Welcome guest blogger Laurette Willis of Praise Moves.
Do the ads for expensive fitness equipment, pricey gym memberships and overpriced weight loss programs have you down? No need to get bent out of shape financially just to keep in shape physically. Here are seven skinny tips to burn the fat without burning a hole in your wallet.
1. The journey of 10,000 steps begins with a single-Pedometer!
An inexpensive pedometer at your local department store can help you meet that 5-mile recommendation for good health (10,000 steps equal 5 miles). You may be surprised to learn you walk less (or more!) than you thought you did!
2. Stepping Out and Stepping Up
We've heard this before: take the stairs instead of the elevator and park further away from the entrance to the store. Such habits make fitness a lifestyle (instead of something you're doing just to lose a few pounds).
3. Clean out the Cobwebs
Cleaning house can help you burn over 200 calories in 30 minutes. Want to really spruce things up? Moving furniture around can up the ante to about 450 calories per hour (but watch that back!).
4. Flashdance!
Turn up the radio, take out the CDs, or crank up the mp3 and boogie (or baile!). Shake away that breakfast burrito by shaking the blues away and burn tons of calories for free!
5. More Bounce to the Ounce
Ever bounce on a mini-trampoline or rebounder? It's not just for kids! A low-cost rebounder is great for the lymphatic system and provides a terrific low-resistance workout that is easy on the joints.
6. Who's Your Ethel?
You don't necessarily need a personal trainer or fitness coach to motivate you - try the buddy system. Lucy had Ethel, Andy Griffith had Barney Fife. You and your friend can encourage each other to keep in shape and go the extra mile (whether Ricky and Fred want to go or not!).
7. Gym in a Bottle, or a Soup Can
Don't have the extra money or space for fancy gym equipment? No problem! Use the stairs instead of the StairMaster®. Gallon jugs with water can become inexpensive hand weights. A gallon of water weighs about 8.33 lbs. Too weighty? Try soup cans instead (just don't strap them on for leg weights-you'll look really silly).
Getting and staying in shape need not be a costly proposition. Plus, the benefits can actually save you money as your health and energy level excel!
© Laurette Willis 2009
Christian Fitness Expert and author Laurette Willis is the Director of PraiseMoves, offering fitness programs, DVDs, books and training for those interested in a Christian alternative to yoga, and fitness for spirit, soul and body at http://praisemoves.com . Follow Laurette on Twitter and on FaceBook
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