Fight the Flab
Roundhouse-kick your way into 2009 with our cut-out-and-keep get fit guide.
It’s the start of January, and all that festive cheer has started to take its toll. That paunch you’ve been passing off as “jolly” is looking decidedly jiggly, and you’ve come to one conclusion: It’s time to get that flabby ass back into shape.
Hit the Gym
Sure, we’ve all bought a gym membership, vowing to go every single day until we’re fighting fit again, only to give up in mid-February but continue to make payments for the next three years. How can we stay motivated? Freelance personal trainer Alley Tang suggests throwing yourself into it by reading up on fitness and using fun accessories. “It helps to read about exercise and learn about different methods from different health professionals in the world. Go outside, exercise at different speeds and resistances, and try to make it interesting,” he says. But how much exercise do we really need? “I would suggest that people who want to stay fit should exercise twice a week for 45 minutes to an hour each time,” says Tang. “People who actually want a fitter body should work out three or four times a week.”
YMCA
The good old Y is a dependable choice for affordable, no-gimmicks gym equipment, and to sweeten the deal, it’s offering a special Premium Evening Fitness membership that allows you to use the gym from 6:30pm-10:30pm at a discounted price of $699 for two months. The deal lasts from now until Feb 28. 41 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2268-7055, www.ymcahk.org.hk
Seasons Fitness
This recently renovated gym has a referral program in which members are rewarded for every new friend they invite to the club. Rewards include a special referral gift and entry in a lucky draw. 3/F, ICBC Tower, Citibank Plaza, 3 Garden Rd., Central, 2878-6288, www.seasonsfitness.com
Phillip Wain
This gym also has a spa and health club for those who like a little luxury with their lunges. For New Year’s, Phillip Wain is offering a one-month membership at a special trial price of $1,288, which includes a free slimming treatment, massage or facial. The annual membership is $14,000, which includes rebates for beauty and slimming treatments, as well as access to its state-of-the-art gym. 4/F, Caroline Centre, 28 Yun Ping Rd., Causeway Bay, 2882-7880, www.phillip-wain.com