Part-time personal trainer Roxshawn Thomas approaches the present economy with the same mind-set that she'd use to run a fitness boot camp.

She gets creative and doesn't give up. Thomas has altered her business plan to save money, which in turn, lowers her cost and saves money for her clients. Which, of course, may result in more clients. Hopefully a win-win in these lose-lose times.

(ENLARGE)

Roxshawn Thomas meets clients at a gym, rather than driving to their homes.

When gas prices were lower, Thomas says she sometimes drove 30 miles or more across metro Atlanta to meet clients at their homes, parks and health clubs.

"Now I have to cut back on meeting at different places and only meet at the gym," she adds. Her workout sessions are usually held a few miles from home at LA Fitness in Tucker.

Thomas, 30, started personal training a year ago and recently lowered her fees from $35 per session to $25.

Serious personal training includes a healthy diet, which also can include higher food prices. Thomas prefers to eat salmon and organic foods from Whole Foods Market. But lately chicken and lower-cost foods at Publix's Greenwise Market section are more in line with her budget, she says.

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