Josh Bancroft / Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
It’s hard keeping resolutions, but no matter what goals you’ve set for yourself this year, check out these free iPhone apps to help you lose weight, save money, get organized and quit smoking. Not an iPhone or iTouch user? No problem. Most of these apps have free websites you can use.
Take control of your finances
Mint – Keep track of all your accounts with a touch of an app. You can create a budget and manage your money on the go. You will need to create an account, but don’t worry it’s free. I have this app and like that I can keep tabs of all my money accounts on-the-go and online.
Bank apps – Many banks have a free app so you can bank wherever and whenever. Most of them can be secured with a passcode so you won’t be putting yourself in jeopardy if you lose your phone. If you haven’t already, check out your bank’s app. Many banks offer online banking for free, which is nice to schedule payments and make transactions. My bank app has helped me save money by allowing me to automatically deduct and transfer money to my saving account.
SmallSpend - A basic free app that lets you budget and track (more…)
MyGymworkout.co.uk/Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
About two years ago, I knew it was time to take better care of myself so I shopped around and found a gym that was perfect for me. It is two miles away from home so I can ride my bike, and my monthly fee is on the low end – $39 a month plus a $200 initiation fee – and includes many amenities.
Lately, I haven’t been working out as much between school and two jobs. Needing advice about whether to continue my gym membership, I turned to BargainBabe.com facebook followers and boy, did they respond! The advice ranged from people telling me to cancel my membership to people criticizing my “luxurious life” for having a gym membership and an iPhone.
Kathy suggested I “Take to the hills! Walk/running is the cheapest workout ever!”
Sola understood my dilemma. “As far (as) the gym membership goes, I am way too cheap to pay for my membership and not use it, even though mine is also only $39 (…) However, if you ever decide to get a new contract at the gym, it’s doubtful that you will get a rate that reasonable, so it’s worth taking that into consideration too.”
Since joining the gym, I rarely get sick and I can climb up flights of stairs without huffing and puffing. Janna suggested putting my membership on hold until I could hit the gym on a regular basis but I am not motivated enough to work out at home.
Cindy Crucifer summed up my feelings about my dilemma. “Make time to work out. It’s important.”
After weighing the pros and cons of my gym membership, I decided to keep it. I’m hitting the gym at night after school and work. I much rather pay a monthly fee now than doctor’s bills in the future. Do you think a gym membership is worth the fees?
Related posts:
Money not an excuse not to exercise
adria.richards/Flickr
This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz
Staying fit and healthy can stop doctor’s bills from rolling in but hitting the gym can be costly. The good news is that there are many affordable ways to get a proper workout without slimming your wallet. Here are some ways to help you reach your fitness goals.
Go back to college – If you still live near your alma mater, many universities offer discounted gym memberships to alumni. Some of these gyms are better than private gyms and include all the amenities. Cost: monthly membership fee.
Hit the pavement – Go jogging or walking around your neighborhood for free. If you want a different scenery head to your nearest park. Remember to carry water to stay hydrated and a cell phone in case of an emergency. Cost: $50-$100/year for running shoes.
Exploit your insurance – Many insurance companies reimburse you half or all of your gym’s fees. Check with your provider to see if they can help you out. Cost: phone call to insurance company.
Take a hike – Need a workout that will get your heart pumping and blood flowing? Try walking on a slope. Hiking can be a great way to get a workout without the monthly dues. Cost: gas to drive to park.
Exercise videos – If you are easily bored with the same workout routine rent exercise videos from your local library for free. Most libraries have a variety of exercise videos ranging from yoga to Tae Bo. But whatever you do, don’t become delinquent with your checked out material or it will end up costing you. Trust me, those fines can quickly add up. Want to avoid the fines? Check out online exercise videos. You can find just about any type of exercise you’re interested in to get moving. Cost: none.
Mooch off your company – There have been studies that show a correlation between healthy workers and an increase in work productivity. Many companies are investing in their workers by helping them pay their monthly gym fees. Check with your company to find out what they can do for you. Cost: visit to your HR department.
Get a coupon for free Hersey’s Pieces bag candy.
Restaurant.com certificates are 80 percent off until Jan. 31, 2010 with this coupon code.
Home Depot sends special coupons to those on its email list.
Buying your Valentine’s lingerie? Check out Charlotte Russe’s intimates sale with $2 panties and $5 bras.
Now until the end of the month new gym memberships at 24 Hour Fitness are as low as $30 a month with no initiation fee.
Here is a Borders coupon for 33 percent off, good through Feb. 1, 2010.
Check out all the deals on my WalletPop blog.
mikebaird/Flickr
This is a guest post from John Rowley, a fitness and nutrition expert at the American Institute of Health care & Fitness. His tips to get a million dollar body on a budget are quite practical. I just signed up to ride a 56-mile leg of a triathlon in May, so I’m going to need his advice!
1. Productive Activity
You do not need special equipment for an aerobic workout. Activities most take for granted can become part of your exercise routine.
• Brisk with no risk. Walking is still one of the best and safest forms of cardiovascular exercise that almost everyone can take advantage of. Take a brisk walk every day, through your neighborhood or take laps in a local mall.
• The real stair master. A stair master machine costs thousands of dollars but climbing real stairs is free. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, or make a full workout of climbing the stairs at home, work or a close by stadium and you will master the stairs. This is the real deal when it comes to stair masters.
• Get in the game. If you have children, don’t just watch them play, get in the game. Play tag or kickball and have fun and get fit at the same time. Take a walk to the park, dance around the living room with the kids or take a family bike ride. Don’t have kids? Try chasing your puppy around the park, backyard, house or apartment for a very challenging work out.
2. A modest investment for lifetime fitness
If you’re looking for fitness on a budget, these exercise products may be the ticket:
• Adjustable Dumbbells. PowerBlock makes an adjustable dumbbell that takes up the space of two dumbbells but are adjustable. Pull the pin and you can raise the weight from 5 lbs to 100 lbs. or more depending on the set you get. You can use them for a full body workout and they have free online videos to guide you through various work outs. Dumbbells cost less than most gym memberships and once you own them you don’t have to pay for them again.
• Resistance tubing. These stretchy tubes offer adjustable resistance when you pull on them. Use the tubes for a full body work out and when you are done they fit in a draw. Choose from varying degrees of resistance, depending on your fitness level.
• Jump-ropes. Skipping rope can be a great cardiovascular workout.
• Exercise DVDs. Turn your living room into your own private health club. There are plenty of options to choose from so you are sure to find one you enjoy.
3. Be creative
If you’d rather not spend a penny on exercise equipment, use ordinary household items for a full body work out:
• Canned goods. Turn caned goods into custom dumbbells.
• Milk, juice or water jugs. Fill empty containers or jugs with water or sand and seal the top with duct tape. When your fitness level increases, simply add more water or sand.
• Step stools. Use a sturdy step stool for step training — an aerobic exercise resembling stair climbing.
• Kitchen Chairs. Turn chairs into a dipping station, use the chair for incline push ups, etc.
• Parks. Many parks have trails that you can walk or run and the have various stations that allow you to work every body part.
