WZTV FOX 17/Nashville

Gyms, Health Clubs Roll Out Welcome Mats

Gym memberships in the United States were down 3 percent in 2007, due to the sagging economy, according to the Los Angeles Times. But the good news - it's getting cheaper to keep New Year's resolutions to get into shape.

The economic downturn has would-be exercisers cutting back on extra costs, fitness centers, health clubs and gyms across the country. So the facilities are offering an array of reduced-price deals for new, current and former members looking to tone up, the newspaper reported.

Make Mississippi Fit Day

The owners of MAKE IT FIT, an online fitness and wellness resource, are helping all Mississippians build healthier lifestyles in 2009 by donating their services for almost nothing. Principals Stacy Bick and Rebecca Johnson are offering all residents of the Magnolia state an annual membership to www.youcanmakeitfit.com for only 99 cents if they sign up during the hours of 8am to 8pm on Tuesday, January 6, 2009.

Kettlebell Exercise Video Program

If you are interested in kettlebell exercise, as many people are, you might want a peek at how kettlebell exercises are performed.

Kettlebell exercises are used by beginners, military personnel, and martial artists, and can even be taken to the extreme. Kettlebells are weighted, made of cast iron and come in varying weights. Some manufacturers offer stackable kettlebells for increasing weight as you progress with your fitness goals.

Free Twelve Weeks of Kettlebell Workout for Weight Loss and Strength

You may want to consider getting your kettlebell for a free twelve-week workout program of kettlebell exercise. The kettlebell workout program is designed for beginners, but becomes increasingly more difficult as you progress to your strengthening goals.

The company offering the free kettlebell program is based in Orange County, California. Founder and member of the kettlebell workout exercise program, Marcus Martinez, says, "We'd like to help people achieve their goals by using high-efficiency training methods, such as kettlebell exercises."

Survey: Fitness Goals Trump Money Woes For Most

Despite the tough economy, a recent consumer survey revealed that most Americans are not willing to give up their health club memberships but are taking costs into consideration.

Among those who already belong to fitness clubs, 60 percent said they will keep their current memberships. Another 23 percent plan to downsize to more affordable health clubs. When choosing health clubs, 54 percent of all surveyed said that cost is the most important factor they consider. An additional 21 percent selected convenience or atmosphere as top considerations.

Walk Your Way To Better Health

For the majority of Americans, maintaining gym memberships and expensive outdoor activities may become more difficult to afford as their primary ways to lose weight or stay in shape in 2009. But walking, one of the easiest and most cost-effective forms of exercise is the perfect activity to help achieve fitness goals and decrease your risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Fitbit tracks physical activities and and sleep patterns

Many gadgets these days are able to track our physical activities as well as our sleep patterns. From that on, they tend to lead you to adjust to some suitable frequencies and patterns, to make you a healthier one. Fitbit is another gadget that tracks your physical activities and sleep patterns.

Gardening enables older adults to meet fitness recommendation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days of the week in order to maintain and improve optimal health. This recommendation is especially important for older Americans, who can be less likely to fulfill this requirement, yet are more at risk for chronic diseases associated with aging. Gardening provides recommended physical activity for older adults.