“New Year, New You” Part 1

By K. Ross

Happy 2025 everyone! We made it to new year! The past several weeks we have been focused on the holidays. This means time with our family, holiday work gatherings, etc. This also means a time that is revolved around food and drink. I believe this is why resolutions start January 1^st. We give ourselves time to indulge and not feel the guilt with all that was consumed during the holiday season. Like me and sooooo many others, this is time we make that “New Year, New Me” resolution. With that in mind, I will focus/devote January blogs to health and wellness.

This blog will start with the most obvious/most common health and wellness resolution…getting back in shape. We will focus on healthy eating in another blog, but for now let’s start with the “I want to get in shape/I’m joining the gym” part. If you’re like me, you’ve noticed the lbs. just go away that easily any more. (yes, maybe a little tear just formed!) That said, I have made this resolution for quite a few years. So, I thought I would share my “local” gym experiences with you and maybe this will help you pick the right gym or know which gym to avoid.

The first gym I’ll share my thoughts about is Gold’s Gym. I classify Gold’s as a “seasoned gym-goer” gym. Or as I also say, it’s where all the beautiful gym people go! Please don’t let this opening statement discourage you. This statement is what motivates me. I try harder, I get out of my comfort zone, and I end up going more often than I normally would. Now here comes the part that might discourage you. They offer so many classes of all shapes and sizes, but they are always unavailable. When you finally get into a class, you show up and you feel like you’re packed in like a sardine. Not fun!

Now that I expressed my pros and cons on Gold’s, let me move onto Planet Fitness. Planet Fitness is definitely a gym for the beginner. It’s loaded with instruction and people around that are willing to help if you have a question. The major plus for this gym is their 30-minute work-out room. This room contains all weight and cardio equipment you need to target every part of your body. It’s a complete work-out in 30 minutes…you can’t beat that! Now that I raved about this gym, you know I have to say something negative. Well, here it is, they don’t offer any classes. I like to mix it up sometimes and get out of my everyday routine and a take a class. That is not an option at this gym!

I have now shared my past two gym experiences, let me tell you what I’m trying now. There is this thing called Class Pass. It is basically a monthly membership for classes all around my area. From Yoga, to Pilates, to Barre, and all the way to cycle classes. It offers something for everyone. I love this for two reasons. One, it offers variety. I am not one for having to take the same class over and over again. Two, they are currently offering a one-month free membership. This gives you a chance to try it out, try new classes, and see if it’s a fit for you. I love the “try before buy” option! I will keep you posted on my review of Class Pass.

I certainly hope my opinion helped you to come to some sort of a decision. Just remember one thing this year and this resolution…Progress over Perfection. The real secret to success…just show up every day! Whether it’s a gym, a class, or even just a walk around the block…just keep moving!

Here’s to 2025 and a “New Year, New You!”