You want some YouBars?

CONTEST CLOSED.

I know you do! The lovely folks at YouBars saw my post and offered up a discount!

The first 10 readers to race over and create a bar can get 10% off! Type 'asizableapple' into the coupon code section of the view cart page for a couple bucks off.

Hmm... almond butter and goji berries or coffee crystals and pecans? I'm still working on my combination; tell me about yours!

90 day 24 Hour Fitness give away

CONTEST CLOSED.

Oh how it pays to read ASA, *wink*!

I was contacted last week by Stu, a representative from 24 Hour Fitness, who clued me in on their new 12 Million Lives campaign. The gym has created a site where stories and inspiration can be shared, reviewed and commented on.

"(The site was) launched to inspire people to look at the bigger picture and embark on a lifelong journey of physical and mental well-being. It's not just about the "before and after" photos – it's about the grandma who is now fit enough to get on the floor and play with her grandkids, it's about the woman who reached her lifelong goal of running a marathon, or the friend who gained his confidence back," Stu said.

The site is great! I think it shows the gym's dedication to overall wellbeing and demonstrates the value they place on members. I'm impressed in the way that they've used the site- as a tool to inspire others, and a celebration of success.

Furthermore, there's something to tug at everyone. I read a story this morning about a man who joined 24 Hour Fitness in his 60's when he was out of shape, and bending down to tie his shoes was a struggle. He found a sense of community in the gym.

Here's Karli Bulnes' story on 12 Million Lives:

...by the end of college, “a combination of slowing metabolism and poor cooking skills” had left her 25 pounds heavier. So she joined 24 Hour Fitness and got a nutritionist. She lost the weight, but along the way, she learned something - “...weight loss may have been the reason I joined the gym and started paying attention to eating right, now, I continue to do those things because they simply make me feel good.”

To promote the new site, 24 Hour Fitness is graciously giving away a free $99 gift certificate for 90 days of fitness at their facilities. Before entering, please check to see that there is a 24 Hour Fitness gym in your neighborhood.

To enter, comment on this entry and I'll randomly pick a winner in two weeks!

You are beautiful

A photo on You-are-beautiful.com by Andrew Sears

In my ever going obsession with Leslie's writing at The Weighting Games, I further surfed to the You Are Beautiful sticker site.

This anonymous group has been producing these stickers which are mostly found in Europe, promoting the positive message of confidence and beauty. The deal is, you send in a self addressed stamped envelope, and they'll send you free stickers.

You stick freely and if interested, send them photos of your best sticking and they'll post them online.

Upon receiving her free stickers, Leslie quickly went to work on placing them all over Chicago (specifically in a locker at her gym). I'm definitely getting involved on this one.

If nothing else, one will for sure be posted promptly next to my bathroom mirror as a daily reminder to love myself beyond the skin that's staring back at me. I'll spread the love too and get creative with my sticking as well.

Are you up for it? Let me know if you're sending away for stickers. I'm considering getting another contest going for photo or story of best stick, are you in? Here's the address:

You Are Beautiful
PO Box # 220175
Chicago, IL 60622
USA

Bike contest wrap up

CONTEST CLOSED.

Congratulations to Laura, a recent college grad from Minnesota, who won the free bike give away contest! She's graciously allowing me to share her story with you!

Laura played on her school's rugby team for the past four years, and relied on her school gym for off season workouts. Now a graduate, she's got to figure out new methods to working out.

Laura (#1) playing on her college rugby team.

"As I graduate, I know that I need to make some life decisions so that I stay healthy and I actually want to get in better shape. I am also used to working out in our campus gym which I am ineligible for now! It's scary to have to think about what I am going to do on my own."

- Laura's email entry

Although I felt all the applicants were deserving of the bike reward, Laura's situation stood out most. Her current need for something new complied with her prior biking experience made me certain this prize wouldn't go to waste.

"I love biking but I am using my step-mom's old bike and it is very uncomfortable and the gears get stuck. I would love to have the new Fuji bike from Lipton. The town I live in has some really great bike trails that I have never felt comfortable checking out."

Congratulations to Laura on her new bike! Thank you to all who applied for the contest! Please keep reading as more may pop up!

Win a free bike!

CONTEST CLOSED.

I was pretty jealous that Cranky Fitness got to give away a bike on her blog, until I was also contacted by the Lipton White Tea folks!

I’m not a big iced tea drinker myself, but I think it’s fabulous that Lipton is working to promote their product in such a healthy way. Their white teas (full of antioxidants!) are made from young tea buds, hence the “Free Your Y” campaign, aimed at tapping into your “inner youthful spirit and highlighting those things we do every day to make us feel young again.”

So, no matter your age, tap into that pool of youth and get riding! Yes, that yellow beauty above can be yours for all of your summer workout endeavors. The Crosstown 2.0 bike is retailed at $399. Contest winnings also include 5 coupons for Lipton White Iced Tea and a $75 check for professional bike assembly.

Lipton Disclaimer:
The Pepsi/Lipton Partnership will provide a check for $75.00 to be used for professional assembly of all Lipton Fuji bicycles awarded. Neither Pepsi Co. nor Unilever is liable for any injuries, damages or accidents that may result from the receipt, assembly or use of this bicycle.

For more information on the bike itself, visit this Fuji Bike page.

A Sizable Apple Contest Rules for the Lipton Bike!

The Lipton folks gave me free range on managing this contest, which means you’re gonna have to work for it a little.

Email me your submissions with your name and age to asizableapple@gmail.com subject line ASA BIKE CONTEST. Unfortunately, only US residents are eligible to win. The contest is open from now until June 5!

Send me a photo (1 or more!) that demonstrates (1 or more!) of the following:

* Why getting healthy is important to you.
* Show your dedication to healthy living.
* Express health/fitness ideas in a creative light.

For those old school lacking photo skills, tell me what keeps you motivated to stay (or become) healthy? Share a few short and long term plans you have to get in shape!

Creativity is key, people! This is a great opportunity to cash in on a big prize that will lend a huge hand in your fitness goals! Don't forget deadline June 5!

If you’re really in the contest mode, check out Lipton’s “Free Your Y” YouTube submission contest. Upload a video here of two minutes or less showing your youthful spirit to win as much as $25,000. You’ll have to act quick- submissions are due May 11! Voting will run from May 11-30 and the winner will be announced on June 2.