Intimidated by the New Years Resolution Crowd at the Gym?

Author: Ava Whitfield

Source: ezinearticles.com



Don't Let the Resolution Crowd Deter You From Achieving Your Weight Loss Goals!

It's that time of the year again: The Holiday Season between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve that leaves the average American temporarily unable to button their jeans. This time of the year is a boost in revenue for gym membership sales, an annoyance to regular gym rats who are inconvenienced by the large crowds (that will substantially diminish by the time Valentine's Day rolls around), and an intimidation factor to newbies looking to achieving their weight loss or fitness goals. If you are serious about taking off a few pounds gained from Holiday weight, follow these tips to stay on the course of consistency until you reach your ideal weight.

1. Be flexible in which exercise machines you work out on.

If you're anything like me, you probably head straight for the elliptical machine once you get to the gym. Five minute warmup and you're ready to reach your daily cardio goal. Well, it's almost a given that the elliptical machines will be the most popular at your local machine, so much so that many gyms attach a "friendly warning" to limit use to 30 minutes to accommodate other gym-goers. If the post-Holiday crowd leaves you with a long wait for your favorite machine, take it as an opportunity to vary your workout to prevent a fitness plateau. Try the rowing machine that hardly ever has a waiting list. Or try the boot camp workout class instead.

2. Take a dance class to lose weight and improve your fitness.

The overwhelming majority of the "lose holiday weight fast" crew heads straight to the gym to work off the pounds. Why not try a salsa dancing class at a local dance studio instead? I'm sure you've seen the hit TV show "Dancing With the Stars" (or maybe tried one of their workout DVDs). Not only are dance classes fun, but they also count toward your weekly cardio exercise goals! An additional benefit to "exercise that doesn't feel like exercise" is that dance classes are typically a lot less crowded than gyms. While you're also thinking outside of the box, martial arts classes are great for overall health benefits as well.

3. Hit your local track to exercise outdoors!

Many people opt to go for a walk or jog outside rather than fight crowds to the gym. You do not have to do either or, but if you know that your gym is typically overcrowded on particular days, then try taking your exercise program outdoors. If you need a little extra help dragging yourself off the couch, enlist a workout buddy, or better yet, spring for a personal trainer. Many personal trainers will come directly to your home to work out with you. How's that for convenience?

You can lose weight forever (and keep it off) by establishing new psychological habits to keep you thin! Visit Weight Loss Psychology for FREE information and tips for healthy, effective, and long-lasting weight loss. Stick around for reviews of best weight loss programs and products. No gimmicks, just no-nonsense tips!