Exercise

Exercise - we all need it.  And we KNOW we need it. The costs of not taking care of ourselves are high in terms of physical limitations, discomfort and health care expenses. We may not notice so much when we are younger, but trust me, after forty the body doesn't respond in quite the same forgiving way it might have in our twenties and thirties. So, the question is, how do we fit exercise into our lives and at a cost we can afford?

I researched the cost of gyms in our area and they range from $32 to $60 per month, or averaged just shy of $400 per year.  That's a pretty big chunk of change if you don't make regular use of the facilities.

Home gyms tend to be very good at collecting dust or serving as a clothes rack.  They take up space and rarely are worth the investment for the average person.  But if you really think that's the way to go, check out craigslist, a garage sale or some other second hand sales option and purchase a machine at a fraction of the original price.

I am a fan of home workout dvds.  Well, not ALL dvds.  Being abnormally uncoordinated has ruled out most aerobic tapes because I just end up flailing about my family room and risking serious injury to me, the furniture or the cat! However, I can heartily recommend Leslie Sandsone's walking tapes. She uses four basic steps (walking, side steps, knee lifts and kicks) and if you give it a good effort, you will break a sweat and get a good workout. Many of her tapes also can use weights, although they are not necessary. She has oodles of tapes and you will likely find many of them available at your local library.

I found a fitness buddy on the web that I connect with and to whom I am accountable.  If I promise someone else that I will workout, then I do it. Matter of honour.  Wish it worked more when I promised myself!