By Jojo Das,

Residence Advisor

It happens to us all. The cold air and pouring rain can dim the light inside of all of us, which includes our workout plans. Staying fit is vital for not only our physical health, but also for our mental and emotional health and happiness. Here are four of my own most used tips to get your toosh moving this winter.

1. Find a buddy – a workout/exercise partner is something that I have found either makes or breaks my fitness routine. I personally have a tough time to self-motivated, but if you know that someone else is counting on you to be there, it provides just enough of that extra “oomph” to get you out there. Also, when you are out exercising, your partner can give you that encouragement to keep on pushing through your own self-set limitations and achieve your goals.

2. Make a schedule – I know this one is kind of tedious, but look at your weekly routine and pencil in times where you can workout. Now here’s the hard part: actually use those times you set aside to workout. Having a schedule planned out means you don’t have to scramble for a time to get in your exercise, and also (hopefully) avoids the whole “Oh, I’ll just start tomorrow” scenario. If you already planned it through, go do it.

3. Set a goal – Now that you have steps 1 and 2 done, pick somewhere you want this endeavor to head towards. Make this goal reasonable, and don’t get too discouraged if you don’t see progress right away. Like all good things, fitness takes time. Setting a goal is a good way to keep track of how you grow with your personal fitness, and gives you something to shoot towards. Also, when you do hit that goal, it gives you a pretty good reason to go celebrate!

4. Repeat – There, you’ve figured out what works for you. You’ve found a buddy that motivates you, you know how to make a schedule that works, and you’ve just finished reaching that first goal. What next? Do it all over again and this time, reach even higher.

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By Jerry Zhang

Residence Advisor

(shop locally by searching smartly)

Step 1

Search Far and Wide

Look online. Start at Newegg, Amazon and Shopbot. Check and consider the prices. Shopbot.ca is excellent tool that searches many Canadian internet retailers to find you the cheapest price.

Look locally and see what they have in their physical stores. With many big box retailers such as Bestbuy and Futureshop you are able to look at the amount in stock. You don’t want to go take the 99 and come back disappointed when that TV or laptop is sold out in-store.

Step 2

Price Match

Always look at multiple sources to find the lowest price. Many retailers with price match a competitor’s price. Both Bestbuy and Futureshop have excellent policies of not only matching but beating that price by 10% the price difference.

Step 3

Save and Enjoy, But of pitfalls

Beware of re-stocking fees

Retailers like NCIX may have a lower price than Futureshop or Bestbuy but beware that they also carry a 15% restocking fee. So if you don’t like something or simply want an exchange you will have to pay big dollars in the end. If you find something cheaper price match it and not only will Futureshop or Bestbuy beat that lower price but they won’t charge you a restocking fee.

Beware of added shipping and customs charges when shipping from the United States.

Beware of buying electronics from unauthorized dealers as that would void the warranty.

Example

Brenthavent 13 inch MacBook Pro Sleeve

Bestbuy price of 49.99

Amazon.ca price of 10.99 with free shipping included

Total cost was less than 12 dollars including taxes saving of over 70%.

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