On Fitness

Splurging on your fitness can certainly be a worthy investment. But how can you tell the solid buys from the novelties destined to collect dust in your basement? Top fitness professionals identified six smart ways to spend your money.

1. Behavior changing programs. Programs designed to help you adopt a new exercise mindset—such as audio tapes, hypnotherapy or motivational classes—can be a great way to break those ingrained sedentary habits. "These types of programs can help with [any] behavioral issues that prevent you from engaging in a healthy lifestyle," says Marta Montenegro, a professor of exercise physiology at Florida International University in Miami. Many use techniques such as visualization, positive suggestion, repetition and reinforcement to change patterns of thinking—so you're more likely to hit the gym after work instead of the couch. Cost: About $150 for group classes or $30 for an audio recording. Private therapy sessions run $75 to $100 per hour.

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