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No More Excuses - How I Got In Shape With This Fitness App

If there's one thing missing from my weekly routine, it's a more consistent workout schedule. Exercise is super important to me—both for my mental and physical health—but most days there simply isn't enough time to get a workout in after a hectic 9-hour work day, errands, cooking, and more. Like most people who want to get into shape, I had a million excuses to skip working out.

I was on the hunt for a good at-home workout when a friend recommended the fitness app Aaptiv. The app offers over 3,000 workouts and training sessions based on your fitness goals, each guided by a professional trainer. The workouts are broken down into specifics, so it's easy to browse the app by the style and approach of the trainer, music preferences, length of workout, and more. Aaptiv offers everything from outdoor guided runs to stair climbers and rowing sessions, but since I was interested in working out from the comfort of my home, my go-to classes are strength training, meditation, yoga, and pilates. Best of all, Aaptiv takes all of my excuses to skip working out and throws them out the window. Here are my four most common excuses to skip the gym, and how Aaptiv helps me conquer them.

1. “I don't have time to work out."

I'm the queen of pressing snooze one too many times to get to the gym before work. Luckily, Aaptiv has a ton of workouts I can do from home, many as short as 10 minutes long, so there's no reason not to squeeze in a little core blast or lunging session every day.

2. “I don't like working out with other people around."

If you're like me, you get gym anxiety—that feeling of being self-conscious and nervous around others in the gym, assuming they know exactly what they're doing and you're not so sure. Aaptiv's personal trainers talk you through exactly what to do, giving you the guidance you need to try free weights for the first time or discover the resistance setting on the stationary bike and totally feel like you belong. I use it at the gym to help me conquer my insecurity about being a fitness newbie.

3. “There's too much pressure to look good at the gym."

Wearing cute athleisure has become just as popular as actually working out, which really puts the pressure on gym goers. One of my favorite parts of Aaptiv is that I can workout while still in my pajamas or in a ratty t-shirt with holes on days I haven't done laundry.

4. “I never know what to do besides the treadmill or elliptical."

Finding new ways to spice up a fitness routine can be tough. Aaptiv offers personal guidance for trying out all kinds of new equipment, plus lets you dip your toes in cool kinds of classes like pilates, yoga, high-intensity intervals, meditation, and more.

Special offer for our readers: Aaptiv is giving our readers a limited time offer!Follow this link to sign up for 70% off your first year of Aaptiv!

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Our Editors Tried Nutrisystem: Here's What We Learned ​

Have you heard that around 95% of dieters just give up?

With this in mind, we wanted to see if using Nutrisystem can turn things around. Nutrisystem is one of the most well-known weight loss programs in the country.

But even with its reputation, many people doubt that the food is actually as good as they say, and that it's just that easy to stay on track. What may look easy enough is not always replicable in real life, and there are a lot of programs that are often misleading and hard to follow.

With so many weight loss programs out there, we wanted to see if Nutrisystem was the best of the best. Here's what we found.

A common concern that many face when starting a weight loss program is the need to count calories. Not only is it time consuming, but it's difficult to know the right amounts, and how much that can change. The great thing about Nutrisystemis that it does all the calorie-counting for you. The plans are designed by nutrition experts, and provide you with the right balance of nutrients and the right amount of calories to help you lose weight safely.

Their strategy is to change the way we perceive food and to deliver fully prepared meals full of balanced nutrition. With Nutrisystem, your meal times become more structured without losing variety. Nutrisystem sends a monthly shipment that includes three meals and a snack a day. All the meals are quick and easy to prepare, with many meals ready in minutes.

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A tasty and nutritious breakfast suddenly becomes easy when you have options like Nutrisystem's buttermilk waffles and chocolate granola. All you need to do is follow the perfectly portioned meal plan and you can lose up to 18 pounds in your first month, plus a 14 day money-back guarantee if you don't like your progress after two weeks. It works because there's no room for error. Nutrisystem has designed every meal with science in mind. This is why each Nutrisystem meal is powered with ProSync™, their high-protein, low-glycemic approach to weight loss, to give you all the necessary tools to learn how to achieve lasting results.

The second concern that people have about weight loss programs is that they won't be able to eat their favorite foods anymore. But Nutrisystem doesn't take all the pleasure out of eating.

Unlike traditional unhealthy comfort foods, Nutrisystem's meals don't sacrifice taste and are still fantastic ways to get needed lean protein, fiber, and complex carbs. Nutrisystem® pizzas and mac & cheese help keep you feeling full and make sure you're getting all the nutrients you need, so you can maintain a healthy lifestyle and continue to achieve your weight loss goals.

Some people can exercise all the time and still not lose weight. With Nutrisystem, you don't have to worry about excessive exercising to shed pounds. It turns out, studies have found that you're more likely to lose weight by cutting down food than by increasing exercise.

Nutrisystemrecommends just three 10 minute exercises a day, so you won't need to go to a gym. If you focus on following the Nutrisystem® plan, you will have everything you need to be a healthier you.

Nutrisystem exceeded our expectations, was more affordable than other programs, and best of all, helps work in savory, filling, and nutritious meals into our busy lives. Nutrisystem is an amazing program for those looking for an easy-to-follow, comprehensive plan to lose weight.

UPDATE: The awesome folks at Nutrisystem are extending a special offer to our readers.Sale Ends Soon: Follow this link to Save 50% Off Nutrisystem!

This content is sponsored by Nutrisystem.

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HomeServe Is Here To Give You Peace Of Mind About Repairs Around The House

When my husband and I were looking to purchase our first home, we fell in love with one that was built in the 80s. It was in a great school district, had a room that would be my painting studio, and it was a super short drive away from Main Street with our city's bustling arts scene. I was concerned that a home of that age was going to need repairs soon after we moved in. The realtor assured us that it wouldn't be a problem. And to help calm my nerves, she suggested we get a home warranty plan. If something went wrong with our appliances, plumbing, electricity, or HVAC, having a plan would allow us to just call the home warranty company and a technician would be sent to fix the covered repair. Sounded easy, but I was skeptical. But my husband did the research and said there were legit and reputable services out there. We ended up getting a plan from TotalHome Warranty by HomeServe. Thank god we did.

I'll admit it: I have a nervous disposition and, sometimes, if something goes wrong I end up feeling nervous, really fast. So, one morning, I noticed water pooling around the downstairs toilet, I sadly told my husband, " This is it. I knew this old house was too good to be true!" Calmly, he said "We have a home warranty plan. Call HomeServe." A plumber came over after work. He said the pipes leading up to the toilette might need to be replaced, and that he wouldn't know how big the job would be until he got a look under the bathroom floor. I trembled. My biggest fear was about to come true: I was going to repeat the experience of living in Brooklyn in my early 20s when I had to deal with an unreliable superintendent because he was my landlord's "guy."

HomeServe says they use trusted technicians and contractors that will take care of a job. On their website, HomeServe even guarantees that any covered repairs will be good for one year.

But what I feared was that being "in" a network meant that bad contractors would stick around forever because they were "trusted", exactly like my landlord's guy was, and that they'd milk the repairs, stretching them out for months on end.

With trepidation, I called and scheduled the repair. I chose to work from home, so I heard everything that was going on: the bathroom floor getting pulled up, the pipes coming out… it was a lot of noise! My worries were getting the best of me, so I had to ask the repair guy, "How bad is it?" But turns out, it wasn't bad at all! It was only the pipe directly connected to the toilet. He was able to replace it. It was covered by the home warranty plan, which turned out to be a really good thing.

For months our old house kept showing its age, but with a TotalHome Warranty plan from HomeServe, we were taken care of. When the heat went out in the middle of the night, we just called the 24/7 repair hotline and it got fixed. That small monthly payment ended up saving us money and kept our old home in good shape. We still have a plan from TotalHome Warranty by HomeServe to this day, and I'm grateful that they employ reliable contractors who I love to call "our guy"!

Thanks HomeServe.

Update: Follow this link and get 50% Off your enrollment today!

Offer Expires In

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HomeServe Is Here To Give You Peace Of Mind About Repairs Around The House

When my husband and I were looking to purchase our first home, we fell in love with one that was built in the 80s. It was in a great school district, had a room that would be my painting studio, and it was a super short drive away from Main Street with our city's bustling arts scene. I was concerned that a home of that age was going to need repairs soon after we moved in. The realtor assured us that it wouldn't be a problem. And to help calm my nerves, she suggested we get a home warranty plan. If something went wrong with our appliances, plumbing, electricity, or HVAC, having a plan would allow us to just call the home warranty company and a technician would be sent to fix the covered repair. Sounded easy, but I was skeptical. But my husband did the research and said there were legit and reputable services out there. We ended up getting a plan from TotalHome Warranty by HomeServe. Thank god we did.

I'll admit it: I have a nervous disposition and, sometimes, if something goes wrong I end up feeling nervous, really fast. So, one morning, I noticed water pooling around the downstairs toilet, I sadly told my husband, " This is it. I knew this old house was too good to be true!" Calmly, he said "We have a home warranty plan. Call HomeServe." A plumber came over after work. He said the pipes leading up to the toilette might need to be replaced, and that he wouldn't know how big the job would be until he got a look under the bathroom floor. I trembled. My biggest fear was about to come true: I was going to repeat the experience of living in Brooklyn in my early 20s when I had to deal with an unreliable superintendent because he was my landlord's "guy."

HomeServe says they use trusted technicians and contractors that will take care of a job. On their website, HomeServe even guarantees that any covered repairs will be good for one year.

But what I feared was that being "in" a network meant that bad contractors would stick around forever because they were "trusted", exactly like my landlord's guy was, and that they'd milk the repairs, stretching them out for months on end.

With trepidation, I called and scheduled the repair. I chose to work from home, so I heard everything that was going on: the bathroom floor getting pulled up, the pipes coming out… it was a lot of noise! My worries were getting the best of me, so I had to ask the repair guy, "How bad is it?" But turns out, it wasn't bad at all! It was only the pipe directly connected to the toilet. He was able to replace it. It was covered by the home warranty plan, which turned out to be a really good thing.

For months our old house kept showing its age, but with a TotalHome Warranty plan from HomeServe, we were taken care of. When the heat went out in the middle of the night, we just called the 24/7 repair hotline and it got fixed. That small monthly payment ended up saving us money and kept our old home in good shape. We still have a plan from TotalHome Warranty by HomeServe to this day, and I'm grateful that they employ reliable contractors who I love to call "our guy"!

Thanks HomeServe.

Update: Follow this link or call 1-888-671-4257 to enroll in TotalHome Warranty today.

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Our Editors Tried Nutrisystem: Here's What We Learned ​

Nutrisystem is one of the most well-known weight loss programs in the world. But even with its reputation, many people doubt that the food is actually as good as it's claimed to be and that it's super simple to stay on track. What can look easy enough is not always replicable in real life. There are so many weight loss programs out there, so we wanted to see if Nutrisystem was the best of the best. Here's what we found.

A common concern that many faces when starting a weight loss program is the need to count calories. Not only is it time-consuming, but it's difficult to know the right guidelines to stick to. We're not all nutrition experts, but just need valuable tips to be able to meet our goals. The great thing about Nutrisystem is that it does all the calorie-counting for you. The plans are designed by nutrition experts and provide you with the right balance of nutrients and the right amount of calories to help you lose weight safely.

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Spring Sale Happening Now!
Limited Time Offer, For Our Readers:
Save 50% OFF A Month Of Nutrisystem Meals + Shakes!

Their strategy is to make meal-time regimented but also filled with variety. Nutrisystem sends a monthly shipment that includes three meals and a snack a day. All the meals are quick to prepare, and a delicious breakfast is as easy as grabbing a snack bar or muffin on your way out the door. All you need to do is follow the perfectly portioned meal plan, and you're guaranteed to lose up to 13 pounds in your first month, or your money back. It works because there's no room for error. Nutrisystem is designed to give you all the necessary tools to see results.

The second concern that people have about weight loss programs is that they won't be able to eat their favorite foods anymore. But Nutrisystem doesn't take all the pleasure out of eating. Unlike traditional unhealthy comfort foods, Nutrisystem® pizzas and mac & cheese are balanced with complex carbs, lean protein, and fiber without sacrificing taste. They help keep you feeling full and make sure you're getting all the nutrients you need, so you can maintain a healthy lifestyle and continue to achieve your weight loss goals.

The last concern has to do with exercise. Many people simply don't have the time to workout every day. But it turns out, you don't need to exercise to lose weight on the Nutrisystem plan. In fact, studies have found that you're more likely to lose weight by cutting calories than by increasing exercise. So don't worry that your physical limitations are going to stand in the way of your weight loss goals.

Nutrisystem recommends just three 10 minute exercises a day, so you won't need to live in a gym. If you focus on following the Nutrisystem® plan, you will have everything you need to be a healthier you.

Nutrisystem exceeded our expectations, and we're convinced it's a great program for those looking for a comprehensive plan to lose weight.

UPDATE: The awesome folks at Nutrisystem are extending a special offer to our readers.
Nutrisystem Spring Sale: Save 50% OFF A Month Of Meals + Shakes!

This content is sponsored by Nutrisystem.

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Why Paleovalley Has The Best Grass Fed Beef Sticks

Our lives can change at any given moment, and that has never been more apparent to me than it is today. Working from home everyday with a full family in the house, slowly getting used to social distancing and making sure we have the right amount of food and basic necessities to last a few weeks were never things I thought I'd have to deal with. I always try to to feed my family a well balanced diet but most healthy foods are perishable. Trying to choose healthy, storable snacks can be very tricky since most packaged goods contain less than favorable ingredients.

Last week, when I went out do that big grocery haul, I was so relieved to see my order from Paleovalley sitting at my doorstep. I few months ago, I decided to sign up for a subscription of their Grass Fed Beef Sticksafter seeing them online. I thought these snacks would be perfect for my busy family who's always on the go, it didn't even cross my mind that these would be perfect for staying in as well. Here are the 3 main reasons why I originally signed up:

100% Grass Fed Beef, Free of Chemicals and Pesticides

These are not your average gas station jerky - Paleovalley sources its beef from cattle farmers that take pride in the rearing of their animals. Their beef comes from 100% grass fed cows raised only on natural grass pastures in the United States. This ensures a humane and happy environment for the animals. They are continuously moved to various grazing pastures and are never exposed to harmful herbicides, pesticides, or hormones. They also practice rotational grazing which has added environmental benefits, as the soil is naturally rejuvenated by the animals' activity, eliminating the need for chemicals.

Great Source Of Essential Vitamins, Naturally Fermented

Paleovalley Beef Sticks are far more nutritionally dense than their store-bought counterparts since they come from grass fed beef. They contain vitamins like B12, B6, zinc, and phosphorus. Plus, they're a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids. They're flavored using only organic spices, and the unique fermentation process ensures that they stay shelf-stable, without the use of any harmful chemicals. This precaution also means that the sticks contain probiotics, which aid digestion.

High Source Of Protein & Perfect On-The-Go Snack

Healthy and convenient are not traits that usually describe the same product, but Paleovalley Beef Sticks are a delicious way to keep you going between meals. Packed with 6g of protein per serving and come in 5 delicious flavors: Original, Summer Sausage, Jalapeno, Teriyaki and Garlic Summer Sausage. All are free from GMO's, gluten, soy, and dairy. They're the perfect snack to keep in your bag if you're on the keto or paleo diets, or if you just want to be more mindful of what you're putting in your body.

My family is signed up for a monthly subscription to a 4 pack of these (10 sticks per pack) which we have found to be the perfect amount for us. Knowing that we can always have a quick, reliable snack on hand has made committing to a healthy lifestyle much easier. Whether you're trying to stock up, are on a particular diet, or just mindful about your food comes from, Paleovalley Grass Fed Beef Sticks make it easy to stay healthy on the go or staying in. All of the flavor, all of the benefits- none of the guilt!

Update: The folks at Paleovalley are extending a special offer to our readers!Follow this link to receive 10% off your order of 100% Grass Fed Beef Sticks!

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