Gym memberships……personal trainers……fitness equipment……each one sounds like a good idea and wise investment for our fitness goals, but are they really worth their “weight”? I’m all for receiving expert advice from a trained professional, but I’ve also been the person paying out the ying-yang for that advice only to realize that until “I do the work” (which is what we’re always told to do) nothing will change. I’ve also been guilty of focusing too closely on one versus the other when both matter to the overall result. So which one is right for you, how will you “fit” it into your busy schedule and which one is the best investment? Better yet, what can you do for FREE?

Walking/jogging in place (FREE)

I learned a very valuable lesson along my own personal journey to weight loss and wellness: Exercise doesn’t have to be complicated or cost (practically) anything. One exercise every one can do is walk/jog in place, for 30+/- minutes each day. To get started, I would suggest standing in front of a mirror so you can observe your posture and movement. The overall movement should include proper posture (shoulder’s back), arms moving (slightly bent at your sides) and feet raised a few inches from the ground in rotation as you jog in place. If you have not exercised in quite some time, I would suggest starting with 10-15 minute intervals. Start with a steady walking pace, eventually progressing to a jogging in place momentum. The goal is to make progress each day (even if it is in increments of five more minutes each workout). Thirty minutes a day, 5 days a week would be an excellent goal. The beauty of this concept is simple: It’s free. It’s portable (you can do this anywhere). It’s achievable (it does not require anything but your willingness to commit to it every day).

Cross training (Average cost $30-50/month)

One of the best overall workouts is “Cross training” (aka circuit training). This type of workout focuses on strengthening and building a stronger core group of muscles. The training uses a combination of exercises to work a variety of muscles.

Weight loss training

If your goal is to lose weight, then exercise must be performed with balanced nutrition. Anyone who diets without exercise will usually fail at losing weight permanently. Practicing fitness on a regular basis will result in helping your body sustain the weight loss. It will also build stronger muscles and agility enabling you to have a better sense of overall wellness. Most communities have recreational centres, with the cost ranging from $75/yr and up. Usually classes will range in cost ($10-30/month). My advice is to start at home before you jump into any programme that costs you money. If you can not motivate yourself with what you can do for free, paying for it might not motivate you either.

Body building

Body building is a terrific way to strengthen your overall body. You do not have to “bulk-up” to build up a stronger core and sculpt your body to a desired definition. Not sure where to begin? If you are a woman, and have always wondered why you need to strengthen and define your body shape, watch this short online video to get an idea of what/how/when/why you need body building.http://www.bodybuilding.com/guides/female-over40-muscle-building/training The site offers advice for males and females, any age and at any level of fitness. They also zone into what your goals are and how to help you achieve them. What’s really great about this site is they will give you the information for free. It’s almost as good as having your own personal trainer. If you’re opposed to the products they sell, you can still use the advice they offer. Most gyms will have the equipment you need. The only problem with body building is maintaining what you’ve built (but that’s not such a bad problem considering that what you’ve built will pay it forward in your life every day).