The New Year, Part II

Last week,  I began my New Years series.  And while I can't help with getting out of debt, getting a new job, significant other or spouse, having kids or keeping resolutions, I can help give you ideas on traveling and adventures, healthier eating and losing weight, and finding a gym.

The first step in resolutions is to actually make the resolution.  And don't just say it.  Write it down.  Somewhere you will always see it:  The bathroom mirror, post-its on your computer or fridge.  And make goals accordingly.

Today, I'm going to start with one that I feel is the best place to start.  The Gym.

If your New Years Resolution is to join a gym, then you probably have some work ahead of you.  And you should be asking yourself the following questions:
--What do I want to get out of my gym experience?
--Do I work better on my own or with other people?
--How much can I afford to spend on my membership?
--How much time can I devote to going to the gym?
--What times are ideal for working out with my work/school/kids schedule?
--Do I want to find a personal trainer or coach?
--How far am I willing to travel for the gym that I want?

Once you have answered all of those questions, your search begins.  And you have a plethora of options among the Gold's, 24-Hour Fitness, and Spectrum gyms in your area.  But there is one type of gym that is definitely worth looking into.  Even if it does not meet the above criteria for whatever reason, you should at least learn a little more about it.  Enter Crossfit.

Crossfit has changed the face of personal fitness and brought us something better, producing better results, pushing us beyond limits that we never dreamed of, and brought us well-rounded workouts that help us Forge Elite Fitness. And chances are there is a Crossfit located near you.  And if there are several, check each of them out because I guarantee you that each one will have a different feel and offer something slightly different.  Here in Santa Barbara, we are fortunate to have three:  Crossfit Santa Barbara, Crossfit Pacific Coast, and Crossfit Goodland.  And I'll admit upfront that I'm biased.  But I'm biased because I was introduced to Crossfit Pacific Coast first and I couldn't imagine a better group of people, better coaches, or better experience.

Now some of you may be asking why I am talking about gyms when I originally intended this blog to be about food, beverage and travel.  Good question!  Crossfit places a big emphasis on the food a person consumes.  And not in the traditional sense either.  But more on the understanding of one's own relationship with food, what types of food your body responds best to, and what types of food help you perform better.  I will discuss the food aspect to Crossfit in depth in a couple of weeks as Crossfit Pacific Coast embarks on another Paleo Challenge later in January.

Take a look at the links above to get a feel for what Crossfit is all about and what Crossfit Pacific Coast bring to the table.  And if you aren't in Santa Barbara, go ahead and search for one that is closer to you.

Good luck!

--Ari