In a few weeks it will be time to celebrate the passing of 2012! It will be time for introspections and goal planning. Many of us will look no further than our waistline and decide that this is the year. This is the year that you are going to fit into those pants, run a 5K, use the bike that’s been collecting dust or just simply feel better! Many of us are going to need help achieving those goals and are going to contemplate joining one of those big box gyms. This year may I make a few alternate suggestions?

First, DO NOT JOIN A GYM. Trust me, unless you enjoy walking around a big old Wal-Mart size building with a lot of hot sweaty folks stay away. I have found that many of these gyms do a lot of stuff but are not exceptionally good at anything. Here is my review of LA Fitness from last year. For 2013 treat yourself or a loved one to an exceptional experience!

Here are my suggestions for locally owned and operated fitness hot spots:

Cycleluv: Have you ever been to a restaurant where the food and service is always great! You almost hate to tell other people just how good this place is for fear of losing your treasured seat. Well, this is how I feel about CycleLuv. CycleLuv is locally owned by spin instructor Iris Kotmel. Once you meet Iris you will quickly understand why her spin classes are always full. She’s energetic, motivating and well pretty darn entertaining. She has somehow managed to get some of the best spin instructors in the area to teach at her Leesburg studio. New to spinning and not sure if your derriere can take it? No worries, Iris has packages to fit any budget with no long term commitments. And unlike big box gyms that tie you down in long term contracts you can pay as you go with Iris but I warn you once you start spinning you will not want to stop. Checkout Iris and her brand new studio here. Connect with Iris on Facebook here.

Ashburn Bikram Yoga: People either love Bikram or hate Bikram. They’re very few people in the middle. The Ashbun Bikram studio is owned by Jameliah Penfield. Jameliah is not just the owner but also a true yoga pro. I was lucky enough to actually be in a class recently where she was practicing and not teaching. There are pretzels that wish they could bend like her. Bikram yoga combines heat and active stretching in 26 poses. Learning the names of the poses is the easy part, mastering each pose is something totally different. Sign up for an intro pass or an affordable packet of 10 visits to see if this is your thing. Like I said, hot yoga is not for everyone but if you can work through the heat the reward is nirvana and some major water loss.

These are just two of my local favorite non-gym alternatives. Remember the reward is in the journey and if you are not having fun working out then you are missing the most important part of your journey.

Enjoy,

Chuck

Btw, you can track all my training on DailyMile.com or follow my blog at The Journey, My Fitness Blog. Happy training!