Frugal fitness: working out doesn't have to cost a lot

I love these tips from the Mayo Clinic on how to stay fit without spending a ton of money on a gym membership or expensive exercise equipment. There are many people out there who think that if they can't afford to join a gym or purchase a treadmill, then all hope is lost for them and they give up on the idea that exercise can fit into their lives too. This article shows that there are so many free or cheap ways to stay fit that spending a lot of money on equipment, memberships and classes is unnecessary. Start by just moving more: make time for a brisk walk each day or just tackle the vacuuming or lawn mowing that you have to do anyway. Many pieces of exercise equipment can be pretty cheap (think dumbbells, jump ropes & exercise DVDs) but if you'd prefer not to spend the money on these items, canned goods straight out of your pantry make pretty great dumbbells and any short, stable & sturdy stepstool can be great for aerobic activity. If you would like to be able to take a class or use gym equipment, look into your local schools, community centers and fitness centers to find out what discounts they may offer. On a recent trip to Portland, OR I noticed that most of the yoga studios offered a few "community classes" per week, where the cost of the class was often half the cost, more or less, of a regular drop-in class. Here in NYC, many gyms, yoga studios, dance schools and fitness centers offer free classes from time to time to potential new members and students, with no strings attached. And right now, Lululemon Athletica is hosting twice-weekly free yoga classes in Bryant Park.

Check out the full Mayo Clinic article, entitled "Fitness for less: 4 low-cost ways to shape up," for more tips on staying fit without spending a lot.

Image: federico stevanin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I love these tips from the Mayo Clinic on how to stay fit without spending a ton of money on a gym membership or expensive exercise equipment. There are many people out there who think that if they can't afford to join a gym or purchase a treadmill, then all hope is lost for them and they give up on the idea that exercise can fit into their lives too. This article shows that there are so many free or cheap ways to stay fit that spending a lot of money on equipment, memberships and classes is unnecessary. Start by just moving more: make time for a brisk walk each day or just tackle the vacuuming or lawn mowing that you have to do anyway. Many pieces of exercise equipment can be pretty cheap (think dumbbells, jump ropes & exercise DVDs) but if you'd prefer not to spend the money on these items, canned goods straight out of your pantry make pretty great dumbbells and any short, stable & sturdy stepstool can be great for aerobic activity. If you would like to be able to take a class or use gym equipment, look into your local schools, community centers and fitness centers to find out what discounts they may offer. On a recent trip to Portland, OR I noticed that most of the yoga studios offered a few "community classes" per week, where the cost of the class was often half the cost, more or less, of a regular drop-in class. Here in NYC, many gyms, yoga studios, dance schools and fitness centers offer free classes from time to time to potential new members and students, with no strings attached. And right now, Lululemon Athletica is hosting twice-weekly free yoga classes in Bryant Park.

Check out the full Mayo Clinic article, entitled "Fitness for less: 4 low-cost ways to shape up," for more tips on staying fit without spending a lot.

Image: federico stevanin / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Part-time vegetarian? Meatless meals provide health & financial benefits

Want to eat more healthfully and save some cash at the same time? Consider going vegetarian for one meal per day or one day per week. The Mayo Clinic explains that "...people who eat only plant-based foods — aka, vegetarians — generally eat fewer calories and less fat, weigh less, and have lower cholesterol levels than do [non-vegetarians]." People who eat less meat also tend to have a decreased risk for various diseases. You don't have to be a full-time vegetarian to take advantage of these benefits. Start with one day or one week at a time. The bonus? Many non-meat sources of protein are cheaper than meat. Some of these non-meat protein sources include: eggs, skim or low-fat milk, low-fat cheeses, tofu and soy, beans, nuts, fruits & vegetables, whole grains and fish. A diet containing more of these foods and less meat provides more opportunities for a higher intake of fiber, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and other nutrients. To read more, check out the following articles:

The Mayo Clinic -Meatless meals: The benefits of eating less meat



MarthaStewart.com -How I Learned to Love Meatless Meals






Image: MarthaStewart.com

Want to eat more healthfully and save some cash at the same time? Consider going vegetarian for one meal per day or one day per week. The Mayo Clinic explains that "...people who eat only plant-based foods — aka, vegetarians — generally eat fewer calories and less fat, weigh less, and have lower cholesterol levels than do [non-vegetarians]." People who eat less meat also tend to have a decreased risk for various diseases. You don't have to be a full-time vegetarian to take advantage of these benefits. Start with one day or one week at a time. The bonus? Many non-meat sources of protein are cheaper than meat. Some of these non-meat protein sources include: eggs, skim or low-fat milk, low-fat cheeses, tofu and soy, beans, nuts, fruits & vegetables, whole grains and fish. A diet containing more of these foods and less meat provides more opportunities for a higher intake of fiber, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats and other nutrients. To read more, check out the following articles:

The Mayo Clinic -Meatless meals: The benefits of eating less meat



MarthaStewart.com -How I Learned to Love Meatless Meals






Image: MarthaStewart.com

Did You Know?: Positive thinking can improve your health

According to the Mayo Clinic, research has found that positive thinking may be associated with positive health benefits such as increased life span, decreased risk for depression, and even increased resistance to the common cold, among others. Click here to learn more about the potential benefits of positive thinking and for tips on how you can start practicing positive thinking today.

Mayo Clinic - Positive thinking: Reduce stress, enjoy life more

According to the Mayo Clinic, research has found that positive thinking may be associated with positive health benefits such as increased life span, decreased risk for depression, and even increased resistance to the common cold, among others. Click here to learn more about the potential benefits of positive thinking and for tips on how you can start practicing positive thinking today.

Mayo Clinic - Positive thinking: Reduce stress, enjoy life more