Starting a new gym experience may seem a little overwhelming at times, that’s why I recommend hitting the fitness classes. Fitness classes not only offer an intense workout, but provide you the opportunity to meet some friends that share the same fitness goals and also learn a little more about which activities support certain areas of the body.

Most fitness facilities offer a plethora of different classes from spinning to yoga. Each class will target different parts of the body as well as different intensities of cardiovascular training. I recommend trying each class to find the ones that give you the best workout and that you find most enjoyable as well.

Before joining a gym, ask the membership representative to discuss the classes offered or give you a brochure about each class. Also, be sure there is no added charge for fitness classes. Most fitness facilities offer free classes as part of the membership fee, but it doesn’t hurt to make sure.

So, many of us made New Year’s Resolutions to lose weight and get into shape once and for all. How are you doing with that? If you are like many of us, you joined a gym. But if you are new to fitness or weight loss, you might be unsure of exactly what to do in the gym.

I went to the gym today and noticed that it was much more full than usual, and then I realized that many of the people I saw were new. Many of them were unsure of how to use the equipment; I saw some women doing exercises that were designed to do the very opposite of what the attendee wanted: ten minutes of reps on the adductor machine, for example, will do nothing to reduce the size of your thighs, for that, you need cardio. What might very well happen to these women, as is very common, is that they will not see the results they desire and give up, convinced that working out doesn’t work for her.

Everything is changing these days and the digital world is taking over. Have you ever played video games? Well, most video games in the past have required very little or no physical activity. But now, digital workout games are becoming far more popular than actually working out itself.

The latest video craze is thanks to the Wii and complimentary games like Wii Fit and EA Sports Active. These “exergames” have made fitness enjoyable by allowing physical activity to be fun, challenging, and adventurous. These fitness video games are great for improving eye-hand coordination, balance, stability, and stamina; all of which you can do at the gym as well.

Sometimes, you make plans to work out. You might do all of the prep work: you pack your gym clothes the night before, make sure you have your water bottle and a healthy snack, you clear your schedule, and then, boom! Something happens and your carefully constructed plans vanish in smoke. What’s an intrepid gym rat to do? Don’t worry, there are many things you can do at home that will give you a great workout, even if you don’t have access to free weights or a treadmill! Here are some great options:

• The Power of 50 – 50 squats, 50 push ups, 50 sit ups and 50 lunges. It’s guaranteed to get your blood moving!
  

Gym memberships are not for everybody and can be rather expensive these days. Driving to and from the gym requires a time commitment as well. Below are 20 ways to lose weight without hitting the gym.

1. Early morning walk/jog
2. Afternoon walk/jog
3. Evening walk/jog
4. Take the stairs whenever possible
5. Walk instead of grabbing a taxi or driving
6. Ride a bike instead of grabbing a taxi or driving