Getting in shape and losing weight top the list of New Year's Resolutions, and is always evident by the line-up for treadmills and classes at gyms in January. Typically by the third week, resolutions start to falter and gyms and packed cardio theatres are the only thing starting to thin out!

I believe the worst part of this process is that people aren't able to capitalize on truly good intentions, and instead, beat themselves up once more for failing on a fitness goal. This is no way to make a lasting change that positions healthy activity as an integral part of your lifestyle. The better approach is making active living and healthy eating something that's positive and part of your day that you enjoy versus a necessary evil you are have to squeeze into your hectic schedule, because it will always end up being the first thing to go.

Failing on your fitness goals may NOT be your fault! It may NOT be lack of discipline or focus, but rather that you didn't find the right venue. Joining a gym isn't for everyone. If a fitness facility or program doesn't match your goals, personality and schedule, you're simply setting yourself up for failure.

If fitness and health are part of your New Year Resolutions, I've developed a chart that can help you find the right FIT - whether it's working out at a gym, at home, a specialty studio, community centre or getting outdoors. We've posted this chart here on the Canada AM website but you can also reach out to me at www.libbynorris.com if you'd like the original excel chart to use the ranking system as well.

Here are some additional tips and questions as you search for the right gym or fitness option to make sure 2015 if a healthy success:

  • Location, location, location! Like with real estate, location is one of the most important considerations for your fitness program. Is the gym or facility close to work or home or on the way? The further out of the way, the more those daily interruptions in your schedule will challenge your resolution and discipline - no matter how nice it looks initially
  • Budget fit. Make sure you factor in all costs - initiation fees, monthly membership and any additional fees for lockers, towels, training, classes, etc.  Inquire about payment options, cancellation fees and price increases. You may be surprised at the kind of home gym you can create over just 1-2 years to create something unique to your needs that's far more convenient. I've seen people pay for monthly memberships for 3+ years who never darkened the door of their gym past the first week. If you don't enjoy going to the gym, check out other options and the Right FIT chart will help you do that.
  • Programs that inspire. Here's the big fitness secret: the best program that will burn the most calories and give you the most lasting results - is an activity you enjoy or can learn to have fun with for the results or social value. No, it's not a secret but it is what works.  Don't get drawn in by marketing with programs that promise you'll get ripped abs in weeks or burn 1,000 calories a workout. If you don't enjoy it, you won't stick with it and you won't be able to give it the umph or intensity it takes to actually get close to those results. Make sure the gym or other option you choose offers activities you'd like to try.

I always do encourage people to try some new things as you may just surprise yourself. One of my favourite things is hearing participants with new-found motivation discovered with training they've found and love as they're inspiration for so many others!

When you're looking at options for your workouts, do some phone work first to create a short list of gyms or facilities that offer the programs you want in a price range that fits your budget.  Start with a list of places in close proximity to where you live or work or somewhere along the route to make sure it's convenient.  From there, visit the places on your short list preferably at the times you would likely go.  This will give you additional information about travel, parking and the availability of equipment or space in classes.  It will also give you an idea of the demographic and atmosphere of the club as that can be very different at various times of the day.

We're kicking off 2015 with quick workouts and tips to help make THIS year YOUR year of fitness success.  For ongoing tips and tools, visit www.libbynorris.com.

If you have a specific question we'd love to hear from you. We also have a quick survey to find out your biggest challenges to help plan workouts and segments for the New Year!