Stay in shape on a Dime

Because, hey, before you know it we'll be gym-rats again!

The ever-anticipated Memorial Day weekend has come and gone, and for those of us Divas in the Northeast it means three key things:

1. We can finally wear white without worrying about that fashion-faux-pas, which was ingrained into our minds long ago.
2. Our tanlines are no longer non-existent.
3. It's "summer."

My point here is this: Take advantage of the next few months of beautiful weather and consider taking your workout routine outside. As a frequenter to the gym for as long as I can remember, I never thought I'd be one to say, "I'll be 'freezing' my gym membership this week." But I just said it, and I am. Because I realized two MAJOR benefits of doing so: I'll get fresh air after a long day in the office and save a pretty penny each month.

If you're locked into a gym membership, inquire about "freezing" it-- some gyms will charge you a small fee per month to keep it "frozen," while others may not even allow it. Because of the state of the economy, however, plenty of gyms in the area are offering promos to those "freezing"-- not canceling-- memberships (such as no-charge "freezing" for X-number of months).

Once you've "frozen" that membership, warm-up outside with one of these no- or low- cost exercises:

1. Running. Burns 600 to 700 calories/hr. There's plenty of routes in the area to conquer head-on, including the Charles' River Esplanade or down Beacon St., retracing the Boston Marathoners' route. Look up other local routes at MapMyRun.com.

2. Walking. Burns about 250 calories/hr., depending on your pace. Make it as simple as walking, instead of other transportation, or go for a power-walk along one of the MyMyRun.com routes.

3. Swimming. Burns 500 to 600 calories/hr. The Mirabella (North End) Pool (Commercial St., North End). $10 for the entire summer. Enough said.

4. Tennis. Free outdoor courts throughout the city (Patience not included! Courts can be busy and waits can be long, especially on weekends). There are two courts on the Common, one in the South End's Southwest Corridor, two on the Esplanade close to North Station, and several at North End park on Commercial St.; check out a complete list of court locations (and which ones are lit) here.

Sail Boston on a dime

Experience the elite world of international sailing for free, and learn the sport for as little as $99.

The Volvo Ocean Race, a nine-month sailing race around the world, happens once every three years. And the only U.S. stopover in the ongoing 2008/2009 race is Boston, in the Seaport District's Fan Pier (28 Northern Ave., Seaport District).

For the next three weeks-- until May 16-- Divas can visit stopover, known as PUMA City. There are events every day or night, several bars, a dance floor, and a crowd comprised of Boston's young, trendy, and hip up-and-coming; rugged-yet-elite international sailors; and avid sailing fans. The best news yet: Admission to PUMA City and all of its events is free.

Tomorrow, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. is PUMA City Happy Hour. For a list of all the events, visit Volvo Ocean Race at Fan Pier Boston's Facebook page.

When the ocean racers leave Fan Pier in mid-May and head for Galway, head to the Charles River Esplanade (Back Bay) for sailing that you can afford.

Learn to sail at Community Boating (21 David G. Mugar Way, Back Bay), with 30-Day Intro to Sailing and Kayaking for just $99, which includes boat usage, and instruction and classes. To join for the entire year, which includes boat usage, classes and instruction, guest privileges, and discounts on events and merchandise, pay $240. Visit the link above for more information.

The marathon of all sales

This SALE explains why, on Sunday, Bodega employees were unloading a U-Haul truck in front of the store.

Monday was one of Boston's most-celebrated holidays, Patriot's Day, which many know as Marathon Monday. And if you're a Diva whose been inspired by the recent athletic feats of the Boston Marathon runners, a new pair of stylish, street-chic sneakers may be just what you need.

Swing by-- or run over to-- the Bodega (6 Clearway St., Back Bay) for the store's Annual Footwear Sale, through this Friday. Today, kicks are 50% off; tomorrow and Friday, 70% off; and from 4-6pm on Friday, each pair will cost you a 10-spot.

Even if you're not feeling a new pair of sneakers, a trip to the store itself-- which is disguised as a "Bodega," a neighborhood corner store,vthat customers must enter a secret door to discover the trendy urban atmosphere-- is worth the adventure.