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Community Corner

Frugal Family: Fit and Frugal in 2012

There's no better time to get a jump start on fitness and save a few bucks.

Maybe you indulged on one too many cookies or you just want to kickoff 2012 with healthy habits. Either way, as 2011 closes and 2012 begins, local gyms and health centers have great deals that will slim down your waist line while keeping your wallet nice and fat.

If joining a gym is not your thing, keep a look out for the winter schedule, due out in the coming weeks. The township offers oodles of offerings at a fraction of the price of a private gym. 

1. Give fitness a (free) try at 

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  • Deal: If you are not ready to commit or your budget won't allow you to sign a contract, try out Anytime Fitness for a free 14-day trial. Just log in and sign up here using your favorite social networking site (Facebook, Twitter, etc). Don't do the social thing? You can still sign up for a seven-day trial.
  • Good Through: Ongoing

2. Free New Year's Day Class at

  • Deal: Shake off holiday excess with a "Truly Free Fitness" class on January 1 from 2 to 3p.m at Slim Chicks Fitness. The class will feature toning and Zumba fitness, and is part of an ongoing series of free hour-long classes on the first Sunday of each month. Plus, sign up for unlimited boot camp classes and gym membership for just $99 for the month of January
  • Good Through: First Sundays of the month for Truly Free Fitness classes; $99 special runs in January only

3. Find Inner peace at

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  • Deal: Take three yoga classes for just $30, for new clients—the perfect cure for a stressful holiday season. Beginner classes start in January and if you are a seasoned yogi, there are more advanced classes on the schedule. 
  • Good Through: Ongoing

4. Swing through at

  • Deal: Open year round and seven days a week, Valleybrook Country Club is a great public course. Winter rates start at just $20 for weekday tee times after midday. Senior citizens, police, firefighters and military members can always take $5 off posted rates. Fitness bonus: Take $5 off all winter rates if you skip the cart and walk the course.
  • Good Through: Winter rates are ongoing, but once it warms up, prices go up. 

5. Free (yes, free!) at

Deal: OK, so this one is not really a deal, but it is frugal and fabulous. Grab your cold-weather gear and some warm shoes and take a nature hike through Timber Creek Park. The park offers extensive trails through the woods, a 9-acre dog park (so bring your favorite furry friend) and a half-mile paved walking trail (perfect for the stroller set). In the winter be on the lookout for mallard ducks, woodpeckers and cardinals. If there is snow, keep an eye out for wild turkey and small mammal tracks. 

Good Through: Forever. Park opens at sunrise and closes at dusk. 

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