by Alexandra Edwards

The new year is usually started by looking back at events of the previous year. The good news, the bad news, good times and bad times, births and deaths,  failures and achievements. It is also a time to reflect on oneself and a great opportunity to start afresh and decide what improvements can be made to better ourselves. Without a doubt, one of the most popular new year resolutions will be to lose weight. After eating all those extra calories from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day, most of us are sure to have gained a few extra pounds on top of those extra inches we were intending to lose before the festive season even began.

There are hundreds of new  weight-loss gimmicks on the market but it seems the only healthy and successful way to lose weight, tone up and maintain the desired appearance is a good old fashioned combination of diet and exercise. Losing weight and getting fit does not have to be a strain on the pocket book. There are many exercise workouts to be found on DVD that can be done in the comfort of your own home. However, It takes a lot of motivation and self discipline to get in shape alone and it is sometimes difficult to determine which

exercise routine will meet your personal needs. Fitness clubs and weight loss centers offer professional advice and in some cases personal training which can be much more beneficial, especially to those lacking the discipline to go it alone.

Here in Cleveland, there are several health and fitness centers to choose from and the new year is a good  time to look for special membership promotions and incentives to join a club.

Before signing up for an annual membership it is a good idea to visit some of the centers and decide for yourself which one will best suit your needs. Take a look at the exercise equipment to make sure you will feel comfortable using it. Ask for a tour of the facility, check out all the amenities and if you can purchase a trial membership. This will also be a good time to check for cleanliness and at the same time, take a look at the members and see what type

of workout clothes are going to be needed. Talk to the instructors and find out what classes are being offered and get some advice on which type of exercise routine will suit your individual need.

The Cleveland YMCA on Urbane Road is an excellent large and modern facility, great for those who want to tone up and get back into shape before Spring. The "Y" offers a wide range of fitness programs for youngsters and adults and also do some good package membership deals for the entire family. For information on their new year schedule, call 476-5573.

Going to the gym for the first time though can be a little intimidating for some people and they may prefer a smaller, more private facility where they can have a one-on-one relationship with the fitness instructor. M-Power Fitness Center on Clingan Ridge road, offer a wide range of exercise equipment, fitness classes including aerobics and karate, as well as various weight loss programs and food plans. A personal trainer is on hand to give individual professional attention and advice. The facility also has a large cedar sauna, tanning beds, showers, locker rooms and free child care is also available to its members while they work out. For information on M-Power's half-price new year special promotion call 479-7546.

Another good fitness center to try in the

Cleveland area is The Fitness Factory on Harrison Pike, for their new year special call 479-8696.

For the busy woman with not too much time to spare or for those women who prefer to exercise in the company of their own gender, there are several local women's weight-loss fitness centers that offer a 30 minute workout. Curves of Cleveland, located at the Village Green, are offering their "circuit training workout" at half price for the new year. For more information call 559-8003. Shapes and Sizes on Keith Street is a similar weight-loss center for women worth trying. If a friend has made the same new year's resolution to lose weight, take her along to join and you will get a membership for half price. Call 479- 9611 for details. Yet another one for women on the go is Kim Fit Express on Michigan Avenue. They are offering a 30 minute customized strength training and cardio workout on a month to month basis for $25.00 a month. For more information call 479-3279

These centers are ideal for the woman that prefers to exercise alone or in a small group, yet needs some professional advice while doing so.

As Americans, statistics and surveys constantly remind us that we are an over-weight nation. Obesity is a prime cause of health problems in both the young and old and although we all can't be slim and athletic looking, exercise and a sensible diet can prolong  and improve our lives. And, as for the  label of being overweight and out of shape, maybe, just maybe, by the end of 2006 we can prove them wrong. Well, at least here in Bradley County, Tennessee.

Happy New Year
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