Almost three years ago I joined to get fit and make new friends in the area (I had recently moved)...I've certainly improved my fitness and now got a great circle of friends, but I had not counted on the unexpected result on my health. I've got a heart condition that involves medication; I was due for my check up (and in fact hadn't been for 8 years...it was due 3 years ago!). I visited my cardiologist and was astounded with the prognosis! his comment to me was "you've got the heart of a 45 year old and in fact you are in better nick' than when you were 43!" This was an awesome remark - I've just celebrated my 55th birthday. So, I reckon the $42 a week (plus two or three coffees I have with my new friends)..is worth every cent.

Approximate cost: $42 per week

I joined Step into Life after moving into the Cheltenham area, to meet new people and form friendships, and perhaps have a little fun! Little did I know or realize at the time, the health benefits that would come from this experience. I was a little concerned about the commitment, but over the years I'd joined gyms and only 'stuck at it' for about 3 months; left with the ongoing direct debit coming out of my bank account for 12 months! Now 18 months on, I go three to four times a week, my chronic back problem is now manageable (it's the little things that count some times, like emptying the dishwasher or vacuuming!). I'm now running at least 5 km AND I've lost 12 kilos in the process! I'd recommend it to anyone, and in fact, I have! I love it, it's changed my life and it could change yours too.

Approximate cost: $15