Receiving Healthy Gifts- From Others and Yourself

Last week I moved and my gym memberships (I had one because of my class) expired on the same day. These facts combine to leave me with a no-gym delemma. As I've discussed in a few posts on free to cheap exercise, a gym is not absouletly necessary to get a workout, but I sure find it helps to get me working my hardest and the classes help to keep me in the schedule. So now, with the no-gym, what's a girl to do?
Photo by mariachily
Luckily my birthday's coming up, so I've thought of a few ways to invest in things I will actually use to be healthy and some ways to get healthy gifts. 


Healthy Option #1: 
Try something you've always wanted to. 
In my quest for absolute awesomeness and adventure, I might ask for some passes or cash for Dawson's climbing wall. Rock-climbing is something I've wanted to try for a while, it's conveniently located, conveniently priced, and set-up so that someone can help me learn

If it's exciting, easy to get to, and easy to start, there's a good bet it'll work. In trying new activities, however, it's important to realize that you might not be perfect on the first try. Start by doing what you can and build up, just like anything else. After giving it a fair amount of tries, don't feel bad or discouraged if it's not for you, it's okay to change your mind. The world is full of things.


Healthy Option #2:
Get something that would make your life easier, so you'll surely use.
I might ask for a second hand bike. I was loving the bixi this summer, but now, the closest dock is a 10 minute walk away. I know when I need to get somewhere, I won't walk over to see if there's a bike. (Bixi, if you're listening, move west, young bike, move west). 

I would not have wanted a bike when I lived downtown, on the fourth floor, without an elevator, but now, where I can lock a bike outside, it seems a pretty good bet. This one is tricky to ask for because you've got to try out the bike, so it's not really a surprise, but it's still a gift. Keep in mind that, unless you are willing to dress for it, this gift will have to be stored in the winter, and you'll be out of that healthy transportation. 


Healthy Option #3:
Photo by By Indy Charlie
Acquire a piece of equipment that is the missing piece of the puzzle.

If you live near a rink with free skating- ice skates might be good. If you live near trails, try a pair of hiking shoes; if you live near a park, a TRX, or jumprope, or rollblades, or basketball, etc. If you have space in your home, why not get a yoga mat and some free weights. Just think of what's you've got and what you need to take advantage of it. 



Healthy Option #4: 
Find a place that's setup for your workout and is convenient to you.  
For me that means that I might just ask for a membership to the nearby gym. After all, winter is coming and, while they won't have all of my favourite equipment, it'll help.

This can, of course, be a gift you give yourself and is a great bet for those new to exercise. A gym should give you a free introduction to their equipment which is definitely useful, but getting a program designed for you can be the difference between good results and injury. Hire a personal trainer to design your workout or push you along through your sessions, it can make a world of different. Keep in mind that some gyms offer an initial program for free and that all gyms should have floor staff to show you how to do an exercise correctly.
Photo by CircaSassy
If the cost is prohibitive, ask for it as a gift. I generally get a gym membership for my birthday and you can ask for them for all sorts of other gift-giving occasions. If it's expensive, a few gift-givers might even go in on it. The YMCA also has programs designed to give access to those who can't afford it, check it out.



I'm still deciding if I'll ask for one of these things or something like a day-trip or e-reader, and specialize in finding free workouts. I've got a little bit of time to decide. In the meantime, I've got my elastic band, yoga mat, and some free swimming nearby to help me out. I'll let you know how I fare and you let me know if you've come up with some free/cheap workout ideas or healthy birthday wishes. 

Live well, 
Charlotte



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Comments

  1. I find an easy way to get exercise without spending money is walking my dog. If you don't have a dog borrow one from a friend or volunteer at the SPCA. Great exercise without even thinking about it.
    Happy Up-coming Birthday Charlotte! I hope you're surrounded by good people and lots of dancing on your special day xoxo

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    1. What a beautiful idea Dee! As usual, you have great advice. I'm sure that the dogs from the SPCA and other animal shelters could really some friendly volunteer walkers.

      Thanks Dee. Wonderful people and dancing are always in order.
      Hope you have a wonderful day.

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  2. Nice ideas Charlotte! I love the pictures too ... especially the one with the lady in bloomers! lol :P Be sure to let us know what you'd like for your special day! Love, Carolyn :)

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    Replies
    1. Hi Carolyn. Yeah, I love bloomer lady too. I'm sure she's getting a great workout:P!
      I'm still on the fence, but I've narrowed it down to the scary, but exciting rock-climbing and the very practical gym. I'll definitely let you know.
      Love, Charl

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