enjoying a slimmer, trimmer, more toned you.

• A gym membership will work if you have a gym buddy. Knowing that someone is there waiting for you makes it harder to make excuses not to go, or to push it aside. A gym buddy helps you maintain your commitment. If a gym membership is in your future, shop around. Look for deals and specials. Check out the equipment to ensure that it will suit your purposes. A traditional gym is not the only place to get a gym membership. Check out hotels, the YMCA, universities, and even military bases for their gym prices.
• A good pair of running shoes, a workout mat, and a few weights go a long way to getting you in shape.
• Rent some exercise videos or a workout magazine from your library to get some ideas. The TV is full of workout programs—get up early and start your day with a workout.
• If you have children, take them to the park and while they are burning off energy, you can be burning off calories. Do not let not having money for a babysitter be your excuse for skipping out on fitness. Make a play-date with other moms and while the kids play, have your own exercise class instead of sitting on a bench. If you have younger children that require constant supervision, you can still use the play-date idea. Just take turns with the other moms being the one who watches the little ones. If you can not set up a play-date and you have a toodler, spend some time at the park running and playing. Even if you have no children, the jungle gym makes a great piece of work out equipment.
• A workout buddy is essential if you need help with will-power and making a commitment. It helps to have another person to be accountable to.
• Never underestimate the benefits of a long, brisk walk. I recently did a maternity photo shoot and was amazed at how toned the mom-to-be was. She is a paramedic and it is essential for her to be in top shape. All during her pregnancy, she walked at least six kms a day. It showed. Walking costs nothing, and it helps with your heart and lungs, tones your body, and burns calories. Check out the calorie counter below to learn how many calories you can burn on a simple walk.
• As the well-known quote suggests, dance like you don’t care who sees you. Crank those high-energy tunes and really shake your thing. Dancing for just half an hour will burn approximately 100 calories.
• If you have never exercised before, it may be beneficial to hire a personal trainer for even one session to ensure your form is correct and to show you the exercises that will target those problem areas. If your community has a school that trains personal trainers, contact them and see if you can hire a student. It will cost you a lot less and will give the student practice working with a client. Just make sure that the student is close to finishing their course to get the most knowledge. Someone just starting out in the fitness business may offer discounts to build up their client base.
• Embrace your inner child; grab a hula-hoop and skipping rope and have some fun while you get in shape. Take it from me—there is a huge difference jumping rope as a woman versus a child. It is quite the workout!
• Do not forget to stretch. Nothing kills the desire to exercise than a stiff body the next day. Saying that, however, it is important to remember that you will be stiff and sore to a degree. You will hurt and you will have to push beyond what you thought you could do. The rewards are well worth it. Stretching helps minimize the stiffness and can help prevent injury.
• As with any physical activity, please consult your physician before beginning a fitness program.

Make this the year that you are proud of how you look and feel. Your body is your biggest asset. I am not talking about using a hot body to get free drinks at the bar on a Friday night. Not being physically fit decreases your life expectancy, increases your chance of disease, and can seriously influence your quality of life. A friend of mine was overweight and suffered from high blood pressure. She was only in her thirties. She had some health scares and realized that if she did not make a change, get fit, and lose weight, her daughter would grow up without a mother. This may sound dramatic, but I am sure that there are may people out there who can relate.

Think about it. An early death or not having the energy or physical ability to play with your children or grandchildren is a huge price to pay. Women take the time to do their nails, colour their hair, and put on make-up. But when it comes to working out, excuses are so easy to make. Ensure that you have a healthy body that allows you to enjoy life to the fullest. If you have already spent money on equipment or a gym membership use it. Stop using that treadmill as a clothes rack. Make your physical health a priority. The benefits to your life are truly priceless. Not only will your body thank you, you will get the benefit of all of those happy chemicals produced by our bodies as we exercise.

On a personal note, I confess to thinking that I needed money and special things to get in shape. Then I joined the Reserves. There is nothing like doing push-ups in the dirt to show you that you can can get in shape anytime, anywhere, and with very little. I also confess to no longer making working out a priority. When I did, I felt great and I was happy with the way I looked. So I am making a commitment to myself, to look after this one body I have been given so I can live my life to the fullest. I will make it a priority to find a gym buddy. I also bartered a consult with a personal trainer for a photographic session. I know the exercises but I need help targeting my wobbly bits. I know that June will put me on the right track.

Calculate the calories you burn

Some helpful sites for exercising ideas

“No Gear Here.” Women’s Health.

“10 Ways you can Exercise at Home without any Equipment.” Fit Watch.

“Three no-excuses, 20-minute home workouts: whether you have a barbell, dumbbells, or nothing at all, we have a fast muscle-building workout for you.” CBS. Moneywatch.com.

“No Equipment? No Excuses: 20 Exercises You Can Do At Home.” Laurensfitness.com.

“Stretching Exercises for Women.” Women’s Heart Foundation.

Exercises you Can Do on Jungle Gym Monkey Bars.

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