Ah, fitness month.  For those of us that have already been hitting the gym hard leading up to the new year, it’s always an interesting time for reflection as others who have otherwise focused their exercise routine on fork lifting through the holidays, are already panting by the time they reach the front door.  If you fall into the latter category, remember to set reasonable goals and to have the patience to let your mind and body adjust.  From the Wall Street Journal, here are some of my favorite pointers by Jason Gay in his article “The 27 Rules of Conquering the Gym.”

1. A gym is not designed to make you feel instantly better about yourself. If a gym wanted to make you feel instantly better about yourself, it would be a bar.

4. No one in the history of gyms has ever lost a pound while reading “The New Yorker” and slowly pedaling a recumbent bicycle. No one..

6. Don’t fall for gimmicks. The only tried-and-true method to lose 10 pounds in 48 hours is food poisoning.

10. Beware a hip gym with a Wilco step class.

12. Nope, that’s not a “recovery energy bar with antioxidant dark chocolate.” That’s a chocolate bar. (more…)