Are you having trouble staying committed to an exercise regimen? Here are a few tips to help you stay fit, meet new friends and have fun doing it.

1. Get a workout buddy. A friend can show you new exercises, push you harder and hold you accountable to your exercise and diet.

2. Take a class. Hoboken is littered with gyms and studios offering free or low cost classes that provide structured exercise. Mix up your routine by trying something new.

3. Join a club. Local clubs like the Elysianettes and the Gold Coast Triathlon Club meet on different days of the week to hold organized and social training.

4. Sign up for a race. A race gives you a specific goal to train towards. Consider organizations like the National MS Society or the Avon Foundation to help raise money for a good cause while you train. If that isn't enough Team in Training events offer a support team to help you with your training and fundraising.

Should you buy organic to protect against pesticides, antibiotics and growth hormones? The USDA does not claim that these products are any safer or more nutritious. The facts show that vitamins and minerals found in fruits and vegetables depend more on the soil they are grown in, climate conditions and how long they travel or sit on shelves, not necessarily being organic. Also, certain processed foods like potato chips may be labeled organic and still not be good for you. My advice would be:

1. Most of us don't get enough fruits and vegetables in our diets anyway so organic or not, buying more of these will likely be better for us all. Just rinse thoroughly before eating to wash away any pesticides or germs.

2. If money isn't an issue consider buying organic: Meats, Dairy, Eggs, Peaches, Nectarines, Apples, Bell Peppers, Celery, Pears, Strawberries, Leafy Greens, Imported Grapes, Cherries, Potatoes, Tomatoes, Raspberries, Baby Foods and Juices.

Skip on buying organic: Asparagus, Avocado, Bananas, Broccoli, Cabbage, Kiwi, Mango, Onions, Papaya, Pineapple, Seafood and Cosmetics.

3. Don't be fooled by "natural" or "free range" because they do not mean organic. The USDA says a product must be 95% organic in order to wear their seal of approval. A product with multiple ingredients must be 70-94% organic to use the word "organic" on the label.

4. While studies are still mixed, if I was cautious about pesticides and hormones, even additives and preservatives it would be with children. Since they are still developing any of these may have more damaging and lasting effects than with adults.