Fitness on the cheap!

I'm ALL about putting things we want out into the Universe- recognizing and respecting, of course, that we might not always want what we ask for AND that when these things that we ask for actually happen, they happen for a reason and not necessarily in the order we're asking for them.

A great example of this is starting by having a title that I wish for myself. I do all sorts of hodge-podge things at work BUT what I really want is to be a teacher, a fitness and life-style expert, if you will. I want to be a coach and teacher. It's important that I start calling myself that- and get the proper certifications to back that stuff up.

In my opinion it's also going to be important that I'm a wealth of information- so what better way to get things moving than sharing this on my blerrrrg?

Since I'm working with yoga these days (and what better way to promote my other project, YogaVlog than mention it here?) let's talk about how we can all enjoy yoga on the CHEAP!

1. You're gonna need a mat. If you hopped on the yoga/pilates train just like everyone else did in college/before or after childbirth, then I'm sure you already have one. But, if you're someone who didn't, check out your local Five Below. 

Don't have a Five Below nearby? Old Navy sometimes has mats for under $10 as well. If you have cats with claws (like I do) getting the expensive ones which will inevitably be ruined when it's used as a scratching post will only piss you off. 

2. You're gonna need a teacher! HEY! Guess what!?! I got you covered! Please don't forget my YogaVlog!! Ok, ok, I know what you're saying..."Sarah, although I LOVE, and I mean LA-LA-LA-LOVE the free classes, I can't possibly get the very best yoga workout possible by following your blog by itself." 

This is true. Here are your cheap options: The Veria cable channel has a fantastic yoga flow hosted by Kurt Johnson- I've used this for the past two years and alllll the way through my pregnancy (including the day before I had the little bugger.)

There's also On Demand classes but these aren't my favorite since they often either start in the middle or are more cardio based- I prefer slower-flow with an isometric base. 

You can also sign up for About.com's pose of the day/week and Yoga Journal offers really great pose breakdowns as well. I hear there's an app for this too but...little screens who's backlights fade quickly don't do me any good.

Last thing about classes- sign up for real, live classes to supplement all of this. Once or twice a month isn't going to break the bank. Suggestion: ask around to make sure you want what they're teaching. There's nothing worse than getting in a class that you don't like...and you've already paid. 

3. Have sweaty hands? You're gonna need some sort of towel so you don't slip off your mat in down dog (yep...I have experience with this one.) I REALLY like car shammies. I was in Walgreens a few months back and came across these bad boys. The microfiber is EXTRA absorbent and offers a little more meat for slippy hands and feet.

4. You're gonna need some yoga duds. I'm a firm believer of working out in what I'm already wearing- there's NO need to do any more laundry than the good Lord intended us to do. Like most women- I used and abused my yoga pants from Old Navy like it was my birthday. Nine months later, what do I have? FADED pants, shirts and whatever else I was wearing. UNSOLICITED ADVICE: buy nicer clothes. They last longer. They don't fade. Sure, you're going to pay $85 for pants- but nine months later you aren't going to thrown them out. 

Check out the Mercedes of yoga gear Lululemon, Althea (Gap's brand) and I just bought some sweet gear from YogaFit (trying to model after Lululemon- everything is organic and made in the US these days!)

Who am I to suggest that you deviate from your mesh shorts from when you had Mr. Stewart in 7th period but as I mentioned earlier- I don't like to have to change my clothes too much- MANY of these joints have gear that can double for what's acceptable office wear. 

These are my top tips for today- what tips/suggestions can you send our way to get fit/stay active on the cheap?