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Many of us have gotten that fitness bug in our head and signed up for a two year gym membership, only to go about three times. That is definitely not the way to start an exercise program. Save that membership money and buy yourself a nice Chopard necklace, because the days of using the gym and other expensive fitness equipment are over! You can lose weight, stay at home (or somewhere close at least), and save money all at the same time.

There are so many ways that you can lose weight or get fit and also save money. First off, find things that you can do for free. Take a walk down the street or make sure you skip the elevator and use the stairs. There are a huge number of ways to get exercise without even knowing you’re doing it.

Next, do your research before buying any equipment. Treadmills, elliptical machines, and even weight sets can get expensive. So, before you buy anything, find the workout you want to do. Some really fun workouts don’t require any equipment whatsoever! One of my personal favorites is pilates because all you really need is a few resistance bands, a yoga mat, and possibly an exercise ball. Pretty cheap compared to a treadmill!

Last, you have to have healthy eating habits. If you’re burning off tons of calories, then turning around just to consume them again, you’re not going to get anywhere. Not only will eating fresh and healthy foods help you shed pounds, it also helps on your pocketbook. Find a healthy meal plan that you can stick to, and just do it! You may just be surprised how well it will work for you.

Again, don’t let yourself fall prey to pricey gyms, equipment, and other weight loss fads. Stick to good old diet and exercise and watch the weight disappear!

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Running Sneakers vs. Cross Training Shoes

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Cross training and running shoes are two completely different types of sports equipment with different uses. Not only are they stylish with jeans such as those made by True Religion, but their true purpose is to help with exercise and training. Therefore, it is imperative to know which shoes should be used for which activity. If exercise is the only use for your shoes, cross trainers are the way to go. If sneakers are needed for running/jogging, running shoes are the best choice.

Running Shoes
Running shoes are meant solely for running so their design is much different than cross-trainers. When running, humans put pressure on the heels then transfer it to the toes. Therefore, the heels must provide the most support to avoid injury. Running shoes are designed to force forward motion and provide thicker heels. The extra cushioning absorbs the shock to prevent injury. Furthermore, running shoes have a slightly lifted toe area to propel forward motion.

Cross Training Shoes
Cross trainers provide support equally across the whole foot. These shoes are meant to be an all-around, multi-tasking support system. They deliver a firm grip to all areas of the foot as well as help with stability. Cross training shoes are commonly found in both strength and aerobic training. The soles offer support to the heels and legs and greatly assist with multiple physical activities.

Running vs. Cross Training Shoes
The most noticeable difference between the two is running shoes are meant for running and cross-training shoes are designed for cross training exercises. Also, running shoes tend to be firmer and more flexible around the toes while cross trainers are extremely firm with less flexibility.

When shopping for either variant of shoe it can initially be difficult to find one that suites your needs because of the many choices available. It is advantageous to conduct research prior to purchase.

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An Alternative Exercise you can do Almost Anywhere

Most people have completely drunk the Kool-Aid on the notion that you have to have some big, fancy gym in order to get yourself into better shape. While it certainly helps to be in a place full of pumped up pretty people, and to have all kinds of neat equipment at your disposal, these things can actually hinder you a little bit. After all, in a place where they consider every muscle group special enough to warrant a flock of its own machines (like anybody needs to do five different kinds of curls), it can be a little hard to imagine that your body is anything but a loose, unrelated collection of traps, gluts, abs, delts, and a bunch of other abbreviations.

However, you are a working, functional unit where every part serves a valuable purpose. In addition, this exercise, while bizarre, is a great way to build your strength and endurance. It’s called Car Catch, and it involves a place where a car has some room (at least 30 yards or so), a car in neutral, you and someone to control the car. It’s important to have someone inside the car for safety purposes. Do not be macho about this, or you could end up seriously hurt.

You start out behind the car, pushing it forward. Once you have gotten it up to some speed, you jog around to the front of the car and stop it. Then you begin to push in the opposite direction, repeating the process repeatedly until you run out of endurance. You would be well advised to start out with a smaller car and then graduate to something a bit bigger, like a lot of the new Chevrolet models. Those are some gorgeous American machines. They also have the added benefit that you can push them around, without looking like you’re pushing because the car is broken.

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Mind Body and Spirit

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There are many avenues to pursue when trying to find balance in your life. Some have joined the yoga craze, while others have taken up swimming and spiritual guidance. Kenpo Karate has been known to offer strength in all areas of your life, and because of its success, people are starting to take note.

Many athletic clubs are adding this type of martial art to their repertoire of programs. There are Kenpo classes offered in private dojo’s and wellness centers all over the country.  There are even local chapters of the YMCA offering classes in Kenpo.

There is a cost associated with many classes. In addition to the training, there are educational booklets, the traditional gi or uniform – including belts that need to be covered. Each time you level up, you receive a new belt. There are also various types of equipment associated with each level. Many dojo’s finance the cost of Kenpo over a 12 month period of time, while others will just have you pay as you go. Whatever the cost may be in your area, participants say that the peace of mind, body, and soul out way the pocketbook every time.

As with any other sport, while participating in Kenpo, you build strength; physical strength as well as inner strength. Whether you’re four or forty, you’ll experience a feeling of confidence that you’ve never before achieved.  Kenpo allows you to apply the martial arts spirit into every facet of your life. Even simple trips to the grocery store will take on new meaning when you realize the power and control you have over the basic decisions in your life. In addition to strength you may experience benefits that are not so obvious. Some say your joint pain will decrease.  Others notice significant amount of weight loss. What you will notice is that you feel good.  You will gain a greater amount of self-esteem and self-control.  And who doesn’t want that?  If so, Kenpo is the way to go.

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