DEAR HARRIETTE: I have decided that working out is too expensive. I live in New York City, and the boutique fitness classes like Barre, Spin and Pilates take more out of my wallet than they do my thighs. I love how glamorous it feels to be exercising in a beautiful gym with my friends, but I know I can't financially support this lifestyle. I can't find any motivation to exercise with at-home workouts, so they're a waste of money, too. Is saving up for classes too extreme? I do still have debts to be paying off, but I know health is important. -- Boutique on a Budget, Brooklyn, New York
DEAR BOUTIQUE ON A BUDGET: Whether you take a fancy class or not isn't what will get you fit. Your fitness is attached directly to your self-esteem and desire to be healthy. You have to want it and be willing to commit to doing the work -- no matter what. Just so you know, lots of people pay exorbitant prices for gyms and special classes and don't go.
Consider joining a walking or running group. Many are free. Give yourself manageable fitness goals and timelines for reaching them. If possible, find a buddy who is willing to exercise with you. That can make it more fun and more binding.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)