Invest in Fitness Motivators

Everybody, and I mean everybody, trying to get in shape has made an over the top huge waste of money purchase. Elliptical machine anyone? That gym membership that goes largely unused?

Investments in health go into the bank of long-term well being, so DON’T scrimp when it comes to a purchase that will ensure you keep moving and your spirits up. How do you make sure it’s not a money waster though? Make sure you REALLY love it and it’s something you enjoy. Look to little purchases like free weights, resistance bands and yoga mats before you make a huge machine purchase. After all, these tiny tools are great toners, and the great outdoors awaits. Who wouldn’t rather run outside than on a treadmill?

The point is to create an environment where you feel motivated to exercise and enjoy it. For example, yesterday I mulled a ($300) Garmin Forerunner purchase, after some general dis-satisfaction with the ($30)  Nike Plus system. But after looking at all the mechanics and science of it I declined, for the same reason I declined a heart rate monitor purchase many years ago. It takes away the very freedom I enjoy during my workouts. My Nike Plus, while the actual distances are not exactly accurate, provides me with music to inspire and encouraging messages from Lance Armstrong and other great athletes. Which to me is more important to keep me moving.

Remember, even if you don’t use your fitness equipment as much as you want, never create un-needed stop lights for yourself to discourage health and stress reduction. So make smart purchases that inspire you, but don’t stress you out. That run is hard enough as it is!

Don’t Go Electric In Discount Stores

Stores like Marshalls are my personal favorites. I hate paying full price, but more than that I hate cheap quality. So, head over and take advantage of their great shoe section (KORS, UGG, Coach), huntworthy handbag shop (Michael Kors, B Makovsky), fitness clothes and household items. However, beware of electronics purchases at a venue like this. My iHome alarm clock had no digits (just a minor detail) and my Cuisinart Grind N’Brew randomly pops open during brewing – not pretty – and both items were only 30 dollars less than the full price in a department store. Not worth it.

Sales are for Suckers

 The most dangerous word when it comes to saving money is “sale.” A sale opens the door for temptation to purchase something that you don’t need, that you won’t use, just because it’s cheap. Ultimately, it just takes up room in your house and depletes your bank account. Your money would have been better spent on an expensive bottle of wine. So, next time you get budget frantic, remember not to get sucked into purchases simply because they are cheap, so that you can have funds for higher quality items that you will actually put to good use!

Your spending system = your value system

Perhaps I should have named this blog value adventurer. Because your budget is about what you value. Take me, for example. I am couch sitting today, with a bottle of Le Cupole, vegetable crackers, and artisanal cheese. I’m wearing a $20 University of Wisconsin sweatshirt, $150 Red Engine jeans, and $40 Michael Kors sandals – no, that’s not a typo on the sandal price, that’s courtesy of my good friends at Marshalls.

My point is that life is a balance. I like the finer things, there is no question, and I will not compromise. So, I find pleasure in shopping at places like Marshalls where I can find high quality at low prices, in addition to shopping locally, so that the village of Montclair where I live and that I love will continue to thrive. (The Red Engine jeans were purchased at Ruby, and the Wine at Amanti Vino.)

I’m not saying everyone else needs to have the same values, or should spend their money like me.  BUT, your spending should reflect your values and your passions in life. For me, the money saved goes to travelling abroad or to buying tech gadgets that help me sustain my passion for exercise and make my life more enjoyable. If your spending is vastly different from your value system, you might want to get yourself to a therapist’s couch.

Charity As The Cure to Low Budget Boredom

In an earlier post, I referenced my experience with Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training program. A huge side benefit, particularly as this experience was smack dab in the middle of this lovely recession, was that it forced all my social activities to be around raising money rather than spending money.

Now, you don’t have to commit to run a marathon to turn your potential day of blah into a new and meaningful experience, and make some new friends and learn some skills along the way. Not sure where to start? Check out www.charitywatch.org to see what causes give the most back to the cause and www.volunteermatch.org to find avenues for giving back that are close to you. Who knows, you may uncover a new passion or career.

Here are a few of my favorites:

American Cancer Society – www.acs.org

God’s Love We Deliver – www.glwd.org

Habitat for Humanity www.habitat.org

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – www.lls.org

For runners in the NYC area, www.nyrr.org has numerous races throughout the year that support charities. They are great opportunities to stay on track with your fitness and philanthropy.

Coffee

It’s been said time and time again, that the daily latte expense adds up to over $500 per year. But I’m sure you’ve had sticker shock over those expensive espresso machines and headed straight back to Starbucks because $4.54 seems more palatable – for now.

There are better options than the super expensive espresso machines – try a stovetop Espresso maker. Alessi and Bialetti both produce budget friendly options, costing between $90 – $150 that make wonderful coffee. These were in fact, the original expresso machines back in the day!  But here’s an important tip – be sure to clean it properly. If you don’t, clogging occurs and the coffee does not brew correctly, or at all. AND, be sure to pay attention when it is brewing. I have had all of my delicious coffee on my ceiling on at least three occasions.

For those who I’ve now scared, Krups makes a $70 electric espresso machine which also does the job well. I’ve resorted to using this on most occasions now, with a Bodum milk frother and the result is a yummy latte that could easily be mistaken for an in cafe beverage.  

All of this said, do not, I repeat do not rob yourself of life’s little luxury of purchasing a random cup of coffee. The purpose of watching your money more closely is to make the most of the resources you have to live your best life, not to be unhappy or anti-social due to over-restricting.  Just as with dieting that leads to eating a box of Oreos, with spending it leads to binge shopping, and a potential purge and tear fest at the Nordstrom’s customer service desk later .

Budget Friendly and Fun Workouts

Finding the motivation to workout can be tough enough. Not to mention the funds. Here are some good options to consider to keep in shape without having your wallet experience all the weight loss:

Running – You can do it outside, and the only required equipment is a good pair of running shoes. Be sure you do invest in a quality pair and have a gait analysis, so that you don’t pay for your running in future rehab costs. Visit a Jack Rabbit Sports store (www.jackrabbitsports.com) in the New York area for a complimentary analysis.

Take advantage of monthly unlimited – Many yoga studios (www.yogaworks.com) and bootcamp classes (www.realbodybootcamp) now offer a flat fee for an unlimited amount of classes. Don’t only sign up, but keep track of how much you’re spending for each class to maximize savings AND stress reduction.

Sign up for gyms strategically – Look for grand opening specials and, best yet, sign up during the summer when everyone is working out in the great outdoors. Even if you don’t truly take advantage of your investment during the winter months, the end savings are often worth it. Particularly when you can lock in a lifetime rate.

Save money by raising money - If you’ve always dreamed of running a marathon in a foreign land, but can’t afford the sign up fees, not to mention the lodging, look at programs such as the the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program (www.teamintraining.org) where your costs are not only covered, but you are provided with great coaching and will make great friends while raising money for a good cause. Being cheap has never generated such good karma! And, in the end you have more money to donate yourself.