gym issues

Suppose it's time for your workout and you realize you are so not in the mood. And you haven't been for quite a while. Skipping out is looking awfully tempting... but after all the progress you've made, are you in danger of getting out of the habit?

Some people love every aspect of their fitness routine and can keep it up for decades without whining. Others of us have to resort to sneaky tricks to keep the momentum going.

I like the gym. It’s a fun place. I am not intimidated by the beef-cakes, and I am not too jealous of the lean, muscular women who seem to live at the gym (and we now all now the ground-rules of gym etiquette).

However, for me, it can be such a mind game when it comes to actually GOING to the gym. If I like the gym, why is it so hard for me to actually GO THERE?

The Cranky Fitness blog has written an entertaining and informing guide for gym newbies.

Here are 10 things that beginners should take note of when starting at a gym.

If you like to meet people of the opposite sex in the gym, here's something new: A Dutch gym is planning “Naked Sunday” for its clients. Patrick de Man, owner of the gym, Fitworld, got the idea from two nudists who were also gymgoers.

Weight management and health is so much more than diet alone. Unless you have an active occupation then - in all honesty - you need to give your exercise routine some thought.

Gyms the world over fill up over January as people attempt to get some exercise into their life.

The word "gym" is enough to make many of us groan and reach for another packet of "cheetos" - but it doesn't have to be this way.

McDonald's are slowly adding gyms to their restaurants. The second "R Gym" opened in California, replacing the kids play area.

The trend of "big-box" retailers continues unabated. These are the huge outlets - so huge that you almost need a personal guide just to find your way around. Now we have the mega gyms. Life Time Fitness Inc., is planning to build another 110,600 square foot health and fitness club (to add to the 48 centers they already have). The center will have 3 pools, a spa, 2 basketball courts, and more than 400 pieces of cardio and weight equipment. "They are a category killer like a Wal-Mart," says Ric Zimmerman, chief executive of the Gold's Gym franchiseGold's Gym and 24 Hour Fitness currently hold the high ground in the gym world.

Getting children to move is a challenge - a real challenge. Kids don't even need to move their legs if they want to talk with your friends. Just a mobile phone or Instant Messenger will do the trick. Video games like Dance Dance Revolution are one avenue to explore - and the range of exercise-based games is increasing. There are also gyms exclusively for children beginning to appear.