Yes, you can get fit on a budget. Sure, personal trainers do wonders, but there are plenty of ways to improve your fitness without one. Try out these FREE fitness apps on your smartphone to shape up in no time. 1. Office-Fit app If you're stuck in a cubicle and in front of a computer all day, … [Read more...] about 5 free apps to help improve your fitness
Recreation
9 ways to get free or cheap ski lift tickets
With the cost of ski full-day lift tickets reaching $100 at a handful of high-end resorts, frugal skiers and snowboarders are finding a number of ways to save. Here are nine simple tips to get free or cheap ski lift tickets: 1. Go online to find deeply discounted tickets. Know when and where … [Read more...] about 9 ways to get free or cheap ski lift tickets
Free days at U.S. national parks in 2021
America's Best Idea — our national parks — is even better when admission is free! Mark your calendar now for entrance fee-free dates for the coming year. On these dates, FREE entrance is available to 108 National Parks across the country that normally charge a fee. During the fee-free days, … [Read more...] about Free days at U.S. national parks in 2021
Free and cheap ways to exercise at home
You’ve vowed to get fit, lose weight or build muscle, but a gym membership isn’t for you. Maybe those pricy monthly fees won’t fit in your budget, or you hate people looking at you when you’re sweating your way through a torturous hour on the treadmill. Or perhaps your personal schedule is so … [Read more...] about Free and cheap ways to exercise at home
Giant backyard games you can build yourself
Game time is fun, but for bigger fun, you need bigger games. You may have seen those giant outdoor games made from ordinary board games. These are perfect for the kids to play with all summer or for pulling out for a summer party. But buying them can cost hundreds. Fortunately, you can … [Read more...] about Giant backyard games you can build yourself
How to make simple, cheap bike repairs
So you have decided to reduce your carbon footprint, or get healthy by riding a bicycle. You found a used bike with potential, or you pulled out that 10-year-old bicycle that has been gathering dust in the garage. Pavel Cherkasov, coowner of Magic Wheel Bike Shop in Websterville, Vt., says you … [Read more...] about How to make simple, cheap bike repairs
Podcasts offer education, entertainment for the whole family
Podcasts are the best of breed: They blend the spontaneity of the radio with the ease of on-demand entertainment. Moreover, they often are educational in a way that makes the listener feel like they have gained something from the interaction. Interested in personal finance? There are podcasts … [Read more...] about Podcasts offer education, entertainment for the whole family
10 free online resources for yoga classes to do at home
When you can’t make it to an in-person yoga class, these 10 virtual locations offer hundreds of options for streaming yoga, whether you’re an experienced practitioner, or just getting started. While some are perennially free, others offer free streaming for a week or two. … [Read more...] about 10 free online resources for yoga classes to do at home
Fun things adults can do while social distancing
You may have transitioned to working from home, or you have chosen to voluntary distance yourself. Smart move. Social distancing is a proven method to slow, or flatten, the curve. Boredom can be a problem, or you may worry that your work will take over your home routine. Globally, officials … [Read more...] about Fun things adults can do while social distancing
First Day Hikes in 50 states
Many American firsts occurred in Massachusetts: the first Thanksgiving (1621, Plymouth Colony), the first public school (1635, Boston Latin), the first university (1636, Harvard, in Cambridge) and on and on through the centuries. Among the state's the most recent firsts were … [Read more...] about First Day Hikes in 50 states
8 ways to get a cheap gym membership
The ever-increasing price of gym memberships may have you running for the hills, but if outdoor recreation doesn't give you everything you need in a fitness program then try these eight tips to get a great deal on a membership at a gym in your area. Try before you buy. With any … [Read more...] about 8 ways to get a cheap gym membership
7 ways to watch college football without cable
College football season is one of the most exciting in all of American sports. With top teams going head-to-head on the gridiron, we have an exciting season ahead! Whether you want to see the current top ranked team claim the national championship or are cheering for an underdog, follow this updated … [Read more...] about 7 ways to watch college football without cable
Free or low-cost things to do in national parks
National parks – “America’s Best Idea” – offer a wealth of free entertainment options. Spending vacation time in a U.S. national park is a rewarding and memorable family experience, and accommodations within parks are less expensive than you might think, especially in spring and fall. Admission is … [Read more...] about Free or low-cost things to do in national parks
Bike sharing for health & economy
Bicycles are ideal for trips that are too far to walk but too short to drive. They are are an environmentally friendly, economical and healthy way to get around town -- either your own town or a place you are visiting. Bike sharing is a way to reap the benefits without buying or maintaining a bike, … [Read more...] about Bike sharing for health & economy
Inexpensive ways to get fit
Looking to get a jump start on a fitness routine but don't want to spend a ton on equipment you don't know how to use or a gym memberships you don't have time to use? Check out these seven inexpensive ways to get fit in the new year. Jump rope This old school yard toy is a simple and … [Read more...] about Inexpensive ways to get fit