We could all use a little extra motivation to exercise – especially in winter! Just looking and feeling better may not be push enough to get going. The folks at Earndit have a scientific explanation for this from behavioral economists. It is called “hyperbolic discounting“.
Hyperbolic discounting means that we may discount the value of a reward that occurs far into the future, preferring instead a more immediate reward even if its absolute value is less. For example, if I gave someone the option to receive $10 today or $20 in a month, he’d probably choose $10 today even though it’s financially wiser for him to get $20 in a month. Hyperbolic discounting is the reason why better health and a leaner body down the road may not be compelling enough to make us exercise today.
So Earndit created a system that gives you more immediate rewards for your exercise. … How does it work?
1. You link your device on the Earndit home page (you’ll need a device to start – but a smartphone and Foursquare will work.) You can tweet or post it on Facebook for extra points.
2. Get active. Run, walk the stairs, bike a few extra miles, go for ‘mayor’ of your gym!
3. If you’re up for a challenge, you can join one or create your own.
4. You then earn and redeem rewards from some great partners (for coupons, gift cards, chances to win or charitable donations!)
Like me, you may be wondering, “what’s the catch?” None. Their rewards partners (the people who offer the prizes) want to get the word out about their products, so they’re offering these great (and often exclusive) deals.
I like their slogan, “Go exercise. Get rewarded. You earnd it.” Seems worth a shot – no?
Do you use Map My Run or the Map My Run App to track your runs?? Join the 2013 Rock Your Resolution Challenge and commit to making this your year to get in shape! Using your favorite MapMyFitness app log at least 10 workouts in 30 days between January 1 – March 10, 2013 to be entered to win $1,000 in prizes.
Healthy Deals are pretty much everywhere this week! I will just highlight a few (but you can check Groupon, Living Social, etc for many, many more!): (Also, if you need a laugh, check out Out Went the Light’s hilarious post on the deals offers she has been getting for the New Year.)
> Check out some healthy deals from Daily Candy Deals:
– Up to 50% off on plant-based meal plan YUM Universe
– $13 (48% off) for a “best of” box from Klutch Club (and it’s worth it! I got one!)
– 50% off of raw, organic “Raw Crunch” energy bars from Body Engineering
> Gilt City has a great deal on a 7 day trial of healthy meal delivery from Green Gourmet Chicago. I have ordered this several times and get deliveries a few days a week. Check out my review HERE.
> Are juice cleanses so 2012? or even 2011? Nah.
– In Chicago, check out 50% off at Peeled from Groupon.
– Rue La La has a great deal on Catalyst Cleanse – 3 or 4 day in NYC
– Gilt City also has 50 – 60% off on eBoost supplements that you add to your water.
> Fun is healthy and surprises are fun, so check out this deal at Fair Ivy. Use code HAPPY2013 at checkout for $5 off any order. Ends 01/06.
> Left Lane Sports has 50% off on Yoga Rat towels, mats and accessories! A great deal!
> Hey NYC friends – check out $49 for 10 exercise classes from Classtivity!. Classtivity offers lots of classes in Chicago, NYC and San Francisco – this offer in NYC only.
> Well+Good NYC had a few new websites to check out for getting deals on women’s workout gear:
– Pv.Body takes the delivery box concept and applies it to fitness gear. They offer curated boxes for $49.95/month of brands you know, and some new finds, based on your workout and size profile. Lindsay @ Running the Windy City has a 20% off coupon on her site so click here if you want to check it out!
– Fit Frosting is opening online on 1/15 and will host five to six one-week sales per week that offer “edgy, fashionable workout gear aimed at the urban yogi” from a mix of up-and-coming and established brands. Items will be 25 to 70 percent off retail price. Sign up now and be the first to know about great deals!
– HealthyChic, which just launched this fall, has been testing a similar model, selling a mix of clothing from big-name brands like Lululemon and Lucy to more fringe labels like Brazilian Devi, as well as healthy lifestyle products like workout DVDs and natural beauty products. (They also have a cool program – Each time you make a purchase on HealthyChic, they donate a meal to feed a hungry child. 1 makes 1 – its their way of making the world a better place, one little bit at a time. WIN – WIN)
– Also, check out Well+Good NYC’s great post on Cheap and Chic Fitness Finds!
I hope your 2013 is starting off well and that you are feeling motivated and good to go! Have a great weekend!