8 Frugal Tips for Fitness Resolutions

mom doing push ups

If getting fit tops your New Year’s resolutions for 2013, you’re not alone.

According to the 2013 Outlook Survey organized by TD Ameritrade, Inc., 42 percent of Americans are making health-related resolutions this year. That’s compared to 32 percent opting for financial-oriented goals.

After the holidays, the new year always triggers the need to be more active, eat healthier and feel better. But how to get the most from your fitness regime without breaking the bank? Consider these ideas to stay in shape on the cheap.

1. Take Advantage
Gym rats abhor the beginning of the year when well-intentioned newbies crowd their classes and struggle with the equipment. Despite the initial claustrophobia, however, the gym floor inevitably clears within a couple months as fitness goals wane. As a committed newcomer, you should take advantage of New Year’s gym deals, like reduced monthly payments and waived activation fees. Chat with salespeople at several gyms and be sure to ask for a free pass to experience the facility and classes before committing.

How we React to Seasonal Change

Snowflake Lights on Tree

Festivals of Lights: Finding Health in the Darkness

 

by Bethlyn Gerard

December in the Northern Hemisphere has days that grow increasingly shorter. Nights fall earlier. Ever heard the Simon and Garfunkle lyric, ‘hello darkness my old friend, I’ve come to talk with you again…’? We are in the darkest time of year. Species react differently to this seasonal change. Birds fly south, bears hibernate, humans often decorate. Several major religions include stories involving light during this darkest of months. A lamp burns without oil for 8 days, a star shining in the East gives guidance, candles and fires (replaced in modern ceremonies by electric lights) teach us to respect the relationship between light and darkness.

The winter solstice marks the day when the amount of daylight is equal to the length of night. Until then, the amount of darkness increases. This year that day is December 21, 2012. After that, the days gradually get longer letting in more light.

6 Tips on How to Stay Healthy for the Holidays

Staying Healthy During the Holidays

How to Encourage Yourself and Others to Stay Healthy During the Holiday Season

By Sonja Kabell, Founding Consultant, Slimming World USA

As the holiday season approaches, keeping you and your family’s health in mind is a gift that is priceless. We do not have to give up our health-related goals like exercise, eating right and taking care of ourselves just because it’s the holidays! Here are some tips and strategies that might see you through the season.