Get Fit For Free

I came across this article on the weigh****chers website, and thought it was very useful informtation - especially for those who haven't started an exercise program. Get Fit For Free - Article By: William Sukala, MS, CSCS Sure, employing a personal trainer, building a state-of-the-art fitness center in your home and joining a fancy gym may seem like great fitness ideas--for those with bottomless bank accounts. But fitness is not reserved only for the rich and famous. Truth is, it's free; you just have to know how to tap into it. Move more for less. Here are some practical, fun ways you can join the ranks of the physically active without breaking the bank. Get a leg up. Getting into shape doesn't mean you have to invest in an expensive treadmill. All it takes is putting one foot in front of the other. Walking or jogging through your neighborhood is just as effective. Plus, it's more natural for your body: Outdoor walking doesn't come with handrails, so it improves your body's ability to balance and stabilize itself. Walk the dog. Why pay a trainer to hold your hand when man's best friend is only too willing to do it for free? A dog doesn't complain and will never make excuses about why it can't exercise. And as an added bonus, a dog provides added security while exercising at night. Take a hike. Confused by cardio cross-training classes? Luckily, they are not mandatory. Try trail walking; it's a great way to vary the intensity of your cardio routine. The variation in terrain not only changes the cardiovascular workout but also the muscles used, which can offer a more thorough lower-body workout. Ride a bike. Remember when you were a kid and riding a bike was just what you did--anytime and all the time? Now you're probably paying for spinning classes, stationary bikes or even expensive road and mountain bikes. Instead, pick up a cheap old beater at a yard sale, oil the chain, inflate the tires and you'll be spinning around town for free. Ride yourself fit. (Just be sure to wear a helmet.) Buddy Up. Hiring a personal trainer can be a great way to learn safe and effective exercise instruction. Unfortunately, the cost can be prohibitive. Instead of spending $50 or more per session, split the cost with a friend and work out together. Sometimes a good workout partner can be all the motivation you need. Get creative with weights. There are lots of ways to firm your muscles. Gallon containers of water weigh about eight pounds; the half-gallons, four. Jars and cans weigh a bit less and can be effective for working the smaller muscles of the shoulders. Refer to the our workouts for strength-training suggestions. You make me feel like dancing. Why pay for expensive dance classes when you can dance the night away with friends? It's fun, it's social, and it's a great fat-burning activity. Recreational dancing can burn up to 200 calories per hour. How much could you save? Product or Service Low End High End Gym membership (per year) $300 $1,200 Personal trainer (per hour) $30 $200 Treadmill $300 $3,500 Stationary bike $200 $1,800 New road or mountain bike $300 $3,000 Dumbbells (up to 10 lbs) $5 $50 Home gym $200 $6,000 Cardio or spinning classes (per class) $5 $20 Dance classes (per month) $25 $100

I'm gonna get saving!!! Thanks Jill. I will definitely keep this in mind after surgery and as my exercise starts to increase. I love saving just as much as I'm going to love losing these extra pounds. Tiawna J.