With all of its vacations, barbecues, and outdoor concerts, many people would say that the summertime is the most expensive season of the year. If you’re looking to stay active this summer without spending a lot of money, however, consider these fun and inexpensive activities — some of which are totally free!

1. Go on a hike. You might not know it, but your town likely has hiking trails traversing its wooded areas and public parks. Do a quick online search to find the ones nearest to you.
2. Have a picnic in the park. Invite a few of your friends to each bring a dish to a low-key picnic in the park. With just a few sandwiches, a light blanket, and some good conversation, you can have a wonderful afternoon outdoors.
3. Go to a flea market. Instead of spending your hard-earned money at the mall, hit up a flea market to hunt for antique treasures.
4. Go geocaching. If you enjoy uncovering hidden items, try your hand at this high-tech type of treasure hunting. Use your smartphone to create a geocaching account, then follow the instructions to find the geocache sites located throughout your town.

50 Cheap, Creative Ways to Have Fun (Tiny Buddha)
102 Things to Do on a Money-Free Weekend [The Simple Dollar]
12 Free or Low-Cost Summer Activities for Your Kids [U.S. News]

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr apardavila

Wishing you a Fourth of July filled with pride, honor, and lots of fun!

If you want to do something good for your body in the Houston area, try a class at Your Body Yoga and Pilates Center. This full-service yoga studio offers hot yoga classes in a room heated to 110 degrees Fahrenheit, aerial yoga classes using yoga hammocks suspended from the ceiling, and traditional Vinyasa flow yoga that is perfect for yogis of all skill levels. If you’re looking for a different type of workout, the Pilates and Barre classes will help you to tone, tighten and lengthen your muscles, as well as increase flexibility throughout the body. There are even ballroom dancing classes with private or semi-private instruction.

In addition to its instructional classes, Your Body offers relaxing massage therapy that aims to reduce stress, relieve pain and even lower high blood pressure. Combine a massage session with a beneficial yoga or Pilates workout and your body will surely thank you.

Your Body Yoga and Pilates Center
3605 Katy Freeway
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 874-0800
www.yourbodycenter.com

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr Stefan Vladuck