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Business & Tech

KIM'S PICKS: Keep Those Fitness Resolutions, South Sound!

What's probably the common and popular New Year's resolution? After the holidays, lots of people pledge to drop a few pounds and get more physically fit. While keeping this goal isn't always easy, local fitness center deals this time of year can help.

The holidays are over and the New Year's resolutions have been made. What do you think the top resolution is?

According to the a recent Wall Street Journal blog post, 42 percent of respondents to a recent survey on resolutions noted that losing weight was in their top three goals.

Another recent piece on the Good Morning America web page states that now is a great time to get a good deal on gym memberships precisely due to people's new year's goals and ambitions. This is a booming time in the fitness industry.

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Here are a few other tips on getting a great deal at a local gym. 

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1. Try it before you buy it. Most places offer a free class or a free trial membership to see if you like it.

2. Many gyms offer great discounts if you buy classes/months in advance.

3. Join with family or a friend to take advantage of any group rates. Some employers may have special deals to offer employees on gym memberships as well.

4. Be on the watch for local Groupon and other coupon deals online or in print.

 

So, with these points and statistics in mind, let's check out some of the deals in our neck of the woods:

YMCA (Lakewood, Gig Harbor, Puyallup, Tacoma, Bremerton, Silverdale)

Why here: This longtime, multi-region fitness center is one of the big ones with lots of offer all ages and abilities. For the month of January, the YMCA is waiving all joining fees. The Y also has corporate memberships, special military memberships, and financial assistance. For those of you who really get around South Sound, there are memberships where you can take advantage of using the facilities in the different cities noted above. Click here to check out the rest of the rates and other joining information.

 

Innovative Fitness (Fircrest)

Why here: This gym offers awesome (and super affordable) local weekly boot camp on Saturday mornings, group classes, a buddy program with a trainer, and one and one training sessions with a trainer (there discounted rates for packages purchased in advance). Check out the gym's website by clicking the link above and don't forget to check their Facebook page for the latest happenings and deals.

 

Vision Quest (University Place, Puyallup)

Why here: This gym has many options for you to get fit. You can also find a package that works well for you whether it's working out on your own or with more support and guidance. There are no enrollment fees and you can sign up for a 14 day trial membership to check out the facilities and the programs to see if you like it. Members can get a monthly complimentary training session and 10% discount on select store affiliates on sports merchandise. See the link above for more information. 

 

Crossfit (Tacoma, Puyallup, Gig Harbor)

Why here: Crossfit is a strength and conditioning program for a wide variety of people whether you are an elite athlete or beginner. Local classes and seminars are available in our local area at many multiple locations. There are military discounts and other membership options that offer savings and schedule flexibility. Please check out the general Crossfit information with the main link above. I've also linked some of the Crossfit gyms to the specific locations noted to get you started (further searching from these sites will give you more locations as well). 

Here's to a healthy and happy 2012!

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