Get ready for summer beach parties, pool parties, and Jimmy Buffett concerts with these great deals from Amazon:

• Nick Jr. Spongebob Squarepants Inflatable Arm Floats $4.25
• Inflatable Palm Tree In Pool Cooler $19.99 (pictured)
• Swimways Light-up Beach Ball $7.30
• Stearns Infant Life Jacket - As low as $28.90
• Kent Mini 8 Folding Bike $92.60
• Tovolo Perfect Cube Ice Tray, Set of 2, Dark Blue $11.15
• Max Liquidator Eliminator (ONE)(colors may vary) $6.99
• Molten Premium Competition Volleyball $49.95

Ships free with Amazon Prime or Super Saver Shipping. Find out how to get a FREE one month trial to Amazon Prime.

I recently fell into the world of fitness blogs, and let me say- motivating!  As I mentioned in the Striiv Giveaway post, lately I haven’t been so proud of my fitness figure (or lack thereof).  After getting completely down on myself, I’ve been kicking into overdrive (post-spring break vacation) on my running and lifting routines.  I’m already feeling so much better!  Now if I can only keep my motivation.

This week I reached out for some inspiration.  So far I’m hooked on SkinnyRunner.com which I found through FitFluential.com.  Witty, sarcastic, and right up my alley- SkinnyRunner has kept me thoroughly entertained between her celebricizing, quirky healthy eating remarks, skirts, and shoes- oh plus I can’t wait to run again.

She’s racing in ‘Man-Up Week‘ which sounds absolutely grueling but quite admirable. Three marathons in three different states plus a 30-40 mile relay in just 8 days?  Is that even healthy?  It sure makes my 2-4 miles per day seem SO WEAK.  The schedule includes:

• Gansett
• Boston
• San Luis Obispo
• Ragnar SoCal Ultra Relay

SkinnyRunner.com is even hosting a Big Athletic Giveaway!  You can enter to win on her blog post.

Share the motivation!  Leave me a link to your favorite health & fitness blog!

Reminder:  The 7EpicDays Giveaway ends next Friday, April 20, 2012.  Enter for your chance to win two tickets to ‘Batting With The Pro’s’ Day at Cheney Stadium, Home of the Tacoma Rainers (ARV $300).

Hey fitness readers!    Just a heads up:  we’ll be hosting a Giveaway for a Striiv: Personal Trainer in Your Pocket beginning on Monday, April 9, 2012 at 10:00AM!  The first 20 readers to sign up can ‘Try & Buy’- Free Trial Offer ($99 Value).  Plus one lucky giveaway winner will get to keep their Striiv FREE!  Check back next Monday for full details.

My Zumba Experience:

So I’ve heard all about this Zumba craze!  We’ve seen the classes at our gym but I’d never actually tried them.  I’ve tried Step Aerobics, Turbo Kick, On The Ball, Weight Training classes and more.  Nothing could have prepared me for this!  My mom, little sister, and I decided we’d try a class one Monday night.  Of course we were singled out because:

1. I was late (oops)
2. We have obviously never zumba’d
3. My sister is seven and loves to dance

Ever wish you could get a good workout and shoot some hoops?  Why not!  I’ve put together a simple basketball workout you can try on your own or with a friend.  All you’ll need are some tennis shoes, loose-fitting clothes, a basketball, hoop, and a good attitude!   Skill level: Medium (Some Basketball Knowledge Required)

Ball Handling Drills- Turn these into squats and arm exercises.  Focus on your posture, speed, and repetitions.  To make these more difficult, use a weighted ball.   (Do not dribble a weighted ball)

• Leg Wraps: Right, Left, Both Pass 50-100 each then Dribble  30-50 each
• Around the World:  Wrap around your head, waist, legs, repeat (10-20 times)
• High’s and Low’s:  Dribble High, Dribble Low (until fatigue)

Searching for ways to improve  your health and fitness without breaking the bank?  Of course!  Although these may not be brand new ideas, sometimes they can be helpful reminders for both your fitness routine and your wallet.  I’ve come up with some ideas on how we can save money AND contribute to our fitness goals.

-Skip the Candy & Cokes

You may think you’re saving on the daily $0.85 soda plus using your Buy 10, Get 1 Free Rewards Card- but what’s this habit costing your health?  Plus add the impulse candy, gum, chips, or other snacks and even if you have coupons- are you really saving?  Your kids may not like it at first, but try avoiding bringing home extra cookies, ice cream, chips, or other snacks.  When eating out, order water instead of coke (it’s FREE)!  Easier said than done, but you can avoid many empty calories and empty purchases by cutting back on these two things.

-Improvise with your Fitness Equipment

Milk jugs filled with water can make for great light-weight weight training equipment.  You can also use canned goods, your baby sister, or even watermelons as tools for cheap improvised fitness equipment.  If you’re on the handy side, or have a friend who is, you may even be able to create your own fitness equipment.  Ever tried this?

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Today I took my first official Functional Movement Screening.  Have you tried one?  These screenings can help prevent injuries during your workout and also improve your wellness during daily activities.  Simple movements we often take for-granted like posture and balance play key roles in determining our overall health and the success or failure of our fitness programs.  This specific screening analyzes different movements through controlled exercises.  With this screening you’ll find strengths and weaknesses of your joints and movement patterns.  If a movement needs corrected, you can then follow up with corrective exercises to strengthen that area or correct your posture.  It could make a world of difference in your daily routines and during workout sessions!

Now you can find a Functional Movement Expert in Your Area.

GET FIT DEALS:

• Lose Weight WITHOUT Dieting (Animal Kingdom Workouts)
• Lifestyle Products Fitness Esentials Bellydance Workout DVD $5.60
• Lifestyle Products Fitness Esentials Lets Salsa Dance Workout DVD $14.99

Here’s a great Walmart deal for you: Your Shape (Nintendo Wii) game featuring Jenny McCarthy is currently on sale for just $7.96!  Free Site-to-Store shipping is available.

Thanks, Coupon Geek! 

Walmart doesn’t double coupons but they will price match the exact same item. Just take your ad with you and let them know at checkout the competitor’s ad price. (Some Walmart’s showcase competitor ads at the front of the store and already have it programmed into their system.)

Prices could vary by region. I also highly suggesting printing out the Walmart coupon policy and keeping it handy.

Find more Walmart deals here.