Resolving to Get Fit in 2013, Ames? Start Here

Every year come Jan. 1, millions of people find it in themselves to resolve to be better.

And area fitness centers have said that their memberships surge in the new year due to people looking for a place to start working on their New Year's health resolutions or to redeem gift memberships.

There are plenty of fitness center's in Ames for those who aren't lucky enough to make use of the University's health facilities.

Sure Fire boasts private and semi-private training to help its clients lose weight, gain strength and boost wellness. Something called “JERF” (Just Eat Real Food) a movement to cut back on processed foods begins Jan. 7. 

Ames Racquet & Fitness Center has three locations in Ames - 4700 Mortensen Road, 320 S. 17th St., and 2622 Stange Road - and if you buy a membership to one, you have access to all three.

Staff there have said the fitness centers offer a little something for everyone. One location has an indoor tennis court, another an indoor swimming pool. And they usually offer new customers incentives to enroll.

There are also total body transformation programs like Farrell's eXtreme Bodyshaping that offers a 10-week bodyshaping course that combines cardio-kickboxing, strength training, and nutrition to deliver noticeable results in just 10 weeks.

Kosama is another total body transformation program that incorporates yoga, kettle bells, upper and lower body workouts and nutrition into an eight-week program.

Curves is a women's only fitness club where women can find support to complete their fitness goals. The Curves center involves a 30-minute session where members train on a circuit of hydraulic equipment. Fitness assessments and customized exercise and diet plans are also available to help you get started.

Goals in Motion is a locally-owned and operated fitness center that focuses on helping clients work toward their personal goals in a supportive, positive fitness environment. Goals in Motion also offers a nine week body makeover that gets quick, lasting results for clients.

And, if you're one of those people who uses the "I don't have time to workout," excuse, Anytime Fitness is the place for you. Anytime Fitness has three locations in Ames - 823 Wheeler St., 5820 Lincoln Way and 414 S. 17th St. - and they're open 24 hours, seven days a week.

Anytime Fitness features treadmills, cardio equipment, free weights, ellipticals, stair climbers and weight machines. And no excuses.