Diet & Fitness Blog

By Vanessa Rush
Editor-in Chief, Glee Magazine

If you haven't heard, President Bush recently signed off on the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008, which will put up to $600 per individual in your pocket. Families with children will get more -- $1,200 per married couple and $300 per child. I'm looking forward to the $1,500 windfall; I can't think of a time when my 3-year-old has actually made me money. (Who knew her dance recital costume and fees would top $130?!?)

The government's hope is that we'll put our windfall back into the economy, so what better time to invest in your health? A few extra bucks can jumpstart a flagging fitness program, keep your diet on track by allowing you to indulge in healthier food -- not that healthy food should ever be considered an indulgence! Or you might want to stop putting off that expensive doctor visit for a physical.

So I've brainstormed my top 10 favorite ideas for healthy, $600 investments. What are you doing with your money? Leave your comments and let me know if your cash will go toward bettering your bottom -- or just your bottom line!

What you can do w/ $600:

1. Join a gym. With 600 bucks, you'll have plenty to cover any membership fee, plus monthly dues for about a year if you pay an average $30 per month. Shop around for the best deals -- the YMCA is just as good as the fancy gym with all the swanky perks. Don't pay for more than you need.

2. Hire a personal trainer. eDiets' fitness pro Raphael Calzadilla says to expect to pay around $50-60 per hour for an ACE-certified trainer. Your rebate check can get you up to 12 hours of training at that rate.

3. Fill your freezer with healthful vegetables, frozen fruit, lean meats, breads -- whatever you like and whatever will keep you eating healthfully for months. Have good-for-you foods ready to defrost so that you don't have to get takeout or hit the drive-thru. Stock some healthy indulgences that you might not eat all the time, like pricey tuna steaks, edamame and even sorbet or frozen yogurt!

4. Set up a home gym. You can buy all you need to get fit for about $100. Invest in fitness balls, fitness bands, mats, a jump rope, dumbbells and lots of fun DVDs. Add a nice elliptical trainer or bike with the extra couple hundred, and you're all set. If you want to take it outside, then you might like to have a pedometer to measure steps and an iPod to keep you entertained.

5. Buy a new fitness wardrobe. Trade in that stretched-out sports bra and holey sweats for sleeker, sexier workout wear, and you might see your motivation spike. A great pair of athletic shoes is a must, and they can run $100 and more. Seriously, those Reebok high-tops were cool in 1986; now they're just tragic. Invest in your appearance, and your physique will benefit!

6. Take a class. Now's the time to check out those classes you've seen advertised but weren't motivated to join. Try out a funky dance class, a striptease class, belly dancing or whatever looks interesting. You'll meet other fitness-minded folks and get fit in the process!

7. Get a full physical. Whether you're insured or not, getting a full physical can be a very expensive necessity. Add all the bloodwork and tests that ensure your cholesterol, blood sugars, etc. are at the right levels, and you've run up quite a tab. It's well worth it, though.

8. And while we're talking about your health -- If you have a smoking habit, then use your extra cash to quit for good. With the help of new drugs like Chantix and even older ones like Wellbutrin, you'll have a great start. These drugs aren't cheap, though, and insurance may or may not cover them. However, the cost of breaking the habit is far less than the cost of treating smoking-related illnesses like emphysema, cancer and heart disease. Plus, cigarettes are expensive -- if you smoke a pack a day, then expect to save more than $1,100 per year after you quit!

9. Alternative forms of transportation -- Invest in a great bike and ride it everywhere you can. You'll reap fitness benefits, help the environment and spend less money on gas!

10. Have fresh, local produce delivered. Save yourself trips to the supermarket's costly, substandard, out-of-season produce section. Invest in a weekly delivery service or co-op, with which you can receive organic, fresh, local fruit and vegetables. Six hundred smackeroos should cover about 6-8 months of delivery, depending on your area and variety that you choose. It's a great way to enjoy tasty, fresh produce while supporting local farmers.

Of course, you don't have to spend the entire check on any of these ideas. Save a bit for the new wardrobe you'll need when you lose that extra weight!

Got any great ideas on how you'll spend the cash? Tell us!

Labels: health, money, news