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FITNESS With new fitness routines like Zumba or Spinning finding their way into your gym, make sure you choose wisely and combine it with healthy food for best results. AMEETA AGNIHOTRI

We are already well into 2012. Time has a way of hurtling past; before we get our workout shoes on and off, the year will be over. Some of you must’ve got gym memberships as part of your New Year resolution, right?

New vs old

While some activities score high on the trends list, some have fallen quite low, like Pilates. Why? Isn’t it a good way to get fit? Actually, it is. But more and more people are looking for something different. Even the highly successful Swiss ball is on the down swing, I hear and gym rats are looking for a low-cost exercise place that is just round the corner; one they can walk to as a warm-up as opposed to driving to a distant gym on jammed roads. Whatever exercise routine you choose, remember to stop when your body tells you to instead of dropping right out of the gym because of injuries.

Hire a qualified personal trainer if you are a beginner. He/she will take you through your paces and will know exactly how much to push you. The added advantage of going personal is that your trainer will initiate you into stretches. Once you get a feel of it, you can set out on your own. Spinning is having its innings now. This group exercise is popular right now and it can help your body burn calories like nobody’s business. You’ve got to experience it to know if it’s for you. Many gyms offering this facility would be happy to organise a trial session for you and a few friends.

Then, of course, there’s dancing. It’s one form of exercise that does not go out of fashion. Only, the instructor has to be in love with the activity and with teaching. New forms come up every so often. Initially, there was plain aerobics, then came Salsa, Bollywood dancing and, of course, the latest trend all over the world is Zumba. A Latin dance-inspired fitness program, the classes are an hour long. The session includes music using fast and slow rhythms, as well as resistance training.

Yoga is essentially an Indian mind and body workout never really went out of fashion. Today more and more young people are seeking it out and are enjoying every moment of mindful movements in studios that are designed to soothe the body. The best part is almost every area has a willing yoga guru, but again go the referral way. Ask around and seek out the guru best suited for you. Rates also fluctuate. If you can afford it, call your teacher home for exclusive sessions. That really works wonders in the long run.

Eat right

Time is of essence as you are never sure when your body wants to move. Get yourself a few DVDs — so you don’t face workout boredom — and choose your activity of the day. They work if you follow instructions and the bonus for dance hams like me is that nobody needs to watch your moves. Finally, remember, no amount of exercise is going to work if you don’t eat right. Eat at home often and eat simple, fresh foods. Your body will thank you and show its appreciation by being trim.

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