4 of 8

Write now Article Tools

Exercise is important. When we`re young we think nothing of it - running the dreaded cross-country, sports days, football clubs...the list goes on. But for many of use, as we grow older, circumstance takes over and before we know it, our exercise routine amounts to little more than chasing our toddlers around the park, or walking to the nearest bus stop.
Joining a gym sounds great - and would be ideal if one didn`t have to remortgage their home in order to gain membership. Besides, gymnasiums, though fun and positive, can also have a dterimental effect...especially onone`s self-esteem. I for one do not relish the idea of struggling with the lightest of weights, whislt some beef-head" is pumping the equivalent of two juggernoughts next to me, and hardly breaking into a sweat.

But...excercise is important. In conjunction with a balanced diet, excercising for at least 30 minutes per day is ideal- it gives you that all-important natural high; a boost of energy; it works our bodies so we become more toned; it increases our cardio-endurance and helps keep all of those horrible illnesses at bay.
So what are the options? It`s certainly not easy fitting it into your everyday routine, but at the same time,we know it is crucial to maintaining good health.
When I got married 11 years ago, many of my sporting hobbies were put aside; friends had moved on, switched jobs etc...I found that my new family were my new focus - and rightly so.
But I wanted to stay fit...or at least fitt(ish).
The gym was out of the question. I needed something cheap and cheerful, something that doesn`t cost the earth and yet acieved the results I wanted - namely to keep fit, increase stamina / endurance and help keep my entire body toned.Sounds impossible? That`s what I thought, too.
One has to remain cautious, however - ads promising those miracle six packs seem to dominate the internet and home-shopping channels.

Then I discovered Tae-Bo.I`m not saying that it would suit everyone, but it certainly worked for me. Basically, it`s a home-exercise video (or DVD). It was a huge hit in the US, I believe, and eventually came to the UK. Created by Billy Blanks, the Tae-Bo workout is an amalgamation of explosive Tae Boxing movements, and regular aerobic exercise,to give a total body workout. At first, I was dubious. But as time went on, I was truly impressed. I lost weight, toned up, felt better than I had in ages.And I could do this without the embarassment of exercising in a group. I was athome,doing things

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Getting fit without the high expense of gym membership or fancy home exercise equipment?
We want to hear your view. Write now!