Take a look at your monthly electric bill.  Too high for comfort?  Try to figure out where your electricity use is centered.  Do you crank up the heat in the winter time?  Do you pump up the air conditioning in the summer time?  Do you watch tons of television?  Do you wash twenty loads of laundry a week?

Thankfully, you probably won’t have to make any hugely painful adjustments to your lifestyle in order to save significantly on your electric bill.  The adjustments you will make are small, and are virtually common sense, but will save you big money:

1.  Like your mom told you, turn out the lights when you leave a room.  Also, unplug an appliance when you’re not using it.

2.  Change your traditional light bulbs for energy-efficient bulbs.

3.  Change your outside lights to automatic or motion-sensor lights.

4.  Air- or line-dry your clothes instead of drying them in the clothes dryer.

5.  Turn off your heat or air conditioning if you can, and use fans or space heaters.

6.  Use appliances during weird hours.  Ask your electricity what their off-peak charges are—you will save quite a bit of money by washing your dishes late at night, for example.

If you do your electricity-centered tasks after hours, the government will reward you, too.  Ask your local and state representatives what plans they have regarding off-peak electricity use.

You could also get a reimbursement if you choose energy-efficient appliances, or (depending on your location) you could look into alternative energy providers. Switching my electricity company personally saved me a bunch of money. Look into the options available to people in your area.  You could save money, and then make money, simply by making a few smart changes.

Click the image to read the Harvard study

There are strong opinions on both sides of current barefoot running trend that are worth exploring before you make your decision about this approach to better health. Supporters say running barefoot is healthier for feet and reduces risk of chronic injuries. According to a Harvard study, running barefoot forces you to adjust your stride in ways that will put less stress on your body. Barefoot runners put more impact on their feet and lower legs, which can efficiently absorb the shock from running.

Some also claim that running barefoot can improve ones immune system, but this has not been proven. Another claim that is yet to be proven is that running barefoot improves the foot strength. Although it would be wonderful if this were true, there is not yet any solid evidence to support it.

If you are not ready to completely take the leap and run barefoot, there are now several options available for minimal running footwear. Vibram FiveFingers released the first minimal running footwear and many athletic companies such as Nike and Saucony have followed suit.

If you are interested in running barefoot or with minimal footwear be sure to start off slow and pay attention to your body to make sure you are not experiencing any pain. You may want to consider speaking with someone at a running specialty store or a trainer at your local gym to learn more. Also, take a look at YouTube for videos related to the subject as many folks have documented their transition to this style of running.

The biggest lesson for me was not pushing it too much my first time out. As a long time athlete and someone who is in shape for a living I too pushed it too hard and over extended myself without really realizing it at the time. However, that evening I sure did! The small muscle fibers in my legs and ankles were on fire as though I had never used them before. So even if you are a regular runner, I recommend you start off extremely slow and run about a 1/10th of your normal run barefoot for the first week of training. Each week add another 1/10th of your route, I have also had a few clients report that running in grass to start is much easier too.

Good luck!

Reason #1: Not Enough Time

Many people struggle to balance schedules that even superheroes would find difficult. Luckily there are several ways you can fit workouts into your daily life while juggling your hectic schedule.

• Take the stairs: In many cases, taking the stairs will take the same amount of time (if not less) than taking the elevator. Take the stairs whenever you have the option at your office, when staying at hotels or anywhere else you can.
• Walk more: Instead of spending time searching the parking lot for the perfect parking space get out and walk instead. Whenever you are feeling tired at your desk at work consider going for a brisk 10 minute walk through the building or outside to wake yourself up instead of grabbing for more coffee.
• Rise and shine: If you have problems fitting in a workout at the end of the day, consider waking up 30 minutes earlier than usual several times per week to work out in the mornings.
• Socialize: Instead of meeting with a friend to grab coffee to catch up, consider asking your friends to go on walks with you or to go with you to a yoga class.

#2: Boredom

Boredom is a common exercise for people to not exercise, but exercise does not have to be boring. There are many things you can do to make exercise more entertaining and fun.

• Double duty: Many people find that time on the elliptical or stationary bike goes by much faster when they have a good book to read or something interesting to watch on television.
• Choose something you enjoy: There are innumerable activities and exercises you can do to stay in shape. If you hate doing a particular activity or exercise then look for something else you might enjoy more. If you are a member at a local gym ask employees there for recommendations for ideas of what you could do to get in shape. You should also be open to trying out new fitness classes or different sports.
• Vary your routine: If you do the same activity or exercise each time you exercise you are likely to burn out quickly. Vary your routine with different types of sports, fitness classes or activities.

#3 Too Tired

Being tired during the day is one of the most common reasons people avoid exercise although being tired should be one of the most important reasons why you should exercise. One of the best benefits of regular exercise is that it will give you more energy. Whenever you feel too tired to workout, remember that you will likely feel more energetic after you work out than you did before. If that is not enough motivation, here are some other ways you can make sure that being tired does not deter you from working out.

• Workout in the morning: Instead of working out after a hectic day, consider waking up early to work out in the morning.
• Power Lunch: Keep a gym bag and workout shoes at your desk or in your car so you can workout during lunch. Look for a gym that is close to your office or just bring walking shoes so you can exercise outside. You would be surprised how much you can get done during your lunch break if you set your mind to it.
• Plan Ahead: Have workout clothes and water bottles ready for whenever you want to workout. Decide on a couple different options for what you could do to workout.

#4 Self Conscious

Some people feel self conscious while working out around others. If this is your problem, there are several ways to address it.

• Workout during off hours: Considering going to the gym early in the morning or later in the evening when it will be less busy.
• Videos: Consider investing in several workout videos you can do from home so you can avoid the gym.
• Equipment: At home gym equipment has become much less expensive then it used to be. You may want to considering purchasing a set of weights, a stationary bike or other types of exercise equipment.

#5 Can’t Afford Gym Memberships

Gym memberships are helpful for some people, but if gym fees are not in your budget you have an endless amount of other options.

• Workout at home: Purchase workout videos or look into buying exercise equipment like a stationary bike so you can workout at home.
• Use the internet: The internet is a great resource to find ideas for exercises you can do without going to a gym.
• Go to the park: Local parks are great places to go for walks, run or even play Frisbee.
• Community center: Some community centers offer group exercise classes at a local recreation center. Check in with your community center on a regular basis to find out about upcoming events.

Muscle Building

Incorporate muscle building exercises into your workout at least twice a week to improve bone strength and maintain muscle mass. During a weight-loss program it is particularly important to do muscle building exercises on a regular basis to avoid losing muscle mass. Resistance machines and free weights are great tools to work on muscle building. If you do not work out at a gym then filled bottles of water will work in place of weights. Other exercise you can do to improve muscle building without going to the gym include push-ups, leg squats and crunches.

Flexibility

Some types of exercises or sports like yoga and ballet involve much more flexibility than others. Stretching will help improve your range of motion and is good for your posture. Stretching on a regular basis has also been shown to help reduce stress. Do a low intensity activity like walking for five to 10 minutes before you begin to stretch or stretch after you exercise while your muscles are still warm. A good goal is to try to incorporate stretching and flexibility exercises into your fitness routine three times per week.

Aerobics

Aerobic exercise is necessary for any fitness routine because it helps improve your heart health and lose weight. Aerobic exercise is usually the central element in any fitness routine. Try to do two and a half hours of moderate aerobic activity each week like jogging, biking, dancing or water aerobics. It is preferable to spread out your aerobic exercise throughout the week.

Core Exercises

Core muscles are those in your lower back, abdomen and pelvis. These muscles protect your back and help control movement in your upper and lower body. Any type of exercise that forces you to use your core without support from the rest of your body will help you strengthen this area of your body. Common core exercises include crunches and planks.

Balance Training

It is important for everyone to include balance exercise in their exercise routines, but this is particularly relevant to older adults. Balance typically deteriorates with age which makes older adults more susceptible to failing which can cause fractures and bruising. To help improve your balance, try to balance your weight while standing on one leg for an extended period of time.

Lose weight
Of course exercise helps us lose weight and maintain weight loss. Working out burns calories and the harder you workout the more calories you should burn. Setting aside 30 minutes to an hour multiple times per week for aerobic workouts is the best way to lose weight through exercise. Even if you do not have the time to set aside to exercise for 30 minutes to an hour there are still things you can do to lose weight. For example, you should make it a habit to take the stairs instead of the elevator, park your car further away from the entrance. You can even purchase weights that will strap onto your legs or arms that you can use whenever you are doing chores around the house.

Combat Diseases and Health Conditions
Exercise is a wonderful prevention tool for chronic conditions like heart disease. Aerobic activity boosts the body’s high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol. If your body has a high concentration of “good” cholesterol your body will be more equipped to handle unhealthy triglycerides. Regular exercise can also help prevent arthritis, certain types of cancer, stroke, type two diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Relieve Stress and Improve Mood
Working out stimulates chemicals in the brain that may make you feel more relaxed and happier. Exercise is a great way to relive stress or refocus your mind after a hectic day. Exercise has even been shown to help combat depression in some cases.

Increase Energy
Regular exercise will help increase your muscle strength and endurance. Once your body is stronger it will take less energy for you to do things like carry groceries and finish household chores. Your heart and lungs will work more efficiently when your body is stronger from regular exercise physical activity delivers nutrients and oxygen to your tissues.