Fit body, tight budget http://www.thesite.org/healthandwellbeing/fitnessanddiet/fit ness/fitbodytightbudget?view=print

We'd all like a slim, toned body, but we can't all afford gym membership fees. However, there are lots of low cost ways to exercise and some of them are even free.

 

Walking

The most obvious form of exercise we can all do anytime anywhere is low impact, so the risk of injury is minimal and all you need is a comfortable pair of walking shoes. You can have a laugh walking with a mate or you can fit it into your daily schedule for example, walk part of the way to work. On a note of caution, always tell someone where you are going and do not walk on your own after dark. The same goes for running.

 

 

Jogging

Jogging and running are higher impact, so make sure you have a proper pair of running shoes. Again it's better with a friend, or a running club. If you are new to running start by jogging for one minute then walking for one minute and repeat for half an hour. After doing this three times a week for a week or two, increase to two minutes running, one minute walking. Keep increasing the amount of running at a comfortable level. Details of organized runs and running clubs can be found in magazines like Runners World.

 

 

Cycling

Look out for adverts for secondhand equipment and you can pick up an almost-new bike cheaply. You will need to make a one off investment in safety stuff, like a helmet and reflective stripe. Cycling is also a handy mode of transport and can save you a fortune in fares or petrol. You can do your weekly shop at Sainsburys with a rucksack then cycle home, intead of splashing out on taxis.

 

 

Team sports

If you enjoy team sports like netball or football check out what is happening in your area. Motivation shouldn't be a problem when you know you'd be letting the team down if you don't turn up and the cost is minimal.

 

 

Dancing

If, like many of us, you wouldn't be seen dead dancing in public, you can still dance like a maniac while the calories fly off in the privacy of your own home. It's great fun and there is no embarrassment factor!

 

 

Trampettes

Trampettes are like mini trampolines. Claire, a fitness instructor in Staffordshire, swears by her trampette, which she bought from Argos for £17 three years ago. "It's a good way to get into exercise without getting scared off by over-exhaustion or boredom. I have my own music on (loud!) and have a bit of a disco on it. I jog on it for at least 30 minutes but have quite often got carried away and spent over an hour dancing up and down like a flea on a dog!"

 

 

Videos

There are a wide variety of home exercise videos on the market, from aerobics and strength training to pilates and yoga. Swap videos with friends or borrow them from your local library.

 

Sticking to it

Selim Arieff, personal trainer for Get Motivated, says, "the key to success is to find something you enjoy. Otherwise there is no way you are going to stick at it." Try to exercise three to five times a week for 30 to 60 minutes. You will get a better all round workout the more different activities you do.

 

 

Great advice.  Thanks for being such a great spark plug to keep us focused! I am finding my goal to be not to let the holidays be an excuse to stay from the good habits I've tried to live by over  the last year.  Last Christmas I had just had surgery 3 months before and had barely gotten on solid foods.  I survived without desserts and treats,....except for a bite here or a taste there,...I can survive this Christmas without sabatoging myself too.  Besides,...we gotta look good and not a bunch of excuses for the January Soc Hop Conference in Richmond!!!  We got a few post PSers coming with new bods to show off.  We fitness types have gotta keep pace. 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3.

Right on!!!  I hear what you are saying.  I spent the weekend doing ALL of my holiday baking and I swear if I look at another cookie, chocolate dipped pretzel or buck eye ball, I am going to hurl.  BUT....so far, it's keeping me on track, because the smell of chocolate is now gross to me (can you imagine???). Anyways.....I agree with you....the holidays will NOT be an excuse for me to get of track. I have spent the past 2 holiday seasona avoiding the 5 - 10 pound average gain, and I do NOT plan to start now. See ya at the conference................

I thought your title was referring to the state of affairs after plastic surgery.  :)  Loris