TIME-WISE AND MONEY-WISE EXERCISE
668 words
© Rhonda Barfield

Warm weather is fast approaching, and with summer clothes soon out of the closet, many of us are thinking about exercise. We’re not 18 any more, and really ought to do something about our out-of-shape bodies. But exercise takes a lot of time AND money. Right?
Wrong. A regular exercise program may not involve as much of a time commitment as you think. As for money, you can start a fitness program with practically no dollar investment. You’ll almost certainly save a great deal of money on doctor and hospital bills if you stick to a sensible, long-term fitness plan. As a friend once commented, “A $30 pair of walking shoes is a lot cheaper than bypass surgery.”
Time-wise exercise
Our family of six is very close-knit, and we try to spend as much time together as possible. We’ve learned, through the years, that we can have that time while we exercise.
As our needs have changed, so has our fitness program. We’ve tried all kinds of options— one baby in a backpack while we walked, one baby in a pack and a toddler in the stroller, and so forth. By the time our oldest, Eric, was six, he and Christian rode Hot Wheels or walked with Mom and Dad, Lisa rode in the stroller and Mary was in the pack. What a procession!
When our children grew older, our 11 and 10-year-old boys often rode bikes with Dad to the post office. I walked daily laps around a “T” in our subdivision, so our 8 and 6-year-old girls could choose to pace me as long as they liked. Now we often walk or hike together as a family.
Whatever our fitness plan, we’ve always tried to use our time wisely by combining quality family time— and often errand running, too— with a workout. How about you? Perhaps you could listen to an inspirational tape, or memorize scripture, or pray, or even pick up the trash around your neighborhood streets (we do this weekly) while you exercise.
Some exercise is better than none. If you find yourself really short on time, you might consider:
*Climbing stairs. You'll burn about 100 calories in 10 minutes, according to personal trainer Barbara Marrott in an article in Woman’s World magazine.
*Jumping rope. Marrott says, “For getting a cardiovascular workout, a $12 jump rope is worth as much as equipment costing hundreds.”
*Housework. Put on the music and get moving!
*Isometrics. Whenever you're in the car, hold in your abdominal muscles tightly for 10 seconds, out for 10 seconds, etc.
*TV or video workouts. I used to work out with Body Electric on PBS four mornings a week. Now I do the same exercises, which I’ve memorized, while my youngest daughter and I watch Mister Rogers.
Money-wise exercise
All of these suggestions cost very little. Your primary dollar investment in an exercise program should be a physical exam by a doctor— something you probably need anyway— and a sturdy, flexible pair of shoes. Skip that expensive gym membership until you’ve tried cheaper alternatives.
If you decide to purchase exercise equipment, first try out a friend’s, or compare brands at a user-friendly store. Find what you like, then start looking for it in your newspaper’s classified ads. This is a good time to investigate; many people purchased new equipment at Christmas, and have by now decided they don’t want to exercise regularly.
Garage sales are also an excellent source of good used equipment. If you’re a fixer-upper, buy a broken machine for pennies on the dollar, then call the company’s toll-free number (first call 1-800-555-1212 to ask for it) for free advice on how to repair the machine.
Check your local library for exercise videos and fitness magazines. These will inspire you and help you map out a program that works for you.
Conclusion
Exercise doesn’t have to be terribly time-consuming or expensive. And the benefits— better health, fewer doctor bills, more energy— are certainly worth the small investment of time and money.
The End

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