Surveys show that almost 50 percent of Americans say losing weight will be their New Year’s resolution for 2009. At the same time, statistics released by the same association show that 35% of them give up during the year.

 

Fitness experts advise people who want to find a health club that meets their expectations to review aspects like location (the gym shouldn’t be more that 15 minutes away from home), the place should be clean, staffed by pros, the contract should be fair and explicit (make sure to ask about all fees and about cancellation rules).

 

Other tips: talk to new members and to veteran members and find out what they like and what they dislike about the gym; check your company benefits to see if free or discounted gym memberships are required; safely check the information package handed when signing up. Experts recommend that new and old gym members review benefits online or in the information package they are typically handed when they sign up.

 

Many fitness centers have decided to cut their prices significantly during the first month of the year, some clubs are now considering free months, bigger membership discounts, free personal training sessions, passes for a workout buddy as well as free trail for a service, such as a pool. They hope that these discounts and special offers will help them attract new members that will join the clubs for many years.

 

Studies emphasize the important role played by physical activity in public health efforts to combat obesity and diseases. Frequent and regular physical activity boosts the immune system, helps prevent diseases, improves mental health and helps prevent depression. It may help decrease the effects of childhood obesity. Childhood obesity has become a major reason of concern, as most of the obese children are more likely to develop obesity-related diseases. The risk factors for type 2 diabetes include obesity and inactivity. According to a recent report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 90 percent of diabetes are type 2, the form directly linked to obesity.

 

Physical exercise can also contribute to maintaining a healthy weight, building a healthy bone density, muscle strength and joint mobility. The “Healthy People 2010” objectives released by the US Department of Health and Human Services, recommend a half hour of moderate activity at least five days a week or a vigorous 20-minute workout three times weekly. Frequent and regular aerobic exercise has been shown to help prevent or treat serious and life-threatening chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes.