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Forget about sweating it out with a bunch of strangers at a health club: You don't have to invest a lot of money in a gym membership or equipment to develop a fitness regime you can stick to, according to Colleen Greene, wellness coordinator with MFit, the University of Michigan Health System's health promotion division. Resolve to become healthier overall, rather than focus only on shedding pounds, advises Greene. Doing so will not only broaden your goals, but it will also spur you to overhaul your entire lifestyle, rather than settle for temporary fixes.
By purchasing the right equipment, creatively mixing up your routine, and staying motivated, you can start-and, more important, maintain-an exercise program at home. Greene offers several tips below the fold. 1. Get a fitness assessment: An assessment by a personal trainer will help you pinpoint specific goals, whether it's flexibility or increasing your cardiovascular capacity. Be sure to run your new routine by your doctor, especially if you have special health needs.
2. Purchase equipment that is right for you: With your fitness goals in mind, select equipment that will help you fulfill them. If you need cardiovascular exercise, for instance, buy a cardiovascular machine-or pick up a Dyna-band or small hand weights if you desire some strength training.
3. Be creative: Tap into resources you already have to save some cash. A pair of used water bottles filled with water or sand makes great dumbbells, for example.
4. Maintain a support system: Find a workout buddy to help you commit to your new routine, or get friends and family members to remind you not to slack off.
5. Change up your routine: Even if your focus is cardiovascular, to name one example, mix up your routine with aerobic and weight-training activities to keep things fresh and fun.
6. Realize that weight loss won't happen overnight: Keep realistic expectations, such as a 1- to 2-pound weight loss per week. Instead of paying attention only to the number on the scale, focus on how your resting heart rate is dropping and how you have more energy in general.
Difficulty level: Moderate
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