Fitness Freebie!!

I have discovered a new Fitness Freebie, well it may not technically be new, but it is to me. exercisetv.com. I love this site, there are tons of free exercise tutorials and short videos that you can watch. You can simply google what body part you want to work on, and tons of videos come up. So, if you are working on getting in shape on a budget, it is definitely worth a try!!

My training plan!!

I know I have told you guys that I like to run, but I don't think I have told you that I am training for my first marathon. That is right, I will be running a marathon in October.

Running can be intimidating to begin with, but once you get started it is addicting. I love the fact that when I am running, I don't have to think about ANYTHING other than running!! It is the only "ME" time that I get, so I take advantage of it. I only run three days per week. Due to past injuries, my knees cannot handle running several days in a row, so I spread them out.

I found this running plan, the First Half Marathon training plan at Runners World, and it fit perfectly with my needs. I am currently in week six, and once I complete this I will start the marathon training plan.

I started with the half marathon first because the longest distance that I had run before beginning this training was 4 miles. I figured that I would build my way up.

I have to say that I like this training plan, it can be difficult, but it is worth it.   Do you have a favorite training plan?

photo source:  runnersworld

Activity Tree, great site for children's fitness!!

You guys know by now that I love to exercise (well love is a strong word), however, I do feel that it is super important. It is not only important for parents, but for children as well. The childhood obesity rate is way too high in our country, and we have no one to blame but ourselves. That may sounds harsh, but it is true.

Activitytree.com is a site that recognizes the importance of fitness opportunities for child and is committed to fighting childhood obesity. It is the nations largest online resource listing kids lessons, classes, and camps.  

Activitytree.com is also running a Get Kids Active Facebook campaign.  Facebook fans of Activity Tree can find great ideas activity ideas on the Activity Tree wall, as well as share their own.  They can also pass a Get Kids Active sticky note to their friends, so that their children can be involved as well.  There are also some super fun activity related polls to take.

I think one of the most common reasons that children are not involved in fitness activities is because of the financial commitment.  However, Activity Tree realizes that "lack of money" makes it hard for families, and is offering Get Kids Active scholarships.  These kids scholarships will make activities more affordable for parents.  There are two ways to enter for a scholarship,  through the Activity Tree website, or through the Activity Tree Facebook page, under the Scholarships tab.

So, while we (parents) are planning a healthier year for ourselves, lets remember to include our children as well.  Check out Activitytree.com for activities near you.

disclosure: this is a sponsored post.

Getting fit on a budget, is it possible??

My answer is YES, it is possible. I know that when some people think about getting fit, they automatically think gym membership, yada yada. Guess what everyone, you do not have to be a member of a gym to get in shape, that is right, you can do it at home!!

Running and walking are both great exercises, and really the only equipment you need is a good pair of shoes.  Shoes are important for runners and walkers alike, they need to properly support you, so you will not injure yourself.  Other than that, you are good to go.  While it is true that a treadmill is nice to have, it is not necessary, you can walk or run outside.

If walking and running do not appeal to you, grab a work out DVD and start moving.  There are tons of them out there.  My current favorite are Shape Abs and the Jackie ab DVD. 

I have to admit that I am a runner, so that is what I love to do, however I mix my workouts up by running one day and cross training another day.  On my cross training days I either walk and do an ab DVD or do a couple of different workout DVDs. 

I have found that if you can not keep it interesting you will be less likely to succeed.  So, if the "no money" excuse is keeping you unfit, start moving sister because even if you are broke, you can still look good (haha).
If you need a little extra motivation, sign up to run or walk in a charity event or race.  That will give you something to work towards.

Photo Source: jvangalen