This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

How Can I Workout When it Cost So Much Money to Join a Gym?

First step to getting in better shape is taking responsibility. Stop blaming everyone and everything for your life.

The question is, "How can I get into better shape when I cannot pay for a personal trainer or even a gym membership?"

Today you have lots of options as to where to workout. We have a no frills gym in our area. They normally cost $10 to $20 a month to join. Now, mind you, the staff is OK and the owner is probably someone who is not a fitness expert. So do not expect the best of the best at a place that sells themselves on low prices. But a nice well-kept gym where you can get a great workout in and that is what is important.

I mentioned in my first blog how we are lucky to have so many well kept parks and even a state park in Bensalem. They are great places to workout in. The question that was asked reminded me of a man I knew many years ago who wanted to work with me but could not come up to my gym. And even though I go to clients' homes, he was embarrassed about the way he looked and just wanted some guidance from me. Since he was a friend I gave him some pointers on what would be a good way to do this on his own.

Find out what's happening in Bensalemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

His waist was 60 plus inches and he was tired all the time. He never stepped into a gym and did all his workouts outdoors at parks. He would walk down Broad Street every day to City Hall. He would go to bed early and eat every 3 hours and made sure his meals where the right things to eat and the right portions. He lost 30 inches off his waist and has kept it off for more than 15 years. It cost him nothing to do this, he did it on his own.

Before he started down this journey, he was unable to work and play with his own children. Now, after the weight loss, he is always out doing something with the family. Nothing slows this man down.

Find out what's happening in Bensalemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

He stopped blaming everyone else for his problems and did something about it. In my gym, when you walk up the stairs you will see stenciled: “It is never too late to be the person that you’ve always wanted to be.” I personally know thousands of people who have changed their lives.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?