The 5k did cost $20 but the proceeds went to our towns family-oriented New Year’s Eve activities, we received a ticket for the activities (which we didn’t use), and a t-shirt.

The hubby and I will be doing another 5k in March for St. Patty’s Day. If you are looking for a cheap exercise option, you should look into signing up for a 5k.

Walking is one of the best exercises you can do and just about everyone is capable of doing it, no matter how unhealthy you are. Of course, before starting any exercise program you should consult your doctor first.

Walking is frugal too. You can do it anywhere and its free. Walking doesn’t cost you a thing. You can walk around your house, walk on a treadmill, walk around the neighborhood, or walk to the end of your driveway and back up. If you do not feel your neighborhood is safe enough to walk in then head to your nearest, well-lit and public, track or to your local mall. Malls are a great place to walk as you are out of the elements but only if you walk! No shopping!

If you are just beginning, take it easy and work up to longer periods of walking and faster times. Make sure that you wear comfortable shoes and clothes and bring water to drink. Most of all, have fun!

The best thing about that treadmill? You don’t need it! You can get fit without it! As I start the New Year I am seeing all of the resolutions that everyone is making, and they are spending hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on their goals without even knowing if they will stick to them or not! While my goal this year is to get healthier, it is not a new goal for me, but a continuation of a goal made a few year’s ago. I realize that most will not stick to their resolutions yet they are putting out so much money!

You can get fit for less. You don’t need fancy gym memberships or equipment. I am going to do several posts showing you how you can frugally exercise. Find out if you are even going to stick to it before you hand out your hard-earned cash!

Time seems to be an issue for most people so I will try to offer work outs or exercises that don’t take up a great deal of time.

The exercises below are great because you can do them almost anywhere, at anytime! Remember that you don’t have to exercise for thirty minutes at a time, instead break it into three ten minute work outs, or less if that works better for you!

The Bridge Butt Lift – This is a great way to tone your bottom.  Lay down with feet flat on the floor, legs shoulder width apart.  Place your hands, palm side down, on either side of your body.  Pushing with your feet, squeeze your gluteal muscles and lift your butt off the floor.  Hold the position for a count of five to ten and release down to the floor.

Squats – Squats work the butt, the hamstring muscles and the quadriceps.  If you aren’t sure of proper form, you can use a chair.  Stand with feet shoulder width apart and feet firmly planted.  Push your butt back as if you were preparing to sit in a chair.  Keep your abs tight and your upper body straight.  Once you reach chair level stop and hold the position for a count of two to five and release.  At the lowest point, place all of your weight on your heels for balance and maximum toning.

Reverse Lunges – Lunges work the quadriceps muscles.  They can be hard for people with knee problems.  A reverse lunge still tones the right muscle groups but with less pressure on the knee.  Stand with feet together and arms at your sides.  Take one leg and move it backwards until you are in lunge position: front leg bent at a 90 degree angle and back leg extended until you are on the ball of your foot.  From this position lower yourself down until the back knee almost touches the floor.  Hold for a count of two and return to starting position.

Push-ups – This is a classic toning exercise that works all areas of the arms plus the chest muscles.  If you aren’t comfortable or strong enough to perform a pushup on your toes, lower your body to your knees.  Be sure your arms are tucked into the body and your back straight as you lower and lift your body. I also like to do push-ups against the bathroom sink before I get in the shower!

Crunches – Abdominal muscles can be worked every day to build strength and muscle tone.  Lying on the floor in sit up position, lace your fingers behind your head.  Squeezing your abdominal muscles, lift your upper body until your lower back is about to come off the floor.  Hold for two to five counts and return to starting position.
These five exercise moves can be done whenever you have time.  The best thing about exercise is that its effects are cumulative.  Even five or ten minutes at a time will work to your advantage.

While you can purchase more organic or natural beauty products many of these products come with price tags that don’t often fit into a narrow budget.

Instead of purchasing natural beauty products make your own natural recipes for beauty. It’s easy to do and it will cost you next to nothing!

Natural Beauty Recipe for Your Face

Mash a carrot and an avocado and mix with a beaten egg and two tablespoons of honey. Mix it all together and lather on your face for a skin nourishing face mask. Let sit for 15 minutes and wash off with cool water. Refreshing and almost good enough to eat!

For a toner, apply grated cucumber or diluted lemon juice after the face mask.

Natural Beauty Recipes for Your Hair

Mix egg yolk with one tablespoon castor oil and apply to your hair. Leave in for ten minutes then rinse out to condition your hair.

Natural Beauty Recipes for Your Hands and Feet

Massage a half cup olive oil mixed with sea salt into your hands and feet. Leave on for a few minutes then rinse off.

The biggest tip for healthy skin and hair doesn’t even involve a recipe! Just take care of your body, get your vitamins and minerals, drink water, and stay away from all those foods you know you don’t really need!

There are so many natural beauty recipes that these are just the tip of the iceberg! What do you use?