When someone decides to start exercising, I'm sure they want to get results. Most people are busy and want to get the most benefit from their time. Yet they spin their wheels spending hours each week doing cardio in the mythical fat burning zone, or using programs like they did in high school, or buying worthless gizmos that promise you six-pack abs in 5 minutes a day.

For the $59 + shipping you wasted on "fat burning" pills or gimmicks masquerading as exercise equipment, you could almost have paid for two personal training sessions in many places. Instead of a dust-collector, you could have invested in a well designed strength training program and proper instruction on good form.

When people think of personal training, most still envision working one-on-one with a trainer every workout. Some people do that but that's a choice; it's absolutely not a necessity.

If you are a novice interested in joining a gym, find one where you get some individual attention and instruction. Is saving a few bucks on membership worth it if you quit because you feel overwhelmed, intimidated and/or frustrated by your lack of results?

If you want to work out at home, hire a fitness coach for a few sessions to get you set up on a solid, effective and balanced exercise program. Regardless of where you exercise, for best results, meet with your trainer every 4-6 weeks to change your routine.

If you want to get optimum results for your efforts, get professional help. Seriously.