By now, many of the well-intentioned New Year’s resolutions will have fallen by the wayside, the exercise plans will be forgotten and the gym membership will roll over until it expires and we go through the same process next year. Many of my friends who are gym regulars hate this time of year; they complain the gym and the classes are full of people who they will never see again after February 1.

But everyone has to start somewhere, they all did, so well done if you have started now, just keep it up.

It’s that time of year when we should all be trying something new with our activity. Whether that’s starting afresh or trying a new class. So what can you try that you may not have thought about trying, and do I practice what I preach?

Well, I’m currently a Yoga beginner, totally out of my comfort zone attending a ‘men only’ class run by my friend SJ at Yoga Wellbeing. Trying something that challenges me in a different way, I wasn’t alone either as nine other inflexible souls joined me on their yoga mats.

Ladies, why not try changing your gym programme? Instead of spending endless hours on the treadmill and the cross trainer, why not go and lift some weights? I don’t mean those little vinyl dumbbells that you find in a tub hidden in the back of the gym. I mean some heavy things. Contrary to popular belief you won’t end up looking like a female Arnold. You’ll increase your metabolism, shift body fat, improve muscle tone and, more importantly, feel absolutely fantastic. Want to get rid of some aggression? Get along to a boxing class, you don’t have to spar or get hit by anyone.

You’ll feel great and I like nothing more than hitting a heavy bag, especially if your boss has been a pain in the proverbial or the kids are being terrors. All these activities are available in Keighley and surrounding areas. And they don’t cost a lot, not much more than a Costa coffee and less than a McDonalds meal!

If you’re not sure where to go or want any more suggestions please get in touch and I’ll point you in the right direction. Get active in 2014 and try those new activities.