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Queen of Free

Save Money & Slay Debt

You are here: Home / Buff on a Budget / Buff on a Budget: In the Beginning

Buff on a Budget: In the Beginning

Tips like these helped us pay off $127K in debt. You can read our story in Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After.

January 5, 2010 By Cherie Lowe

Close Up Of Dumbbells And Skipping RopeEvery story has a beginning.  Every tale has a “Once upon a time.”  Every epic starts somewhere.  And this my friends, is the beginning of my story of getting my groove back, physical fitness style.  So gather around, Lords and Ladies.  Have a seat and let me get things underway.

In the summer of 2007, I found myself in probably the best shape of my life.  I was eating well, working out a lot – at the gym, at home, and outdoors, and very happy with my fitness level.  I rode my bike 160 miles in one day, across the entire state of Indiana and wasn’t even sore the next day.  Life was good in that category of my being.  And let’s just say a couple of weeks after doing the RAIN ride, I was surprised by joy as we discovered there would be a 2nd princess.  🙂 The Youngest Princess is STRONG and I attribute it to the fact that I was in kick butt shape when she was conceived.  At first, I worked out on the same level during my pregnancy.  But then . . . here it comes, right?  I had some minor complications but mostly I just slacked off. completely.  Sadly.  Nothing.  Wah.  And then the baby came.  And she never slept.  Wah. Wah.  We went through a battle of ear infections during her first year and she was a wear you out kind of baby.  Wah Wah. Wah.  She still kind of is a wear you out kind of almost two year old.  She still gets up in the middle of the night sometimes (we’re in a good groove right now so I’m hoping I’m not jinxing myself) and never sleeps after 6 AM.  And friends, I have been and am tired.

So fitness on a regular basis was one of the first things I tossed.  I would go through phases of getting in better shape.  But then my gym closed (it was 2 minutes from my house with childcare and spinning classes *sigh*), I had a crazy back injury out of no where that laid me up for the month of September, and then the holidays hit.  People I threw in the towel and now I want it back!  Of course I still have bronchitis but I’m taking baby steps toward good health.  I have big plans for this year (remember that bike ride across the state of Indiana?  I’m going to do it again in July) and no budget for a personal trainer or even a gym membership.

Hence, I had the idea of sharing my experience with you of getting buff (or as close as I can get to it) on a budget!  What can I do without dropping a ton of coin to get back in the best physical shape of my life?  Today, Facebook fans of the Queen of Free have been sharing their favorite tips.  I’d love for you to share ideas with me via e-mail and comments, too.  And beginning next Tuesday, you can count on money saving fitness tips and my personal updates.

What about you?  Want to get Buff on a Budget with me?  My first challenge for you is to find a goal.  It can’t be a temporary goal like “I want to lose x# of lbs.” or “I want to rock a little black dress at my HS reunion.”  Although you may do both.  You need to pick an event – your first 5K, a triathlon, a mini-marathon, etc. that is at least six months away.  Put the date on you calendar now.  Register.  DO it.  You can do it.  Let’s get Buff on a Budget together Lords and Ladies!

Be a Money Saving Lord or Lady! Join us daily for savings, tips, and fun @ The Queen of Free.
www.queenoffree.net

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailBuff on a Budget: Be Careful of the Company You Keep or Why Can’t We Be Friends? Default ThumbnailBuff on a Budget: The Best 30 Minutes to Spend NOT Exercising Default ThumbnailBuff on a Budget: Resistance is NOT Futile Default ThumbnailBuff on a Budget: Upping My Game
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My book is now available: Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found an Inspired Happily Ever After. You can also check out The Debt Free Devotional: 30 Days of Encouragement From the Bible For Those Paying Off Debt on Kindle.

This post contains an affiliate link. That means when you get a great deal or maybe even something for free, you also help our family pay off our mortgage early. And for that, we royally thank you!
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Comments

  1. ryanandange says

    January 5, 2010 at 2:26 PM

    I am with you, sis. I have a goal. 15 pounds by April 15. Lets do it!

  2. "The Queen of Free" says

    January 5, 2010 at 2:46 PM

    You silly lady, you didn’t read. You need a non-poundage goal. It’s ok to lose the pounds but not focus on them. 🙂 Find a 5K to walk or run to train for instead.

  3. ryanandange says

    January 5, 2010 at 6:32 PM

    My ankle won’t allow. I have eliptical in my future. I put poundage but it’s more about BMI, muscle mass, appropriate water percentage, etc.

  4. "The Queen of Free" says

    January 5, 2010 at 6:47 PM

    There ya go! That works. 🙂

  5. "The Queen of Free" says

    January 14, 2010 at 3:21 PM

    There ya go! That works. 🙂

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Testimonials

  • Ruth SoukupRuth SoukupLiving Well Spending Less

    "When it comes to saving money and paying off debt, Cherie not only talks the talk, but truly walks the walk! Sharing easy-to-implement ideas along with a dose of tough love, Cherie leads with the perfect combination of empathy and authority. If you are struggling to pay off debt, you won't find a better cheerleader."

  • Margaret FeinbergMargaret FeinbergAuthor of Fight Back With Joy

    "Cherie Lowe is a gifted writer, researcher, and thinker who lives what she teaches. Her inspirational story reminds all of us that we don’t have to fall prey the debt dragon. Living debt free is possible if you follow Lowe’s sound and practical wisdom."

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